Latest news with #EarthConservancy
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Earth Conservancy secures $6.7M grant for land reclamation and park development
May 28—HANOVER TWP. — A former strip mine once used for debris disposal from Hurricane Agnes in 1972 will be transformed into a vibrant community park, thanks to a $6.7 million grant from the PA Department of Environmental Protection, Terry Ostrowski, president/CEO at Earth Conservancy, announced Wednesday. Ostrowski said Earth Conservancy will use the grant to reclaim its 30-acre Hanover 7A site and transform it into a new community park serving the Lower South Valley. Funded through DEP's highly-competitive Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program, Ostrowski said the project highlights the power of partnerships in returning long-abandoned mine lands into valuable community assets — promoting both economic growth and environmental renewal. Located in Hanover Township directly off State Route 29, Ostrowski said the site's accessibility makes it especially well-positioned to serve as a regional hub for outdoor recreation and community engagement. "Earth Conservancy is incredibly grateful for the continued support from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, as well as from our local representatives," Ostrowski said. "The site's accessibility and size make it ideal for a variety of outdoor activities. We genuinely believe it will not only provide a wonderful resource for residents, but also attract regional athletic tournaments, boosting our economy and fostering community engagement." Project overview Ostrowski said the history of Hanover 7A (H7A) is like many mine-scarred properties in EC's portfolio. Once owned by the Glen Alden Coal Company, the land was heavily strip-mined and left unrestored, with large open pits dominating the landscape. Its condition worsened after the Agnes Flood in 1972, when Pennsylvania designated non-operating strip mine sites — including 38 acres of H7A — for disposal of storm debris. Following Glen Alden bankruptcy in the mid-1970s, Ostrowski said the land remained neglected until EC acquired it in 1994. At that time, he said no formal closure had occurred. EC worked with a range of agencies and community partners, including DEP, to evaluate and reclaim the 48-acre parcel. Basic reclamation, including capping and grading, was completed in 2006. The site sat idle until 2019, when 18 acres were sold to a local developer, which became the new home of the Pennsylvania State Police Troop P barracks and training facility. In January 2020, Ostrowski said EC convened a group of local stakeholders — including municipal leaders, elected officials, and representatives from area schools, colleges, and businesses — to discuss the site's potential. "The response was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees envisioning the land becoming a focal point for community recreation and engagement," Ostrowski said. In response, EC applied for and received a Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2) grant from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in 2021. Ostrowski said the funding supported site assessments, community outreach, and planning. Importantly, Ostrowski said the study confirmed that any reuse of the site — even for passive recreation — would require further reclamation. To continue progress, Ostrowski said EC applied to DEP for funding through the AMLER Program in 2023. In May 2025, Ostrowski said EC was awarded a $6.7 million AMLER grant to complete the next phase of the project. He said work will include bulk earthwork, grading, and subsurface stabilization; installation of basic utilities and parking areas; site revegetation; and construction of initial park amenities, including grass fields, a walking trail, and an inclusive playground. "Once complete, the H7A project will mark a significant milestone in EC's mission to foster environmental restoration, economic development, and improved quality of life in the region," Ostrowski said. "The transformation of this long-neglected site into a vibrant community space will expand green infrastructure, enhance outdoor recreational opportunities, and serve as a valuable resource for local schools and residents. Additionally, the project lays the groundwork for future phases of development, supporting a healthier, safer, and more connected Lower South Valley." Legislators offer comment Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, said the project represents a terrific combination of conservation and recreation. "We are fortunate to have a local group like the Earth Conservancy with the vision and energy to assemble and carry out a plan that contributes to the physical and mental health of area residents," Sen. Baker said. "This opens opportunities for those of all ages to enjoy the outdoors." Rep. Alec Ryncavage, R-Hanover Township, said the project marks a transformative investment for Hanover Township and the entire region. "Reclaiming abandoned mine land and turning it into a vibrant public space will not only improve our environment, but also create new recreational opportunities for families and support ongoing economic development," Rep. Ryncavage said. "I was proud to support this project and look forward to seeing it come to life." Hanover Township Manager Sam Guesto said the township is grateful to the Earth Conservancy for securing these funds for a large recreation park. "This park will benefit the community and region — fostering health, unity, and vibrant connections that enrich lives," Guesto said. "The township looks forward to supporting this very important project." To learn more, visit Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Nanticoke Creek watershed restoration underway
NANTICOKE, LUZERNE COUNTY — A multi-million dollar project is underway to restore a major waterway that runs through a large stretch of Luzerne County. The creek is currently plagued with blockages, and orange water from acid mine runoff in spots, making it unlivable for aquatic life, and an eyesore for nearby neighbors. The Nanticoke Creek Watershed Restoration project is being spearheaded by the Earth Conservancy, a nonprofit that focuses on the reclamation, restoration, and redevelopment of old mining lands. First responders discuss dangers of icy water It's being funded by nearly 20 million dollars worth of state and federal grants and when it is finished, the creek will be fully flowing once again. The sound of flowing water is missing along many parts of the Nanticoke Creek. The long waterway stretches through Nanticoke, Warrior Run, and Hanover Township. 'So this watershed was heavily impacted by the former mining companies in this area,' explained Terry Ostrowski, President/CEO, Earth Conservancy. Ostrowski says due to mining companies rerouting or restricting waterways, portions of the creek are blocked completely. This results in a cutoff of clean flowing water to the Susquehanna, and no aquatic life in the creek. Ostrowski says the blockages can also cause other problems. 'You know a lot of times when people see an empty ditch or something it attracts garbage. We've found cars in the stream, so it really just acts as a nuisance,' said Ostrowski. What's more: the blockages can also cause orange water from acid mine runoff. 'Where it's blocked off, all of that water makes its way into the underground mine pools. Well, that water eventually comes up as sort of that orange acid mine drainage that you'd see in some of the areas here,' explained Ostrowski. Part of the restoration includes adding a clay lining to prevent water from going underground. The first steps in the project are underway, with trees being cut down to clear the way. Ostrowski says toward the completion of the project, 5,000 trees will be planted to replace those lost. Rerouting will also take place, and Ostrowski says residents who live near the water will not be at an added risk of flooding. The end goal: 'A new healthy steam for the entire reach of Nanticoke Creek,' said Ostrowski. Earth Conservancy has had success with smaller, similar projects like the Eepsy Run stream restoration which was completed in 2022. The Nanticoke Watershed restoration project is aimed to be completed by the end of 2027. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Earth Conservancy leads charge to restore Nanticoke Creek
Feb. 9—The flow of Nanticoke Creek was heavily impacted by the Wyoming Valley's coal mining industry from the 1900s until the mid-20th century — so much so that it's now a shell of its former self. The team at Earth Conversancy is taking on the mammoth responsibility of bringing it back to life. According to Terry Ostrowski, president of CEO at Earth Conservancy, and Elizabeth Hughes, director of communications, the Nanticoke Creek Watershed Restoration Project is the biggest undertaking in the organization's history. They say deep and surface mining, not to mention shoddy environmental regulations, caused Nanticoke Creek to fade. "One of the main problems that happened during that time was that when the coal companies came through and they did their stripping, they really didn't care too much about what was going on with the stream...," Ostrowski said. Years of redirecting streams to suit the needs of the coal companies took their toll on the flow of Nanticoke Creek, which should naturally flow through the municipalities of Nanticoke City, Warrior Run Borough and Hanover Township. In many parts of the old creek, water was funneled through concrete or wooden flumes, such as those still visible on Holly Street in Hanover Township. This caused additional changes to the creek's natural stream, which eventually flows into the Susquehanna River. At one point, the creek ran below a railroad embankment. That location, now with no clear evidence of a stream in its vicinity, is the crux of Nanticoke Creek's current issues. "Probably for about the past 50 or 60 years, waters were cut off at that point, so all the waters from the headwaters of the Nanticoke Creek watershed, which was about a square mile of land, basically stopped at this old railroad embankment," Ostrowski explained. "And it holed up there until it eventually seeped down int0 the mines." In time, the mine waters rise again, though they bring orange ferrous iron along for the ascent. This hue indicates, among other things, a dead area of stream that is unsafe for aquatic life to live and grow. In Earth Conservancy's new plans, the restored stream will be lined with clay to prevent similarly destructive minerals from rising. Earth Conservancy's plan to restore these damaged or forgotten areas of Nanticoke Creek is multi-pronged. In total, they plan to restore 15,000 linear feet of Nanticoke and Leuder creeks, the latter of which feeds into the former in Hanover Township. The first part of the plan pertains to reworking critical stretches of Nanticoke Creek's main stem, with projects including: —A new alignment will be established for Nanticoke Creek at Clarks Cross Road. This will be a reroute of the Nanticoke Creek's original flow, which traces through current-day residential properties. Those homes, according to Ostrowski, will not be at an added risk of flooding due to the creek's new path. —A new water conveyance structure will be established on South Main Street. The second part of the plan includes projects related to Leuder Creek, including: —A new culvert at Hanover Street. —The removal of Leuder Creek dam. —The replacement of a reservoir (or silt pond) with a natural channel and shallow overflow ponds. Reparations in this area of Hanover Street will allow for Leuter Creek's connection to Nanticoke Creek to be restored. —The replacement of a buried culvert and deteriorated bridge with a new culvert. Nanticoke Creek's upper reach will be the focus of the plan's third component, including the following projects: —Restoring a deteriorated masonry arch with slip lining. —Eliminating an existing obstruction and replacement with an open channel. —Removing a bridge and stone arch from the stream's path. —Reestablishing a channel based on historic alignment to reconnect the upper and lower watersheds. —Reopening a buried railroad tunnel and lining it with a smaller culvert. These plans are being funded predominately by two grants, one each from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The DEP grant, totaling around $17.5 million, is possibly the largest ever received by Earth Conservancy. These funds are, to say the least, essential to making the Nanticoke Creek Watershed Restoration Project a reality. "It's a huge project. It's not an inexpensive project to do," Ostrowski said. The DEP, EPA and Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation partnered with Earth Conservancy to work out a design plan and manage the needed permits. Local engineer George Albert and Plains Township-based developer Stell Enterprises are also involved with the planning and execution of the Nanticoke Creek Watershed Restoration Project. The individual projects detailed above will be carried out on land already owned by Earth Conservancy. "All of the work that's being done here is actually on Earth Conservancy property, which makes it a lot easier to do this, rather than trying to obtain rights to the properties," said Ostrowski. "That's what made this project possible." The Nanticoke Creek Watershed Restoration Project also has broader environmental, recreational and commercial implications. As the stream becomes healthier with time, the hope is that aquatic life will return to the restored areas. Earth Conservancy is seeing these results in the similar — yet comparatively small — project to restore Espy Run, which was completed in December 2022. In order to carry out the full set of plans, Earth Conservancy has had to cut down many trees in Nanticoke Creek's path. Doing so has caused some concern in the impacted communities, but Ostrowski has assured residents that a plan is in place to bring greenery back to the creek's banks. "We've actually received a lot of calls over concerns about the trees that are being cleared, but the reassurance there is that we are going to be reestablishing tree cover...," he said, adding that 5,000 new trees will be planted to replace those that are lost. With established funding and a consistent team of collaborators, Ostrowki estimated that the Nanticoke Creek Watershed Restoration Project will be completed in two to three years, a fraction of the time it took to complete the Espy Run project. Information regarding the Nanticoke Creek Watershed Restoration Project can be found on Earth Conservancy's website.
