Cartwright
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HANOVER TWP. — U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced on Wednesday a grant of $500,000 has been awarded to the Earth Conservancy as part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Brownfields program.
The name of the program refers to a formerly contaminated site that, after being cleaned up, is repurposed or reused.
The grant will allow Earth Conservancy to clean up the Espy Run in Hanover Township, a 2.4-mile tributary of Nanticoke Creek that flows through land used for anthracite mining.
Segment F of Espy Run is mine scarred, and the stream is contaminated with acid mine drainage.
“We know this type of funding is sorely needed in northeastern Pennsylvania,” Cartwright said in a press release issued Wednesday. “This not only helps clean up the environment, but allows these properties to be used for future economic development and supporting the local economies.”
The EPA’s Brownfields program has helped clean up over 2,000 properties across the country.
“On behalf of Earth Conservancy, I am incredibly appreciative of the support Congressman Cartwright and the EPA have shown us and our work in improving mine-scarred lands and waterways in northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Terence J. Ostrowski, the president and CEO of Earth Conservancy.
“This grant will allow Earth Conservancy to complete restoration of Espy Run, reconnecting the stream’s headwaters to its historic drainage path. The project will reduce water lost underground into the mine pools, which eventually resurfaces as abandoned mine drainage. It will also improve habitat for local wildlife.”