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AMD&ART, Inc. Contact: Environmental Results: 35 acres of abandoned mine land reclaimed. Constructed a passive treatment system for abandoned mine drainage. Developed an environmental education center, interpretive art and a public park. |
Partnerships A New Look for Acid Mine Treatment Ponds
Visitors to the Vintondale treatment system and community park will learn about town history with an environmental education focus. The first settling pond, lined with limestone, provides a visual starting point as it is covered with bright orange sediment - an indication of the initial polluted state of AMD water. The water itself will change colors as it flows through the series of treatment ponds. In the fall, plants in a "Litmus Garden" adjacent to the ponds will mimic this transition in water quality, changing from oranges and reds at the beginning of the treatment system to blues and greens at the end. An environmental education center and interpretive art will offer visitors the opportunity to explore and learn about the treatment site, while new baseball and soccer fields, hiking trails and picnic areas will provide public spaces for play and relaxation - a true win-win for the environment and the community. Partnerships with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Office of Surface Mining, AmeriCorps, the Wildlife Habitat Council, the Hungarian Reformed Church of Vintondale and other environmental, arts, and humanities organizations, as well as volunteerism from the community are making the Vintondale site a success. "We can best bring attention to the problem
of abandoned mine drainage by building treatment systems that are integrated
into artful, educational, public spaces. Only through constituent advocacy
can we restore all of Pennsylvania's waterways to health." |
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Copyright © 2001, Environmental Fund for Pennsylvania
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