HARRISBURG, December 7, 2011 – The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded a $350,000 state grant to Wilkins Township, state Sen. Jay Costa and state Rep. Paul Costa announced today.
The township will use the funds to design and construct a storm water collection system to prevent rain runoff from mixing with acid mine water, a problem that impacts several residences in the area of Highland Avenue near the municipal building.
According to the DEP, over a million Pennsylvania homes are built on top of abandoned mines. “Although mine subsidence is the most well-known issue for homeowners in Pennsylvania, acid mine drainage can also cause tremendous damage to a property,” Sen. Costa said.
Drainage flowing from or caused by surface mining, deep mining or coal refuse piles is typically highly acidic with elevated levels of dissolved metals.
“This grant will help Wilkins Township construct a collection system to address the acid mine water problem,” Rep. Costa said. “I’m pleased that the department has approved these much-needed funds for this major project.”
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