The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation earmarked more than $325,000 to reclaim the Coal Run project in Bridgeville, Allegheny County, which is situated in a densely populated area and exposes a portion of the Pittsburgh 8 coal seam.
Loose boulders have fallen from the highwall, the agency said, and a footpath has given access to the face of the wall, creating a risk of serious injury or death.
Although the mine is sealed, the DEP said the exposed portion of the Pittsburgh 8 also provided the future possibility of a mine fire.
The agency, which secured the funding from coal operators’ royalty payments , has retained Eagle Contracting to step the slope of the wall so that it is stabilized, build a retaining structure and cover the exposed coal seam.
The project is expected to be completed in October.
