HARRISBURG – A Houtzdale coal company will reclaim an abandoned mine site just north of Madera in Bigler Township.
State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, made the announcement, saying the company was awarded a contract to do the reclaimation work.
According to information from the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Moshannon District Office, the reclamation, valued at $19,200, will be done by the Hilltop Coal Co. at the Vanish abandoned mine site.
About 4.2 acres will be reclaimed, including 2 acres of underground mine. Impoundments and spoil piles will be removed, improving sedimentation problems in Alexander Run, a tributary of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. The site also will be revegetated.
The reclamation is expected to start soon and will be paid for through a Government-Financed Construction Contract. No blasting or reprocessing of coal refuse will be permitted at the site.