Abandoned Mine Posts

     The Pennsylvania Abandoned Mine Reclamation (AMR) Conference’s coveted “Mayfly Award” recognizes individuals who have dedicated a lifetime of knowledge and expertise to the reclamation of abandoned mines in Pennsylvania.  This year’s recipient is Deputy Secretary for Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Office of Mineral Resources Management, Scott Roberts.   It is safe to say that everyone in the AMR community knows Scott Roberts’ name and there is reason for that.  “Early on he recognized the value of working with watershed groups to help reclaim abandoned mines and treat mine water”, says former PA DEP secretary Dave Hess.  Hess goes on to say, “Scott helped to oversee programs that from 1995 to 2003 reclaimed over 33,000 acres of abandoned mined lands, more than at any other time in the state’s history.”His contributions to the AMR community don’t stop there.

     He was instrumental in gaining Congressional approval in 2006 for the extension of the federal Abandoned Mine Reclamation fee that will, over 15 years, provide over $1 billion to Pennsylvania for mine reclamation efforts.  He played a critical, behind-the-scenes, role in helping rescue the 9 miners trapped in the Quecreek Mine in Somerset County in 2002.  In his executive management position, Roberts’ oversees five program areas, encompassing 555 employees, with an annual operating budget of $110 million. The Bureau of Mineral Resources Management is responsible for developing and implementing Pennsylvania ’s policies and programs for surface and underground coal and industrial mineral mining, oil and gas exploration and production, mine safety and the reclamation of abandoned mines and wells. The direct economic impact of these programs in Pennsylvania exceeds $2 billion annually.   Beyond all that, Roberts’ is an extremely personable, knowledgeable, respected, and worthy candidate for the PA AMR’s Conference committee’s prestigious award.  Congratulations, Scott!

     The Mayfly Award was presented to Roberts aboard the River Boat Cruise as part of the 2010 Joint Mining Reclamation Conference.  The Conference was held June 6-10, 2010 at the Radisson in Greentree, Pittsburgh and strived to “Bridge Reclamation, Science, and the Community”.  Academia, industry professionals, and non-profit representatives from across the nation; and even a few international attendees; convened to share technologies, success stories, and innovative solutions to AMR problems.  Melissa Reckner, Director of the Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Team, stated in her plenary speech to open the Conference, “The power of citizen volunteers and the strength of watershed associations in Pennsylvania is attributable to their passion, persistence, and numerous and diverse partnerships that foster reclamation through community involvement, which is helping to build bridges for our future.”  Another of the conference highlights was a Water Treatment Panel where attendees could ask the experts questions about Abandoned Mine Drainage treatment.  From this panel, non-profit groups, who implement a significant amount of the AMR projects in Pennsylvania, were pleased to see that academia and industry are working together to research and develop new and better technologies. 

     There was a lot of positive feedback from Conference attendees, which exceeded 250 individuals.  If you attended the Conference and have not turned in your completed evaluation form, it isn’t too late.  Fax your completed form to 412-937-2177.  We would love to hear your thoughts on the Conference.  Evaluations are important to us as they justify the need and benefit of the Conference to our funders. 

     And speaking of funders, we couldn’t have had this Conference without the generous support of our sponsors: CONSOL Energy; the U.S. Department of Interior’s Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation, and Enforcement; Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds; Oxford Resource Partners; HDR; Foam Concepts, LLC; Biomost; and Aquafix.  Thank You!

     Presentations from the Science, Community and Reclamation Track will be posted to www.PghMiningReclamationConf.com shortly.

by Anne Daymut, Watershed Coordinator

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The 12th Annual PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation (AMR) Conference has joined forces with the 27th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation (ASMR) and the 4th Annual Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI) Mined Land Reforestation Conference.  The 2010 Joint Mining Reclamation Conference, to be held June 5 – 10, with a post conference site tour on June 11, at the Radisson in Greentree, PA , will interest participants on national, regional, and local levels and we encourage everyone in Pennsylvania’s AMR community to attend this very unique event.  In case you are wondering how your watershed and reclamation efforts fit into this large-scale conference, we thought it might be helpful show you some of the highlights and give you some tips to reduce the cost of your trip.  Here is how to make the most of your 2010 Conference experience.

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Have Fun While Networking.  This year, we are offering networking opportunities like never before.  On the evening of Tuesday, June 8 the Three Rivers Boat Cruise will depart from Station Square, Pittsburgh, upon which the PA AMR Conference’s coveted Mayfly Award will be presented.  For a mere $60, enjoy the live music of Mike Gallagher and Bob Bannerjee, two well-known Pittsburgh talents; soak up Pittsburgh trivia and sites with interactive and informative narration; help yourself to a generous Commander’s Buffet; or simply gaze at the stars and unique skyline of Pittsburgh all aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet’s Empress.  Free scheduled shuttles between the Radisson and the Gateway Clipper will be provided.  There is plenty of room for everyone, so come a-board to find out who will be the next winner of the Mayfly Award.

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Build a Bridge between Reclamation, Science, and the Community is more than just the theme of this year’s conference.  It is a way of life for those of us reclaiming land and water affected by unregulated mining activities of the past.  Western Pennsylvania’s own Melissa Reckner will serve as one of the Plenary Speakers on the opening day of the conference.  As the Executive Director of the Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Team, Reckner will address the key successes of the watershed movement in Pennsylvania and the importance of partnerships with science and industry in the progression of the movement.  On an individual level, you can interact with industry, other watershed groups, and environmental professionals throughout the conference to build lasting partnerships.

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Learn Something New.  With such a wide variety of topics offered this year you may find it difficult to decide which presentations and discussions are right for you.  Those who typically attend the PA AMR Conference will most likely be interested in the Science, Community, and Reclamation (SCR) Track. The vast array of informative topics that will be covered in this track include building watershed group capacity, returning trout and mussels to AMD impacted streams, constructing successful AMD treatment systems, remembering our regions coal history, and lots more.  Don’t be afraid, however, to sit in on a presentation from one of the other tracks, including a panel discussion on AMD treatment options and getting the most out of your AMD treatment system.  The full schedule will be posted at www.PghMiningReclamationConf.org by the end of the week.  Check back daily.

Reduce the Cost of Your Trip.  We have several suggestions to help make your attendance more affordable. 

• Register for the Full Conference and Register Early.  How can spending money also save you money you ask?  Well, each day of the conference costs $100 but the full conference rate is only $270 before May 10 (a savings of $130).  Students and non-profits get a reduced rate of $135 (a savings of $265, that is 66% off regular registration).  After May 10 the daily rate will be $125 and full registration will be $325.  There is no deadline for the reduced non-profit rate.

• Book your room early.  This is one of the most expensive areas in the Pittsburgh area.  Fortunately, the Radisson Conference Center is offering a special room rate until May 22.  See details below.

• Many meals are included in the registration fee.  Full registration includes the Sunday evening reception; breakfast, lunch, poster session with beverages, and the ASMR awards banquet on Monday; breakfast and lunch on Tuesday; and breakfast and lunch on Wednesday.

• Find a Roommate.  Maybe you have a friend that is attending that might enjoy saving some money.  Or maybe you would like to make a new friend.  WPCAMR staff might be able to hook you up with registrants who would be willing to share a room.

• Carpool.  Chances are someone from your area or along your route is attending.  WPCAMR staff can hook you up with other registrants who are willing to carpool.  What a great way to do more networking!

• Apply for a Scholarship.  If after you have made all of the above considerations and you find that you still need financial help to attend, scholarships will be made on a reimbursement basis to Pennsylvania non-profit representatives and Conservation District employees.  The amount of reimbursement will be based on need and amount of requests received.  A scholarship application will be available in a few days at www.treatminewater.com/scholarship10.htm.

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

• Go to or conference website www.PghMiningReclamationConf.com to register, get the most up-to-date schedules, and other details to plan your trip.

• Financial assistance to attend the conference is available to those in need.  Please be aware that financial assistance will only be granted as a reimbursement to Pennsylvania non-profit and Conservation District representatives.  You must first pay for the conference and then ask for reimbursement. 

• You don’t have to attend the Conference to go on the Boat Cruise and you may pay separately the day of the event.

• Special conference room rate of $108.00 per night plus tax ($15.12) will be offered until May 22. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel at 1-800-395-7046.  Be sure to mention the Joint Mining Reclamation Conference to secure the Conference rate.

News of Note
5th West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Symposium will be held at the Genetti Hotel, Williamsport, PA on Thursday & Friday May 6 & 7, 2010*.  For more information about this symposium, visit:  http://www.wbsrc.com/symposium.html 

WPCAMR Quarterly Meeting*, Friday, May 14, 2010 from 10:00am to 2:30pm at the DEP Ebensburg Office.  Meeting materials and directions available online at http://wpcamr.org

2010 Joint Conference* of the annual Pennsylvania AMR Conference, the American Society for Mining and Reclamation (ASMR), the US Office of Surface Mining (OSM) and the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI) will take place from June 5-11, 2010 at the Radisson Green Tree in Pittsburgh. This joint conference will include pre and post conference tours, workshops, and much more. For more information go to: http://www.pghminingreclamationconf.com

PA DEP’s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation will be hosting the 2010 National Association of Abandoned Mine Lands Program (NAAMLP) meeting in Scranton, September 19-22, 2010. For more information about the NAAMLP Conference, go to: http://NAAMLP2010.com

Meet WPCAMR staff at events marked with an asterisk *