Abandoned Mine Near Hyde to be Reclaimed

HARRISBURG - State Rep. Camille "Bud" George, D-74 Houtzdale, said an abandoned mine near Hyde will be reclaimed at no cost to taxpayers.

Swisher Contracting Inc. of Clearfield was awarded the no-cost contract by the state Department of Environmental Protection's Moshannon District Office to remediate the 10.8-acre site, located about 1.5 miles north of Hyde in Lawrence Twp.

"About 800 feet of dangerous highwall will be regarded close to its original contours, and 100 tons of lime per acre will be applied to raise the pH of the soil," George said. "The Montgomery Run tributary to the Upper West Branch of the Susquehanna River will benefit from this restoration."

Swisher Contracting will recover remaining coal reserves at the site in return for the work, which is valued at $75,600, according to the DEP office. Blasting will be permitted.

The former Shawville Coal Co. mine was abandoned in the 1950s.