HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, said two area firms have won state funding to reclaim abandoned mines and eliminate discharges polluting Moshannon and Clearfield creeks.
“Growing Greener II bond money, approved by voters in May 2005, is paying dividends in Clearfield County,” said George, Democratic chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “The two projects will remove dangerous and polluting eyesores from our communities.”
George said the Junior Coal Co. of Decatur Township will receive $33,343 to reclaim the Mease No. 2 Operation, situated one-half mile north of Osceola Mills along state Route 970.
“Two abandoned mines with six water-filled pits are within this 150-acre project area,” Rep. George said. “More than a mile of high wall will be remediated.”
The project also will eliminate two mine discharges into Big Run, a tributary of Moshannon Creek.
Under the second project, Bell Resources Inc. of rural Curwensville will receive $34,516 to reclaim the Turkey Hill Operation, situated one-half mile east of the village of O’Shanter along Route 594 in Lawrence Township.
“The 68-acre site also contains two abandoned mines and more than a mile of high wall,” George said. “Eliminating high acid and iron discharges will improve Clearfield Creek.”
The Clearfield County projects are among 11 approved Tuesday by the state Department of Environmental Protection for $2.7 million in funding.