Sen. David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill) and Rep. Neal P. Goodman (D-Schuylkill) announced Friday a $2,620,736 loan through the PA Infrastructure and Investment Authority will assist Keystone Anthracite Co. with efforts to remediate acid mine drainage into the Shenandoah Creek and Mahanoy Creek by way of the Weston Tunnel.

Currently, high pH and aluminum levels from acid mine drainage from the Weston Tunnel in West Mahanoy Township pollutes the Shenandoah Creek, which flows into the Mahanoy Creek. The loan will provide for the construction of a drainable limestone bed to be placed in the Weston Tunnel to treat about 2,000 gallons of water per minute.

“This loan will continue the ongoing efforts to clean up water pollution affecting our streams and creeks,” Sen. Argall said.

“Polluted mine water continues to be a significant environmental problem in Schuylkill County,” Goodman said. “I’m pleased PennVEST is providing significant support to Keystone Anthracite so it can treat the acidic water that flows from the Weston Tunnel and pollutes Mahanoy Creek.”

The total cost for the project is $3,620,736.  The project is scheduled to begin in August and be completed by the end of the year.

7/27/2015