Home and property owners near Reservoir Creek in Newport Township, Luzerne County, will benefit from a new abandoned mine reclamation project, Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) announced Monday.

Sen. Yudichak said the Department of Environmental Protection has awarded a $988,000 contract to Brdaric Excavating Inc., Luzerne, for the St. Vladimir Vicinity abandoned mine reclamation project.

"Residents in the Reservoir Creek area have suffered damaged and lost property because of past mining activities that re-routed the creek closer to their homes and businesses," Sen. Sen. Yudichak said. "This much needed project, when completed will alleviate long standing flooding issues for the property owners."

Brdaric Excavating will move the South Branch of the creek from the north side of West Kirmar Avenue to the south side, which is the creek's original bed. This will also lessen the possibility of bridge damage should there be a flood, and it will help to keep West Kirmar Avenue open when heavy rain falls.

"Approximately 60,000 yards of material will be moved, and much of that will be used to re-contour existing mine pits that have also been a safety issue," said Earth Conservancy CEO Michael Dziak. "I'm sure the residents near the creek will be extremely thankful for this improvement."

"The announcement of the grant for reclamation of land in the township is great news," said Newport Township Manager Richard Zika. "This will eliminate the possibility of flooding of several homes and businesses that have been affected in the past by the flooding of the creek."

Brdaric's $987,967.50 contract is funded by the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Trust Fund, which is subsidized by fees paid for each ton of coal that is mined. The excavation company is scheduled to begin work on the Reservoir Creek project October 3. Its expected completion date is September 7, 2016.

Sen. Yudichak worked with Rep. Gerald Mullery (D-Luzerne) to secure the funding for the project.

NewsClip:

Newport Twp Receives Funding For Mine Reclamation, Flooding

9/21/2015