Additional projects surrounding the Morris Run Active Treatment Plant, located in the Tioga River Watershed, will combine abandoned mine land and public hazard reclamation with opportunities to decrease surface water infiltration into the underground mine, thus lessening influent flow to the plant. Reclamation of the Fall Brook West abandoned mine land will contribute to these watershed goals.

Reclamation of State Forest Lands

Much of the area surrounding Blossburg Borough in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, is Tioga State Forest. The Northern Bituminous Coalfield, the Northernmost thread of bituminous coal in Pennsylvania, also runs through sections of the forest. Consequently, there are listed abandoned mine land (AML) hazards on public property used extensively for hunting, hiking, and general recreation. Reclamation of these hazards on state-controlled lands will increase the safety of those using the land and allow for better access by community members and visitors alike. To achieve these goals, Kleinfelder’s professionals will provide reclamation designs and guidance on necessary permits for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation (PA BAMR). Kleinfelder will also work with Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry personnel to revegetate the reclamation area to Bureau specifications, which are anticipated to include a mix of reforestation, grasslands, and areas seeded with pollinator mix.

Reducing Infiltration into Underground Mine Pools

Five different discharges will be captured and conveyed for treatment at the future Morris Run Active Treatment Plant. Three of those, impacting the Morris Run tributary, drain the same mine pool located under the Fall Brook West AML Problem Area. Reclamation of the AML features within Fall Brook West will not only eliminate hazards on Tioga State Forest land, but is also estimated to eliminate between 20 to 30 million gallons of precipitation each year from entering the underground mines, becoming polluted, then exiting the three drainage outfalls into Morris Run. Consequently, the volume of influent discharge water to the treatment plant will be reduced, saving the Commonwealth considerable operating funds.

Project Results

Design and permitting of AML hazards reclamation at Fall Brook West will improve the habitat and safety of the surrounding recreational area and decrease the volume of water requiring treatment at the Morris Run Active Treatment Plant. With these plans in-hand, the PA BAMR will be set up for successful next steps, including the bidding and construction phases of the project.

Project Details

Location:
Tioga County, PA
Owner:
Pennsylvania Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation