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!