Sep. 22, 2023
HARRISBURG – Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Somerset) and Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) announced that a project for Shade Creek is receiving a portion of $38.76 million in funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) 2023 Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage (AML/AMD) Grant Program.
“Upholding health and safety in Somerset County are of utmost priority to me, and this news ensures that we can continue to do just that.” said Metzgar.
“This funding will prioritize the health of the communities surrounding Shade Creek so the abandoned coal mine and any acid drainage doesn’t harm anyone. Shade Creek is a wonderful spot for recreation – including kayaking, fishing and hiking – and we want to keep it that way,” Stefano said.
The undisclosed amount of funding will help complete a development plan for an acid mine drainage active treatment for five discharges that impact Shade Creek. This includes the collection of historical water quality and flows, mine pool mapping, mine pool drilling and monitoring, plant site selection, discharge conveyance plan, estimated design and construction costs, and a sludge disposal plan.
The program aims to address serious human health and safety problems that result from abandoned coal mines, as well as treating AMD. The goal also focuses on preventing the loss of restored streams and creating significant water quality improvements that go toward watershed restoration.
Representative Carl Walker Metzgar
69th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nate Temple
717.260.6396
ntemple@pahousegop.com
RepMetzgar.com/Facebook.com/RepMetzgar