Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR)

Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR)
Name	Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation
Abbreviation	EPCAMR
Formation	1989
Type	Nonprofit organization
Location	Pennsylvania, United States
Leader title	Executive Director

Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR) is a regional nonprofit focused on remediation of legacy coal mining impacts in northeastern and central Pennsylvania, coordinating technical projects, education, and policy advocacy. The organization engages with federal and state agencies, municipal authorities, and community groups to remediate acid mine drainage, reclaim spoil piles, and promote economic redevelopment of post-mining landscapes. Its work intersects with environmental law, watershed restoration, and workforce development across multiple counties and river basins.

History

EPCAMR was founded in 1989 amid regional responses to acid mine drainage crises affecting the Susquehanna River Basin, the Delaware River Basin, and tributaries such as the Lackawanna River, the Lehigh River, and the Schuylkill River. Early efforts involved coordination with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act implementation in Pennsylvania coalfields including the Anthracite Coal Region and the bituminous fields of the Appalachian Basin. Over time EPCAMR expanded collaboration with academic partners such as Pennsylvania State University, Lehigh University, and the University of Pennsylvania to develop passive treatment systems and watershed planning models. The organization’s history includes responses to regulatory developments like amendments to the Clean Water Act and state reclamation funding mechanisms tied to the Abandoned Mine Land Program administered by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.

Mission and Activities

EPCAMR’s mission centers on remediation of abandoned mine lands, mitigation of acid mine drainage, and promotion of sustainable reuse of post-industrial landscapes across counties including Luzerne County, Lackawanna County, Schuylkill County, and Carbon County. Activities encompass project design, water chemistry monitoring, ecological assessment, and community education, collaborating with agencies such as the United States Geological Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration when watershed data are relevant, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission on aquatic habitat restoration. EPCAMR also engages with workforce development initiatives coordinated by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and regional economic development entities like the Lackawanna County Office of Economic Development to link reclamation with employment opportunities.

Major Projects and Programs

Major projects include construction and operation of passive treatment wetlands and limestone drains on tributaries to the Susquehanna River and Delaware River, remediation of coal refuse sites in the Wyoming Valley, and reclamation of mine portals and mine pools associated with the Pittsburgh Coal Seam and the Pocono Formation. Programs feature acid mine drainage treatment demonstration projects developed with Temple University researchers, watershed-based plans implemented in partnership with the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, and AML pilot projects funded through grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Appalachian Regional Commission. EPCAMR has participated in cross-jurisdictional initiatives involving the Chesapeake Bay Program due to downstream effects on the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and has contributed to mapping efforts using geographic information systems in coordination with the Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access program.

Organizational Structure and Funding

EPCAMR operates as a nonprofit governed by a board of directors that includes representatives from municipal governments, county conservation districts such as the Luzerne County Conservation District, and environmental organizations like the Sierra Club and Trout Unlimited. Funding sources have included grants from the Environmental Protection Agency, project contracts from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, foundation support from entities such as the William Penn Foundation, and corporate contributions from regional utilities and mining companies participating in reclamation settlements. The organization employs technical staff, outreach coordinators, and volunteer program managers who implement projects under federal grant reporting protocols and state procurement regulations.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

Partnerships are central to EPCAMR’s model, involving collaborations with the Office of Surface Mining, the National Mining Association on policy dialogues, conservation partners like the Nature Conservancy, and academic institutions including Bloomsburg University for field studies. Community engagement includes educational programming with school districts such as the Scranton School District and community colleges like Luzerne County Community College, public outreach alongside local governments, and volunteer events coordinated with scouting organizations and watershed associations including the Lackawanna River Conservancy. EPCAMR also works with elected officials at the Pennsylvania General Assembly and municipal councils to advance funding and regulatory solutions for abandoned mine issues.

Impact and Recognition

EPCAMR’s remediation projects have improved water quality in tributaries feeding the Susquehanna River, restored habitat for sportfish species managed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and reduced public safety hazards associated with mine openings and refuse piles. The organization has received recognition from state agencies and conservation groups for innovative passive treatment designs and effective community partnerships, and its work is cited in technical reports by the United States Geological Survey and case studies used by universities. EPCAMR continues to influence policy discussions on abandoned mine land reclamation funding and post-mining land reuse in Pennsylvania and the broader Appalachian region.

Category:Environmental organizations based in Pennsylvania Category:Non-profit organizations based in the United States Category:Mine reclamation