The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts to promote watershed restoration projects were highlighted in a tour of two areas in Bedford County.

EPA and Department of Environmental Protection staff toured Broad Top Township, Pa.'s numerous abandoned mine drainage treatment projects. The tour revealed that the small community has successfully addressed soil and water pollution from a legacy of coal mining through state and federal funding, including more than $900,000 from EPA.

This effort has improved the water quality and restored the dwindling populations of macroinvertebrates and fish to local waters, and has led to the construction of more than 28 acid mine drainage passive treatment systems (treatments relying on biological, geochemical, and gravitational processes rather than "active" chemical treatments).

The Shoup's Run Watershed Association in Huntingdon County, Pa. was created by Gracie Angelo who after she was flooded out of her home, created the Association.

SRWA addresses the region's soil and water pollution from a legacy of coal mining with the use of federal and state funds, including more than $1 million from EPA. Projects completed to date include two passive acid mine drainage treatment systems, abandoned mine reclamation, stormwater retention, and gravel road maintenance.

These projects restored several miles of Miller Run (a tributary to Shoup Run) which now supports native brook trout formerly found only in the uppermost reaches of the stream.

Online Video: Shoups Run Watershed Association

Watershed Hero – Gracie Angelo

6/15/2007