HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, said that a mine site in Morris Township, abandoned since at least 1978, will be reclaimed at no cost to state taxpayers.
“The reclamation will allow a local coal company to remove coal in exchange for reclaiming the land,” said George, majority chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “More than 12 acres of abandoned mine land will be reclaimed and 18,000 feet of dangerous high wall also will be removed, improving water quality in Emigh Run.”
The state Department of Environmental Protection’s Moshannon District Office awarded the contract -– valued at $50,000 — to the A. W. Long Coal Co. of Philipsburg.
The 12.2-acre site situated just northwest of Hawk Run will be graded and a 5-acre, underground mine will be remined and eliminated under the Government-Financed Construction Contract. No blasting or coal-refuse reprocessing will be allowed at the site.