State Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar | Pennsylvania 69th Legislative District
State Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar | Pennsylvania 69th Legislative District
Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar and Sen. Pat Stefano have announced that a project in Shade Creek, Somerset County, will receive part of the $38.76 million funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's 2023 Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage 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 stated.
The exact amount allocated remains undisclosed but will be used to develop an active treatment plan for acid mine drainage affecting five discharges impacting Shade Creek. This plan involves collecting historical water quality data, mine pool mapping, drilling and monitoring, selecting plant sites, planning discharge conveyance, estimating design and construction costs, and creating a sludge disposal plan.
The grant program addresses human health and safety issues from abandoned coal mines while treating acid mine drainage. It aims to prevent restored streams' loss and improve water quality for watershed restoration efforts.
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