Conservation District Programs

Abandoned Mine Reclamation

Abandoned mine drainage is the number one nonpoint source pollutant impacting Pennsylvania's waters. Through the Federal Section 319 Clean Water Program, several conservation districts have focused efforts on the passive treatment of abandoned coal mine discharges and stabilized, re-graded and planted coal refuse piles. Many conservation districts work with the Western and Eastern Pennsylvania Coalitions for Abandoned Mine Reclamation and other partners to address abandoned mine drainage. Additional conservation district efforts have involved characterizing water quality of specific old mining discharges and recommending and implementing a treatment system.

For information on abandoned mine reclamation, visit the PA Department of Environmental Protection's web site.