HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, said that the state Department of Environmental Protection recently awarded a contract to a Glen Hope company for a mine-reclamation project just northwest of Brisbin in Woodward Township.
“The project will affect an unnamed tributary to Goss Run, to Beaver Run, to Moshannon Creek in the Upper West Branch Watershed,” George said. “Once completed, the project will help remediate the area from the pollution caused by acid mine drainage.”
R.H. Dotts Contracting will reclaim 6.5-acres of abandoned mine land that has experienced extensive deep-mine subsidence. The firm will recover about 9,750 tons of remaining coal and the value of the reclamation work is $94,250, which will be done at no cost to the commonwealth.
At least 325 tons of alkaline material will be applied at 50 tons an acre as a Best Management Practice, and re-grading will restore the site close to its original contours.
The Moshannon District Office of the state DEP, which awarded the contract, said the mine was abandoned in the early 1960s. Blasting and refuse processing at the site are forbidden and coal refuse materials may not be returned to the project area for disposal.
“Projects like these help reduce acid mine drainage and restore our lands to pre-mining conditions,” George said. “They also help create jobs and stimulate the local economy. This is a win-win for Clearfield County.”
