On September 25, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement honored Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation during the National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs conference in Chicago.

Pennsylvania is the recipient of the Appalachian States Award for exemplary reclamation work at the Morgan Run Natural Environment Area in Clearfield County.

“The Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards showcase exceptional reclamation projects done by our state and Tribal partners,” said Regional Director Thomas Shope. “These winning projects set the standard for reclamation and what is possible in transforming former coal communities.”

Located in Boggs Township, Pennsylvania, the Morgan Run Reclamation Project eliminated more than 1,700 feet of dangerous highwall (steep, exposed cliffs left over from mining) and 12 acres of spoil (coal waste).

In addition, one mile of multi-use trails, an amphitheater, and a parking lot for over 150 vehicles were constructed on the site to enhance the use of the property for community programs and outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, and dirt bike riding.

“In the last two years, we’ve been able to see this project impact countless residents and community organizations,” said Patrick Webb, director of the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation. “It created a safe space that draws the community closer to one another. We are thrilled to see the positive impacts a project like this can make on a community and look forward to more opportunities like this in the future.”

The Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards, established in 1992, recognize exemplary state and Tribal reclamation projects that reclaim coal mine sites abandoned prior to the signing of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977.

Pennsylvania is one of five recipients of the 2023 Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards recognizing reclamation excellence.

A National Award is presented to the state or Tribe with the best overall reclamation project.

A Small Project Award is presented to the state or Tribe receiving less than $6 million annually in AML funding and completes a project costing less than $1 million.

Regional awards are presented to the state or Tribe with the best project within each of the following regions: Appalachian States, Interior States, and Western States and Tribes.

Click Here for the complete announcement.

For more information on Pennsylvania’s program, visit DEP’s Abandoned Mine Reclamation webpage.

(Photos: Reclamation in progress and final reclaimed Morgan Run site, Boggs Township, Clearfield County.)

NewsClips:

-- Wilkes-Barre Times: DEP: Newport Twp. Mine Subsidence Sinkhole Repair Could Cost $200,000

-- WNEP: History Repeating Itself At Site Of Mine Subsidence Sinkhole In Luzerne County; Subsidence At Same Location 40 Years Ago

Related Articles:

-- DEP Announced $38.76 Million In Funding For 6 Abandoned Mine Reclamation Projects In 5 Counties; Next Round Of Applications Due Dec. 2  [PaEN]

-- DEP Blog: Abandoned Coal Mine Reforestation Initiatives Healing The Land  [PaEN]

-- DEP Starts Air Monitoring Study Near Rausch Creek Coal Waste-fired Electric Generation Facility, Schuylkill County In Response To Citizen Concerns In An EJ Area  [PaEN]

[Posted: September 28, 2023]

10/2/2023