DEP Approves Final Phase of Avondale Mine Reclamation Project

Plymouth Township, Luzerne County -- The area known as Curry Hill-Avondale in Plymouth Township is a reflection of what was once the rich mining history of the 20th century. The coal company that strip mined it eventually pulled out and left behind essentially a dangerous, unusable site. "It's such a huge chunk of land and it's sad for it to just to sit there," said Kristin Cole of Plymouth Township.

That's about to change thanks to a nearly $2.7 million project funded by the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Trust Fund. "This grant money is going to go a long way toward fixing up that area," said DEP spokesperson Colleen Connolly.

A cavernous space at the abandoned mine site is the result of strip mining done decades ago. The newly approved project will involve backfilling and grading more than 6,000 feet of dangerous high wall at heights of between 25 and 100 feet. In its present state, those high walls present a serious safety hazard to unsuspecting walkers, bicyclists and ATV riders. The site also took on another danger which Michael Oktisuk witnessed while living on Avondale Hill Road for 40 years. "At least for 35 of it, there was an an awful lot of dumping going on up there." He is glad the old Avondale mine will have new purpose. "I know it will sure help the hunting because like I say a lot of the neighbors hunt up there so... and it's good for the wildlife," said Mr. Oktisuk.

Ms. Cole, who lives next door to Mr. Oktisuk, is eager to see the third and final mine reclamation phase eventually finished. "I do welcome it. We walk our dogs up there now. We have been since we moved in here. It's beautiful up there." The DEP plan should give the community a place of recreation for years to come. "It's a beautiful, spectacular view and a place to go to hike or bike," said Ms. Connoly.

The final phase of the Avondale Mine reclamation project is set to begin in February. The project allows for construction of drainage ditches and ten acres of wetlands besides some grass seeding and tree planting. It hopefully will be finished later in 2015.

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DEP Approves Final Phase of Avondale Mine Reclamation Project