NEWPORT TWP. — Township residents who live near Reservoir Creek should soon be able to rest a bit easier when it rains.
The Department of Environmental Protection has awarded a $988,000 contract to Brdaric Excavating Inc., Luzerne, for the St. Vladimir Vicinity abandoned mine reclamation project.
In announcing the project state Sen. John Yudichak, D-Plymouth Township, lauded it for improving the quality of life for township residents.
“Residents in the Reservoir Creek area have suffered damaged and lost property because of past mining activities that re-routed the creek closer to their homes and businesses,” said Yudichak. “This much-needed project, when completed, will alleviate long standing flooding issues for the property owners.”
Brdaric Excavating will move the south branch of the creek from the north side of West Kirmar Avenue to the south side, which is the creek’s original bed. This will also lessen the possibility of bridge damage should there be a flood, and it will help to keep West Kirmar Avenue open when heavy rain falls, according to a press release from Yudichak.
Mining caused the course of stream to be moved. The largest part of the project is re-routing the waterway to its original course. The project will also involve the placement of over 1,000 feet of tied-concrete block mat, sealing the stream bed to prevent stream loss, and the construction of new structures along the creek.
A dangerous high wall will also be reclaimed, using excess materiel from previous construction.
Michael Dziak, Earth Conservancy CEO, said about 60,000 yards of materials are slated to be moved during the project, with much of it used to re-contour existing mine pits that have presented safety concerns.
“I’m sure the residents near the creek will be extremely thankful for this improvement,” Dziak said.
Joining in support of the project was Newport Township Manager Richard Zika, who called it “great news.”
“This will eliminate the possibility of flooding of several homes and businesses that have been affected in the past by the flooding of the creek,” he said.
Brdaric’s nearly $1 million contract is funded by the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Trust Fund, which is subsidized by fees paid for each ton of coal that is mined in Pennsylvania. The project is expected to begin early in October with completion anticipated in September 2017.
Yudichak credited state Rep. Gerald Mullery-D, Newport Township, with his efforts in securing funding for the project.
