The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement has awarded $100,000 to the Sewickley Creek Watershed Association in a cooperative agreement for a watershed restoration project in Mount Pleasant Township, Westmoreland County.

The grant will help improve the Brinkerton Mine Drainage Treatment System, which was constructed in 2008.

This project will increase the effectiveness of that passive treatment system by continuing the construction of an aeration system to speed the cleanup of the water, increasing water flow and managing vegetation near the treatment system.

The long-term goal at this site is to develop an environmentally sensitive recreational area.

"The Sewickley Creek Watershed Association is thrilled to partner with the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement to continue our work at the Brinkerton Abandoned Mine Treatment System,” said Rob Cronauer, president of Sewickley Creek Watershed Association. “It is through these collaborative efforts that we can tackle the environmental issues that degrade Sewickley Creek.”

OSMRE’s Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program provides funds to nonprofit organizations for the construction of acid mine drainage treatment facilities that help restore the health of local streams.

“Watersheds are essential for communities, supplying water for municipal, industrial, agricultural, and recreational uses,” said OSMRE Regional Director Tom Shope. “WCAP funds help local nonprofit groups restore watersheds negatively impacted by abandoned mine lands and support citizen-based conservation in coal communities.”

Visit the Sewickley Creek Watershed Association to learn more about their watershed restoration efforts.

(Photo: Brinkerton Abandoned Mine Treatment System.)

[Posted: July 28, 2023]

7/31/2023