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DEP plant to help treat acid mine drainage

The state Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Abandoned Mines Reclamation is slated to build a Cresson plant that will process and clean acid mine drainage, State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, announced.

“This plant will create between 40 and 50 construction jobs, plus several permanent plant operator positions upon its completion,” Burns said in a statement.

The plant is to process underground mine pools from three abandoned sites: Cresson No. 9, Gallitzin Shaft and Argyle Stone Bridge, which drain into Trapp Run, Bradley Run and Sugar Run.

The plant will be able to process more than 6 million gallons of acid water per day before discharging clean water into Trapp Run, which feeds into Clearfield Creek.

“The plant will help restore 20 miles of streams, while also repurposing a coal refuse pile in Cresson Township, which takes advantage of otherwise useless land,” Burns said.

DEP is accepting bids on the project through April 6, and construction is expected to last about 18 months to complete, according to a news release.

The Mirror emailed DEP on Thursday seeking more information. Though DEP acknowledged receiving the questions, it has not yet provided answers.

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