Abandoned Mine Posts

By Andy McAllister, Watershed Coordinator

Now in its 11th consecutive year, Pennsylvania’s longest-running conference dedicated to Abandoned Mine Reclamation (AMR) will be held July 13-16, 2009 at the University of Pittsburgh’s Johnstown Campus (UPJ). This year’s theme, “Challenges and Opportunities in Interesting Times”, reminds us that although some opportunities may be ebbing, other opportunities may come to light, opportunities that may help us see Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) and our Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) in a very different way. The ability to use mine pool water for geothermal heating and cooling or to generate electricity by micro-hydro generation are but two ways to make lemonade out of our proverbial “AMR lemons”.

Of course as in past years, updates on the latest AMD treatment methodologies will also be an integral of this year’s conference as well. In addition, PA Dept. of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation plans to present their final Implementation Guidelines for the AMD Set-Aside program in Pennsylvania.

To pique your interest even more, the Coal Mining Heritage component that was so well-received at last year’s conference is making a return appearance for 2009, featuring presentations ranging from an examination of the Lilly riot of 1924 to the VISTA Initiative at the Anthracite Heritage Alliance.

We are particularly fortunate to have the 2009 conference in Johnstown, an area bathed in memories of our industrial past: The Johnstown Heritage Discovery Center, The nearby Windber Coal Heritage Center , historic downtown Johnstown and the Flood Museum, the list goes on.

Now that we have your interest, here’s what you need to do so you won’t miss out:

• Go to the conference website, www.treatminewater.com and check out the schedule. More speakers are being added, so keep checking back to the conference website for the latest updated schedule.
• Scholarships are available for watershed group members and Conservation District Watershed Specialists who attend the conference. Scholarships are limited so you’ll need to act quickly.
• When you’re ready to register, click on “Registration” and follow the directions to register online.
• You’re on your own to arrange accommodations, however a block of rooms is reserved at UPJ’s dormitories at the Living and Learning Center. The dorm rooms with private bath are available at $32 single room and $50 double room per night (hotel quality rooms) but you must reserve your room by June 20th to receive these special rates. Contact UPJ directly to register for rooms (814) 269-1900 or 1-800-875-5958.

Incidentally, for those who are interested in viewing Abandoned Mine Drainage and Abandoned Mine Land sites and can never get enough, there will be a pre-conference optional bus tour to AMD/AML sites in the area on Monday afternoon July 13th. To make this tour even more interesting, the last stop for the day will be at the Windber Coal Heritage Center where participants can marvel at the artifacts and stories of our coal mining past. A complete schedule of tour stops will soon be posted on the 2009 AMR Conference website. Space is limited on the bus tour so register soon!

By Andy McAllister, Watershed Coordinator

In 1999 Gov. Tom Ridge and the Pennsylvania General Assembly created the enormously successful Growing Greener Program, a program that invested in watershed restoration work, the remediation of abandoned mine reclamation, preserving open space, and more. That program, the largest single investment in cleaning up and restoring the environment in Pennsylvania’s history, celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2009. But for all the hoopla associated with such a big program, it has maintained its grassroots nature, empowering groups to find local solutions for local environmental problems.

But, the idea of community-based watershed groups tackling their local water quality problems isn’t new. Groups like the Loyalhanna Watershed Association in western Pennsylvania and the Swatara Creek Watershed Association in the eastern part of the state have been active long before the advent of Growing Greener. Organizations like those have always understood the power of partnerships and community action. One of Growing Greener’s successes was bringing those concepts to a much wider audience for an even greater impact.

In a DEP recent press release dated May 19, 2009, DEP Secretary John Hanger commented:

“The Growing Greener program has profoundly improved the health of our waterways, funding hundreds of projects that enhance and protect water quality and providing needed financial support to local community and watershed groups so this vital work can continue”

To help celebrate the 10th anniversary of Growing Greener, PA Environment Digest has teamed up with Foundation for PA Watersheds, Stream Restoration, Inc., the Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, the Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, and LandStudies, Inc. in inviting watershed groups all across Pennsylvania to tell everyone their story of how the Growing Greener Watershed Restoration Program made a real difference in cleaning up their watershed.

An Incentive To Tell Your Story

Submissions of articles/photos or video are being sought, describing your projects, water quality assessments, or education programs showing how instrumental Growing Greener was in helping you to accomplish your local cleanup goals. Each month through December, two $250 grants will be given to the watershed groups with the best article and photo or video. These grants are an extra enticement for watershed groups to publicize their successes!  The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds has donated the funding to provide one of the $250 grants each month while funding for the second $250 grant was provided by an anonymous benefactor.

For more information about Growing Greener’s 10th Anniversary celebration and for details on how to submit your article, photo, or video, go to the Growing Greener Celebration website at: http://www.growinggreener.com/

By Andy McAllister, Watershed Coordinator

Sewickley Creek in Westmoreland County is getting healthier thanks to the Sewickley Creek Watershed Association and its partnership with Bob Hedin’s Iron Oxide Recovery, Inc., the Westmoreland County Conservation District, and a host of others. In fact, the Sewickley Creek Watershed Association was recently awarded one of the 2008 Governor’s awards for Environmental Excellence. In this installment of WPCAMR Video Diaries, we visit the award ceremony honoring the Sewickley Creek Watershed Association for all their hard work and success.

Click on the player below to view the video.

Note: If you’re on a work computer and can’t view the video, speak with your IT person to see if embedded videos are blocked.

Click here to read a Tribune Review news article about the Sewickley Creek Watershed Association’s Environmental Excellence Award.

By Andy McAllister, Watershed Coordinator

Editor’s Note: Funded largely by PA’s Growing Greener program, Pennsylvania’s County Conservation District Watershed Specialists have been a vital force in local efforts aimed at watershed restoration, water quality improvements, and environmental education since 2000. With the future of the Growing Greener program in doubt beyond 2010, the future of the Watershed Specialists positions may too be in jeopardy. Tales From The Creeks is a multi-part series dedicated to the Watershed Specialists and their work. Part of an emerging advocacy campaign seeking continued support for their positions, this series will inform you about Watershed Specialists and the positive environmental roles they have played. This is a series about change, about challenge, and about successes and triumph. It’s the story of our Watershed Specialists.

Part 1: Ten Years Of Environmental Success

Gathering her test kits into her field pack, Kim Lanich, Elk County Conservation District Watershed Specialist, heads out of the door of her office in Ridgway. Her destination? Dent’s Run Watershed near Benezette, home of Pennsylvania’s famous wild elk herd. “We’re monitoring the effectiveness of several passive Abandoned Mine Drainage treatment systems there”, said Lanich. Working with the Bennett Branch Watershed Association, Lanich is heartened by the results she’s seeing. “We’ve seen a big improvement in the water quality there”, Lanich explained. “The monitoring data show that the acidity is being neutralized effectively and that’s definitely going to have a positive effect on the creek. We’re excited about these results!”

When asked why she got involved in this type of work, Lanich quickly replied, “This job allows me to work locally in the watersheds where I grew up. It’s a great way to do good work for the environment and the community.” Often county residents aren’t even aware of the myriad of water quality problems in their county, let alone know that there are local folks tackling those issues. “When somebody asks me about what I do, I explain to them that I work on water quality improvement projects, assist local environmental organizations, and educate the public about local water quality issues and ways to improve water quality”, she said. Lanich often finds that her interaction with the public results in a realization. “Through my work, people are getting to know the Conservation District where before, they never knew there was a local agency working on local environmental issues”, she stated.

While Lanich is modest about her own work accomplishments, others have no problem extolling her virtues. Rob Fallon, a District Ranger with the US Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service at the Allegheny National Forest said of Lanich, “She is passionate about her work and the conservation message resonates with every group she encounters…” “Kim is one of the most dedicated public servants I have encountered…”, he stated.

In her position, Lanich deals with challenges of many forms. “One of our biggest challenges is securing project funding”, Lanich said. “Another challenge is actually getting multiple partnerships set up and ensuring effective communication between project partners. I think we’ve met with success on that front with the various agencies that we’ve been working with.”

Kim is just one of 67 Watershed Specialists located throughout the state—one in every county. The Conservation District Watershed Specialist Program has its roots in Pennsylvania’s Nonpoint Source Management Program which determined that there was a need for local environmental expertise to help minimize impacts of nonpoint source pollution. It wasn’t long after that, the statewide system of conservation districts using Watershed Specialists was born. Initially, Watershed Specialists were instrumental in establishing significant numbers of community watershed associations in conjunction with the new Growing Greener program. However as time passed, the Watershed Specialists’ jobs have evolved and have become increasingly complex. They include a multitude of issues from abandoned mine drainage treatment to nutrient reduction on agricultural lands to stormwater runoff abatement. They’ve far exceeded the original goal and have grown to become an invaluable asset to the Commonwealth.

In June, 2010, The Watershed Specialist program will be reaching a major milestone, its 10th anniversary. But the cause for celebration is dampened by funding clouds on the horizon. Through 2010, 80% of Watershed Specialist positions are funded by the Growing Greener program. After that is uncertainty. This is indeed a disheartening prospect, especially given that Pennsylvania’s enormously successful Growing Greener Program is such a unique animal in the world of state funded environmental initiatives. How will the Watershed Specialists continue if Growing Greener funding ceases? The answer to that question appears to lie in Harrisburg.

In a 2006 Press Release, Governor Ed Rendell commented about the value of Watershed Specialists:

“Local efforts are absolutely essential to the Growing Greener partnership,” Governor Rendell said. “Watershed Specialists are an invaluable connection to restoring watersheds and promoting environmental protection at the local level — helping us achieve continued success in cleaning up the environment and revitalizing our local communities.”

Governor, we couldn’t agree more! However, no concrete proposal has yet been advanced to keep these important positions funded.

In an effort to increase awareness and bring light to the value of the Watershed Specialists statewide, WPCAMR has joined forces with the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) to inform the public about Watershed Specialists and their good work. WPCAMR and PACD are currently in the process gathering more information from the Conservation Districts to share with you. Our hope is to showcase the Watershed Specialists who continue to make positive environmental gains throughout the Commonwealth. Also, we invite you to share with us your own stories of how your county Watershed Specialist has helped you or your group to achieve success.

This Abandoned Mine Post series will continue over the next several months and as the strategy for advocating for continued support for the Watershed Specialists unfolds, you will learn of opportunities to make your voice heard in Harrisburg. A voice saying loud and clear, “Keep our Watershed Specialists”.