Jun 8, 2013 2 min read

This letter is to praise state Rep. Pam Snyder for her attention and efforts in procuring an effective means to stop the foul and damaging discharge at the Clyde Mine site before it caused irreparable harm.

In a climate of diminishing environmental resources, Snyder worked at the highest levels of Pennsylvania to bring focus and a plan of action to resolve these issues in a short period of time. This was no small feat considering abandoned mine drainage has adversely impacted our waterways for many decades.

There have been an enormous number of studies conducted on the headwaters of the Monongahela River and the 18 counties affected by this watershed. From these studies, it is clear that abandoned mine drainage is particularly harmful in Greene County. It has been difficult for Greene to effectively compete for funds to deal with the legacy of drainage from abandoned mines. It is my understanding these federal funds are to be used for life-threatening situations, and as hard as it is to fathom, Greene County’s abandoned mine drainage sites have difficulty meeting this specific criterion. Funds are limited, and qualifying for this type of remediation funding is very competitive.

Abandoned mine drainage has a tremendous negative impact on the county’s water systems, which extends into the three rivers region and impacts millions of citizens. The fact Snyder was able to find a solution in this public and private partnership is remarkable. Snyder’s call for action gives us the promise that threats to our waterways posed by abandoned mine drainage can be effectively managed even with the absence of sufficient government funding.

Rebecca Trigger

Jefferson

Trigger is the national director for Izzak Walton League and president of the Harry Enstrom (Greene County) Chapter.