Major Grant to Tackle Abandoned Mine Drainage

Above: Conceptual rendering of the White Valley Active Treatment Plant in Export, PA. 

Murrysville Area Watershed Association Awarded $2,106,658 Grant to Combat Abandoned Mine Drainage

MURRYSVILLE, PA — The Murrysville Area Watershed Association (MAWA) is thrilled to announce the receipt of a generous grant totaling $2,106,658 from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) through the Abandoned Mine Lands and Abandoned Mine Drainage (AML/AMD) Grant Program. This funding is earmarked for development and design engineering for the White Valley active treatment plant. The project aims to reduce the detrimental effects of abandoned mine drainage (AMD) in the Upper Turtle Creek Watershed, encompassing Murrysville Borough and Export, Pennsylvania. 

The grant will facilitate comprehensive project development and design engineering efforts to address AMD, a critical environmental challenge that affects water quality and ecosystem health. The initiative will focus on mitigating the adverse impacts caused by historical mining activities, aiming to restore and enhance the natural environment for the local community and wildlife. 

"We are incredibly grateful to the PA DEP and the AML/AMD Grant Program for their commitment to supporting environmental restoration efforts," said Jim Morrison, Executive Director of MAWA. "This funding will enable us to take significant steps towards revitalizing the Upper Turtle Creek Watershed, ensuring cleaner water and a healthier ecosystem for the area." 

Above: Picture of the project area adjacent to Borland Farm Road in Export, PA.  

The project will involve collaboration with environmental experts, engineers, and local stakeholders to create sustainable solutions tailored to the unique challenges of the watershed. By addressing AMD, MAWA seeks to improve water quality, support biodiversity, and enhance the recreational value of the watershed for residents and visitors alike. 

"This grant represents a pivotal opportunity to make a lasting positive impact on our local environment," added Melissa Church, MAWA Program Manager. "We are excited to embark on this journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for Murrysville and Export." 

Above: One of the abandoned mine discharges the project aims to resolve. 

The Murrysville Area Watershed Association remains committed to its mission of protecting and preserving local water resources. This funding will significantly advance their efforts to combat the legacy of abandoned mine drainage, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship and community involvement. 

For more information about the Murrysville Area Watershed Association and their upcoming projects, please visit www.themawa.org. 

Media Contact:   

Melissa Church, Program Manager   

Murrysville Area Watershed Association   

mchurch@themawa.org 

This press release is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact the Murrysville Area Watershed Association for further details or inquiries.