Looking down into one of the strip pits on the Center Street site.
EC is excited to announce it has been awarded a $1.6 million Brownfields Cleanup Grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to advance the environmental and community revitalization of a former mining property in Newport Township, Luzerne County.
The project focuses on a 32-acre portion of the Center Street site, part of the former Blue Coal Corporation holdings. Severely impacted by historic anthracite mining and subsequent dumping, the property has long posed safety, environmental, and economic challenges for the surrounding community. The EPA funding will support the removal of debris, grading, and revegetation of the land, transforming it into a safe, green, and developable space. Terence Ostrowski, PE, EC’s President and CEO, added, “The Center Street project is a key component of our long-term strategy to reclaim and return abandoned mine lands to productive use. Thanks to the EPA’s support, we can take critical next steps toward creating new residential opportunities and improving the quality of life in the Lower South Valley.”
Earth Conservancy extends its sincere thanks to USEPA for its continued partnership and commitment to revitalizing our region through its Brownfields Program. We also acknowledge the support of local and regional partners, who play a vital role in helping turn vision into reality. Stay tuned for updates as we begin implementation of this transformative project!