Twardzik, Argall Announce Over $550,000 to Reclaim Abandoned Mine Lands in Schuylkill County

September 8, 2025

HARRISBURG – Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) announced $550,361 has been awarded to support the reclamation of abandoned mine lands in Schuylkill County through the Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage Grant Program.

The grant, awarded to Woodlands for Wildlife, will fund engineering design work for the Branchdale East site in Branch Township. The project will improve water quality in West Creek and enhance the health of the Schuylkill River Watershed.

“Abandoned mine lands remain one of the most serious environmental and public safety issues in Schuylkill County,” said Twardzik. “This investment will help us restore streams, protect communities, and improve the quality of life for our residents while supporting important local work in reclamation and conservation.”

“Thanks to this award, there will now be fewer black wastelands and polluted rivers and streams in our area,” said Argall. “We’ve made significant progress since I grew up near abandoned coal pits in Tamaqua’s east end, but much work remains ahead.”

The Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage Grant Program provides federal funding to address hazards left behind by historic coal mining, including mine subsidence, sinkholes, and polluted streams.

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s website at www.dep.pa.gov.

Representative Tim Twardzik
123rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Will Jones
717.260.6615
wjones@pahousegop.com
RepTimTwardzik.com / Facebook.com/RepTwardzik