Senator Dave Argall and Representative Tim Twardzik visited an abandoned mine land reclamation site near Branchdale on Friday. The project, led by the nonprofit Woodlands for Wildlife, received a state grant of $550,361 from the Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage Grant Program in August.
“Seeing the black wastelands and polluted rivers and streams left behind by long-gone coal companies always drives home how important supporting these efforts is,” Argall said. “We’ve made significant progress since I grew up near abandoned coal pits in Tamaqua’s east end. However, much work remains to restore our land and protect our natural resources for future generations, so that our grandchildren and their children will only see the accounts of devastated landscapes in their history books, rather than from the windows of their homes.”
Twardzik added, “Seeing the scope of this abandoned mine land site in person underscores just how important this reclamation work is. These projects don’t just heal the land, they protect nearby homes, improve water quality and help keep our communities safe. I’m grateful to see such strong partnerships focused on restoring Schuylkill County’s natural environment.”
The funding will support engineering design at the Branchdale East site in Branch Township. The planned work aims to address hazards created by strip mining such as high rock walls—some reaching 100 feet—surface mine pits, coal refuse piles, and embankments. The project also seeks to improve water quality in West Creek and contribute to the health of the Schuylkill River Watershed.
The Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage Grant Program funds efforts to address dangers from historic coal mining activity across Pennsylvania. These hazards include mine subsidence, sinkholes, and polluted waterways.
Argall pointed out that while current mining companies are required to reclaim their sites, many older abandoned mines remain throughout Pennsylvania. He also noted that under a recently approved Senate budget bill, conservation programs like this would continue for another year if passed by both the House of Representatives and signed by the governor.
