A local nonprofit was granted about $1 million that will be used on treatments for local abandoned mine lands and to benefit the Foltz Schoolhouse renovation.

Tim Danehy, a participant with the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition, said the coalition was awarded several grants to maintain and improve passive treatment systems throughout the county.

“These systems are specifically addressing abandoned coal mine drainage,” Danehy said.

Some county residents are familiar with the orange-red colors of a toxic stream. The rust colored water often contains high concentrations of metal.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approved $25 million in funding for environmental cleanup and revitalization projects at abandoned mine lands statewide.

Project funding comes from the 2018 AML Pilot Program, a federal initiative by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. The program specifically targets abandoned mine cleanup projects that are linked to local community and economic development goals.

“The approved abandoned mine cleanup projects will help eliminate public health and safety hazards and improve stream, groundwater and land quality,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “The funding is an important investment in the community from environmental, recreational and economic development standpoints.”

For the passive systems, the money allows the coalition to replace degraded limestone and compost with fresh materials, according to Danehy. He said the limestone and compost that filter acid and metals out of the water need to be replaced occasionally for the system to remain efficient.

He said the passive systems were designed to have a life span of 15 to 25 years.

Danehy said work could begin this summer, and they might need to access or bring material through private property to the sites. He said landowners have been helpful in the past.

“I just want to express gratitude for everyone (who has) been involved over the years, especially the landowners,” he said.

In addition to these passive systems, Danehy said some of the funds will go toward the Foltz Schoolhouse renovation at Jennings Environmental Center.

Danehy said the schoolhouse is close to a passive treatment system, and it presents a good blend of historical and environmental education aspects.

Danehy said uphill from the system is a former active coal mining area. He said some of the students who attended the school might have had a parent working at the site.

“It was literally right there, out the door of their schoolhouse,” Danehy said. “You can stand in this schoolhouse, and stand right next to this coal mine site. It gives you a better feel for what it was like.”

He said there might have been times when a coal refuse mound would catch fire, sending children home for the day.

“Through education and through scientific research, you learn about the impacts of mining,” Danehy said.

Debbie Sale, the commission's secretary and a Jennings volunteer, said there is still plenty of work to be done at the school house.

“If we get money for the schoolhouse, we'll certainly use it,” Sale said. “There's a multitude of things we could use it for.”

Sale said the money would be used mostly for materials since labor at the school has been mostly donated.

She said much of the interior still needs to done, such as the ceiling and insulation. She said the school also needs new windows.

But work is slow at the moment because the wiring needs to be finished before moving forward with anything else.

“We've been working on it off and on. We have most of the wiring done, but not all of it done,” Sale said. “It's been some cold days up there because there's no heat, but we're dedicated.”

Sale said those interested in volunteering should contact her through 3MJC or attend a commission meeting. She said craftsmen of all types would be helpful, but even those without experience would be welcome.

She said there are things the commission wants to add beyond functionality of the schoolhouse, including a coal bin to paint the scene, a usable composting restroom and a trail from the school to the Old Stone House.

Sale said she also wants advertise in the future to ask for artifact donations. She said the commission has many so far, but there might still be some artifacts in the community that are directly from the schoolhouse or historically close.

Sale said she knows there is much work ahead, but the commission has a vision and a partner in the watershed commission.

“We know it can be done and what it entails,” Sale said.