On October 18, the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement announced the winners of its 2022 Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reclamation Awards.

The winning projects represent the nation’s highest achievements in abandoned mine land reclamation and demonstrate outstanding results in restoring previously mined lands.

This year’s National Award, which recognizes the highest-rated reclamation project, goes to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation for the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area – Bear Valley project.

This 88-acre project reclaimed six abandoned mine land features and constructed 6,600 feet of extreme rock-crawling and more than 9,000 feet of all-terrain vehicle trails.

A portion of the project was funded by the AML Economic Revitalization program, which provides grants to certain states and Tribes to promote economic and community development in conjunction with AML reclamation. 

Click Here to watch a video about the project.

“The Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards honor the best examples of AML reclamation in our nation,” said OSMRE Deputy Director Glenda Owens. “Our state and Tribal partners work diligently to address health hazards and mitigate environmental problems affecting coal communities. These awards showcase what is possible in reinvigorating those impacted coal communities.”

This year’s awardees helped to protect the public through the elimination of public safety and environmental hazards and bolstered local economies by creating new recreation opportunities and protecting local tourist treasures.

Visit the OSM AML Reclamation Awards webpage to learn more about the winning projects.

NewsClips:

-- National Wildlife Federal Blog: Mine-Scarred Land And Orange Rivers - A Story Of Land Degradation And Reclamation In Pennsylvania

-- Bloomberg: The Coal Is Gone, But The Mess Remains - How Big Companies Shed Their Obligations To Clean Up Old Mines [Includes Fmr DEP Bureau Of Mining & Reclamation, OSM Director Joe Pizarchik]

Related Articles:

-- DEP Begins Accepting Applications For $103.4 Million In Abandoned Mine Reclamation Grants Starting Oct. 24

-- Pennsylvania Eligible To Apply For Its 2nd $244.9 Million Federal Grant To Clean Up Abandoned Mines Under Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

[Posted: October 18, 2022]

10/24/2022