Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded $5,222,250 for the environmental restoration of seven abandoned mine lands (AML) projects as part of the Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage Grant Program.
Pennsylvania has the largest inventory of abandoned coal mines in the nation, with a roughly $5 billion need for reclamation and stream restoration. To date, Pennsylvania has rehabilitated approximately 159,000 acres of abandoned mine land across the Commonwealth, and with this federal funding, will be able to continue this vital work that protects the health and safety of our communities.
“Abandoned mine lands leave scars across Pennsylvania. Reclaiming these areas is an important part of the work DEP does to restore the environment and protect the communities in the Commonwealth, all while simultaneously creating jobs and bolstering the economy,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “These grant recipients are taking on projects to pave the way for meaningful efforts in improving water quality, fostering ecosystem recovery, and revitalizing communities for a greater quality of life for Pennsylvanians.”
The funding was awarded through the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act (IIJA), which has invested more than $700 million into reclaiming Pennsylvania’s abandoned mine lands since 2022. In addition to planned projects, this funding also pays for emergency situations like subsidence and sinkholes that can endanger people and damage or destroy homes and property. Funding for the program was frozen by the Trump Administration in early 2025, but thanks to the efforts of Governor Josh Shapiro, grant funding has continued uninterrupted.
These projects focus on reclaiming AML, decreasing abandoned mine drainage (AMD) and treating AMD through the construction, operation, and/or maintenance of treatment facilities
DEP prioritizes grant funding to address serious human health and safety problems resulting from abandoned coal mines, as well as treating AMD to continue watershed restoration efforts under the AMD Set-Aside Program and prevent the loss of restored streams.
Grant recipients will be reimbursed on project costs up to the limit specified below. The following projects will be awarded:
Elk County:
Elk County Conservation District – $437,761
- Winslow Hill IV (Lime Silos O&M) – Continued operation and maintenance of two lime silos located in Winslow Hill, Saint Mary’s City.
Fayette County:
Indian Creek Valley Water Authority – $733,200
- Melcroft (Pine Slopes WLEXT) – Due to well water degradation as a result of past coal mining practices and to provide a reliable source of quality drinking water to 17 residents in the Pine Slopes Road area, a water line extension project will be completed.
Indiana County:
Natural Streams Foundation, Inc. – $501,615
- Commodore – Engineering design work for an abandoned mine land site located in Green Township along the North Branch Two Lick Creek.
Northumberland County:
Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance – $689,229
- Excelsior (AMD Discharges) – Project development work to study the effect of AMD impacts of Shamokin Creek, Coal Township.
Schuylkill County:
Woodlands for Wildlife – $550,361
- Branchdale East – Engineering design work for an AML site in Branch Township to improve West Creek and the Schuylkill River Watershed.
Washington County:
Natural Streams Foundation, Inc. – $203,426
- Marianna – Project engineering and permitting work to reclaim an AML site in Marianna Borough.
Westmoreland County:
Murrysville Area Watershed Association – $2,106,658
- White Valley Active Treatment Plant – Project development and design engineering to reduce the effects of AMD in the Upper Turtle Creek Watershed, Murrysville Borough.
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