Press Releases

Hanover Township, PA – U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) today announced the release of $500,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Brownfields program to the Earth Conservancy in Luzerne County.

A Brownfield is a formerly contaminated site that, once cleaned up, can be repurposed or reused. This federal funding allows Earth Conservancy to clean up Segment F of the Espy Run in Hanover Township. The 2.4-mile Espy Run flows through land that had been used for anthracite mining. The area that comprises Segment F is mine scarred, and the stream is contaminated with acid mine drainage. Funds will also be used to support community outreach activities.

“We know this type of funding is sorely needed in northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Rep. Cartwright. “This not only helps clean up the environment, but also allows these properties to be used for future economic development and supporting the local economies.”

“On behalf of Earth Conservancy, I am incredibly appreciative of the support Congressman Cartwright and the US EPA have shown us and our work in improving mine-scarred lands and waterways in northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Terence J. Ostrowski, PE, Earth Conservancy's President & CEO. “Brownfields are an environmental and economic burden. Only through ongoing federal, state, and local partnerships can we revitalize our communities. This grant will allow Earth Conservancy to complete restoration of Espy Run, reconnecting the stream’s headwaters to its historic drainage path. The project will reduce water lost underground into the mine pools, which eventually resurfaces as abandoned mine drainage. It will also improve habitat for local wildlife. Again, Earth Conservancy is pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with Congressman Cartwright and the US EPA in our restoration efforts. We appreciate their recognition of the importance of this project.”

The EPA’s Brownfields program empowers states and communities to assess and clean up hazards in local communities. To date, EPA’s Brownfields program has helped clean up over 2,000 properties and leverage more than 160,000 jobs.