Title: Reviving the Legacy of Coal: EPCAMR Addresses Environmental Impact in Northeast Pennsylvania
Northeast Pennsylvania – Robert “Bobby” Hughes, executive director of the Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR), emphasizes the dual legacy of coal mining in the region—both a source of pride and environmental challenge. With Pennsylvania housing the most abandoned coal mines in the U.S., residents face dire risks, including the emergence of toxic, orange-tinted water from old mining sites.
Hughes, who founded EPCAMR 28 years ago, leads initiatives to reclaim areas affected by abandoned mines while educating the community about its historical ties to coal. “Many people don’t realize what’s in their backyard,” he said. Recent subsidence incidents, such as those in Swoyersville, highlight the urgency of this mission.
Amidst ongoing coal remnants, Hughes and his team recently conducted a "stream continuity assessment" on Shickshinny Creek, evaluating aquatic migration and waterway health. This effort will culminate in a Coldwater Conservation Plan, aimed at future reclamation projects funded by local municipalities and conservation agencies.
Hughes reflects on the historical neglect of miners’ stories, which intertwine hardship and resilience. He believes that understanding the past is crucial to tackling today’s environmental issues. “People don’t want to discuss it because it’s painful, but it’s essential for progress,” he added.
Funding challenges persist, especially after cuts from the Trump Administration affected programs designed to support environmentally justice-focused communities. Hughes is now seeking alternative funding from local partners to sustain their vital work.
EPCAMR’s mission underscores the importance of environmental stewardship in the Anthracite region, where the legacy of coal continues to shape both identity and ecological future. With dedicated young environmentalists joining the effort, there is hope for a future where integrity can be restored to the region’s waterways.
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