Summary: The Schuylkill Conservation District is one of Pennsylvania’s most active conservation districts for AML reclamation and AMD treatment work, operating in one of the Commonwealth’s most AMD-impacted counties. The district coordinates AMD treatment projects across the anthracite southern coal region, works closely with watershed associations throughout Schuylkill County, and has received millions of dollars in AML/AMD grant funding for projects addressing coal refuse, mine drainage, and abandoned mine land reclamation.
Role in the PA AML Network #
Schuylkill County sits at the heart of Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal region. AMD is the primary source of pollution in the headwaters of the Schuylkill River, affecting nearly two-thirds of assessed streams in the basin. The Schuylkill Conservation District has been a consistent and active partner in addressing this legacy — working alongside the Northern Swatara Creek Watershed Association, the Schuylkill Headwaters Association, the Catawissa Creek Restoration Association, and other local groups on treatment system construction, watershed assessment, and long-term monitoring.
The district’s AMD program has constructed limestone treatment systems, analyzed mine boreholes to develop new treatment facilities, reclaimed abandoned mine lands on state game lands, and removed coal refuse from stream corridors. Recent projects include a $6.6 million award to remove coal slurry from a former dredge desilting basin on the Schuylkill River, a $442,000 reclamation project on State Game Land 326, and a $280,000 project to restore wetlands and reduce flooding on Swatara Creek. The district’s work spans multiple major Schuylkill County watersheds including the Swatara Creek, Mahanoy Creek, and Schuylkill River headwaters.
What Schuylkill Conservation District Does for AML/AMD #
- AMD treatment system construction and monitoring in coordination with watershed associations
- AML reclamation on state game lands and other priority sites
- Borehole analysis and treatment facility design for active mine discharges
- Coal refuse removal and stream corridor restoration
- Coordination with and technical support for local watershed organizations
- Grant administration for AML/AMD program funding
- Long-term water quality monitoring in cooperation with USGS and PA DEP
How to Connect #
Website: https://www.schuylkillcd.com/
AMD Program: https://www.schuylkillcd.com/departments/watershed-amd
Location: Schuylkill County, PA
Related Pages #
- PA Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) — statewide conservation district network
- O&M Hub
- PA DEP Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation
- About the AML Network
Source and Last Reviewed: schuylkillcd.com; PA DEP grant announcements (2024-2025); skooknews.com; senatorargall.com; delawarecurrents.org; USGS Water Resources of Pennsylvania. Last reviewed: 2026-03.
Tags: practitioner, program-manager, amd, aml, o-and-m, pa
