Coal Mining's Legacy

The mining of coal has had profound effects on both the environment of western Pennsylvania and the people who call it home. Many factors led to the expansion of the coal mining industry and, as it expanded, many communities developed around the mines themselves. The development and expansion of the steel industry and the railroads, which used coal for power, had the most profound effect on growing the coal mining industry. As the industry expanded, the local mine often assumed the name of the owner or a nearby train stop associated with the mine. Names such as Edna No.2, Standard Shaft and Jane Mine Station dot the region and refer to the names of coal mines or train stations around which the communities grew.

Early coal mines were typically underground mines and are often referred to as “deep” mines. Today, many of the villages associated with the old mines are now known for something more; they are known as the sites of large flows of polluted water from the troubling old deep mines. The polluted water, often referred to as “abandoned mine drainage.” or “AMD”, often kill most of the life in the stream into which it flows.

Today's photo shows WPC's Director of Watershed Services, Mark Killar, beside a large AMD deep mine discharge (4,000 gallons per minute) flowing to Westmoreland County's Sewickley Creek.

Naturally Creepy Places Week is now a part of the ages. We ask you to revisit our five candidates and vote for your favorite creepy locale. The winning locale will be announced this Thursday, October 28th.

Play Know Your Western Pennsylvania Birds

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