The Browns Run and Grassflat Run abandoned mine land (AML) reclamations in Cooper Township, Pennsylvania, will restore mine lands and improve waters within the Moshannon Creek watershed, which is the largest tributary source of mining pollution to the entire West Branch Susquehanna River sub-basin.

A Scarred Watershed

Moshannon Creek is the largest source of mine drainage loading to the West Branch Susquehanna River. Major efforts are starting to focus on three areas where strategically placed active mine drainage plants could be catalysts for widespread environmental remediation. However, those three plants, while leading to significant water quality improvements, will not completely restore Moshannon Creek and its tributaries. Projects like the Browns Run and Grassflat Run AML reclamation design that focus additional attention on AML reclamation that will improve tributary water quality, are also necessary to move the restoration needle.

Improving Bat Habitats Through Reclamation

Bat populations, drawn to mine openings to roost and hibernate, have been in recent decline. However, these historical mine openings are also hazardous to humans and other animals that could fall in, becoming trapped or even killed. As part of the remediation plan, Kleinfelder will design bat gates that will eliminate these on-site AML hazards, while also improving bat access to those preferred habitats.

Project Results

The goal of the Browns Run and Grassflat Run remediation project is the reclamation design of four Priority 2 dangerous highwalls totaling 13,600 linear feet, one Priority 3 highwall totaling 1,000 linear feet, 138-acres of Priority 3 spoil piles, and six Priority 3 mine openings, with several requiring bat gate installations. These reclamations will improve the water quality of both streams.

Project Details

Location:
Cooper Township, PA
Owner:
Pennsylvania Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation