Huling Branch (Wishbone Playground) Abandoned Mine Reclamation Project

Berner Construction was subcontracted to L.R. Costanzo Co., Inc. to complete a PA Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) abandoned mine reclamation project. The project is located in Leidy and Noyes Townships, Clinton County, PA.

This 54 acre ecosystem restoration project includes clearing and grubbing, implementation of the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan, subsurface and rock underdrains, mine seals, over burden and coal removal, coal refuse removal, limestone beds, alkaline addition, constructing subsurface drain, grading and coal removal, reconstruct recreational trails and seeding and tree planting.

The project involves coordination between PADEP, PA Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources (DCNR), and PA Department of Transportation (PA DOT) with regard to use of local
roadways and access to the jobsite.

The project scope includes excavation of the existing crop coal, buried coal refuse, adding alkaline materials to the excavated material and rebackfill, grading of the unreclaimed surface mine in addition to intermixing alkaline material, and removing the remaining crop coal. A total of 300,000 tons of alkaline material (limestone screenings) will be intermixed over the course of the project.

Approximately 2,935 linear feet of subsurface drain and 8,720 linear feet of rock underdrains were installed to promote mine and water drainage on the project site.

The restoration of the project includes reconstructing recreational trails, seeding and mulching and
tree planting.