HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania is stepping up its reclamation efforts with an infusion of $19.6 million directed at repairing abandoned mine lands (AMLs) that have plagued communities and ecosystems for decades. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded these grants to fund eight critical projects that tackle both environmental and safety hazards caused by old mining operations. This major boost comes through the Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage Grant Program, part of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Restoring Both Land and Lives
Pennsylvania sits atop the largest inventory of abandoned coal mines in the U.S., with nearly 288,000 acres left degraded from past mining activities. These scars on the landscape are not just an eyesore—they are active threats to public safety, water quality, and community well-being. Current estimates put the cost to fully address these issues at a staggering $5 billion.
That’s where the latest grants come in. They’ve been designed to target some of the most urgent concerns, benefiting everything from public health to local economies. DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley emphasized the importance of this work, stating, “Reclaiming abandoned mine land is a crucial endeavor, restoring both the environment and communities in the Commonwealth, while simultaneously creating jobs and bolstering the economy in both the short- and long-term. 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.”
Key Projects Lead the Way
The dollars will land in counties across the state, funding projects that address a range of environmental and community needs. Here’s what’s on the agenda:
- Clearfield County ($1.83M) – The Beccaria South Waterline Extension will bring clean water to residents struggling with impacted well systems due to nearby AMD (acid mine drainage). Replacing this vital resource is a lifeline for affected families.
- Greene County ($8.39M) – The Crucible North project undertakes a massive cleanup with plans to remove over 212,000 cubic yards of coal refuse while restoring six acres in Cumberland Township. By eliminating this old waste, the land can finally begin to recover.
- Lackawanna County ($6.72M) – The Dickson City Pile Reclamation will remove hazardous spoil piles from abandoned mine land, preparing the site for future development and significantly reducing safety risks in the area.
- Schuylkill County (Various Projects; $1.48M total) – From mine drainage studies to the design of reclamation efforts on State Game Land 326, these projects aim to restore ecosystems and set the stage for cleaner waterways.
Other projects in Tioga and Indiana Counties will focus on repairing passive treatment systems and addressing design solutions integral to long-term water restoration. Trout Unlimited’s $974,612 effort in Bloss Township, for example, ensures continued maintenance of a critical system keeping waterways clean.
High Stakes for Pennsylvania Communities
This isn’t just about fixing land; it’s about fixing lives. Abandoned mine lands aren’t just an environmental issue—they bring with them a cascade of problems, from property damage due to subsidence and sinkholes to contaminated water supplies that threaten public health. Areas impacted by AMD often become economic dead zones, as businesses and families struggle with the consequences of environmental degradation.
But these projects offer a pathway to renewal. By repairing damaged land and ecosystems, they’re giving communities a cleaner, safer environment while stimulating job growth in reclamation and construction. The DEP also emphasizes the importance of funding emergency situations caused by AMLs, such as sudden sinkholes that could jeopardize homes or infrastructure.
A Multi-Billion Dollar Challenge
While this $19.6 million investment is a step forward, it’s just a drop in the bucket. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has funneled more than $700 million to Pennsylvania since 2022 for AML restoration, but the sheer scale of the damage—decades in the making—requires sustained effort. To date, the state has rehabilitated over 151,000 acres out of the 288,000-acres backlog, with much work still to be done.
One priority for the DEP is treating AMD, which poisons streams and devastates aquatic biodiversity. Tackling this problem not only restores water quality but breathes life back into ecosystems and reclaims streams that can once again support fish and other wildlife.
A Future of Recovery
Every reclamation project brings Pennsylvania closer to undoing the costly legacy of coal mining. What’s at stake isn’t just clean air, water, and land—it’s the health and prosperity of its people. These grants, as part of the national infrastructure push, accelerate progress toward a sustainable future where AMLs no longer cast a shadow over generations to come.
With communities bracing for transformation, these investments show how collaboration between federal and state governments can deliver meaningful change. From rural townships to urban corridors, Pennsylvania is on the frontlines of restoring not just land but hope for a brighter, healthier tomorrow.
The scars of the mining era may run deep, but with continued focus and funding, the Commonwealth is proving that renewal is not only possible—it’s inevitable.
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