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.

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

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.

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.

This is an excerpt — pick up Sunday's Butler Eagle to read the full article.