HARRISBURG – A project to reclaim one hundred acres of abandoned mine land near Schuylkill Haven to reduce water pollution in the Schuylkill River was awarded $292,450 from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, according to Senator David G. Argall (R-29), Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123), and Rep. Joe Kerwin (R-125).
“I remember the days when the Schuylkill River ran black and orange and was one of the most polluted waterways in the country, before many dedicated volunteers stepped up to restore it to its former glory,” said Senator Argall. “This competitive grant will be a huge boost to the efforts to continue the incredible progress that has been made to clean up the rivers and creeks in Schuylkill County.”
“I am extremely pleased to have this competitive grant be awarded to restore 100 acres in Schuylkill Haven along the Schuylkill River,” said Rep. Twardzik. “The Schuylkill Headwater Association continues to improve the area and this buffer project along the river makes the community safer and more enjoyable for residents and wildlife.”
“Schuylkill County rivers and creeks have needed a lot of care in the past few years, and they have gotten that care from countless and dedicated volunteers. The infusion of this grant money will go far when it comes to keeping the county’s waterways clean,” Rep Kerwin said. “I commend the Schuylkill Headwaters Association for continuing to prioritize the water quality in our region.”
The project will remove coal waste, restore the floodplain, create a wetland, stabilize the streambank, and plant a forest buffer along a segment of the Schuylkill River. The grant was awarded to the Schuylkill Headwaters Association, who have made this project a priority in their efforts to improve water quality for the region.
Contact: Jim Brugger
717.787.2637