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NANTICOKE — Forty-four years ago, the Blue Coal Corporation went bankrupt and left over 16,000 acres of mine land unattended, disfiguring many areas of Luzerne County.
In response, in 1994, Earth Conservancy was formed to end the degradation of that land and to provide recreational, aesthetic and economic benefit.
Those gathered at a ceremony Wednesday marking official receipt of a $400,000 Brownfield Cleanup grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency agreed that the efforts of Earth Conservancy had been a success by any measure.
State Sen. John Yudichak, D-Plymouth Township, noting that his father, Joe, had been an original board member, said Earth Conservancy had successfully planned and implemented the transformation of blighted sites into economic opportunities for private developers.
Earth Conservancy President Mike Dziak noted the funds would do more than simply enable the agency improve land, they would enable the improvement of the lives and futures of area residents.
Surrounded by green grass, level roadways and healthy trees, he noted that the very site on which the ceremony was taking place had been reclaimed by Earth Conservancy.
“I’m proud of this site,” Dziak said.
He said the grant process provided opportunity to receive public input, which he said was an important part of the organization’s success.
He said beyond simply being a requirement of receipt of funding, Earth Conservancy valued ideas and interactions with area residents.
Shawn Garvin, regional administrator for the EPA, credited the collaborative efforts of the EPA, the state and Luzerne County in making long-term success possible, and said the project was about bettering the quality of life.
“Contaminated properties are not an asset to the community,” he said. “The efforts of the Earth Conservancy have reclaimed areas for housing, commercial development and open space, while at the same time protecting public health and the environment.”
Yudichak took attendees back in time to when mining was a major industry of the valley.
He said the work being done by Earth Conservancy and its partners in reclamation of mine lands allows residents to look back in history, noting the work of their fathers and grandfathers in the mines, and also appreciating reclaimed mine lands for the opportunities they provide.
Nanticoke City Manager Andy Gegaris also addressed attendees, saying he was looking forward to the transformation of more mine lands for various purposes, including recreation.
Mike Korb, of the state Department of Environmental Protection, said the DEP had worked with Earth Conservancy throughout its history, describing it as one of the most cooperative organizations they have worked beside.
Luzerne County Community College President Thomas Leary, who also attended the event, said both Earth Conservancy and the grant received during the ceremony, enhance economic vitality throughout the area.
In the long term, Leary said, the college and the students will benefit from projects that benefit the environment and the economy.
Several attendees and presenters said they looked forward to the completion of the South Valley Parkway, which will improve access to Earth Conservancy land and make it increasingly attractive to private developers.
