ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 1, 1999) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved two $75,000 grants today for the design and construction of acid remediation systems for two abandoned coal mines in Allegany County.

"Every community must have access to a safe, clean, and healthy water supply," said Governor Parris N. Glendening. "Acid from abandoned mines has a severe impact on water quality. By constructing these acid remediation systems, we will significantly improve the quality of the Allegany County water supply for current and future residents."

The Potomac Hill Acid Mine Remediation Project includes the design and construction of a drainage system to collect acid mine seepage and a Successive Alkalinity Producing (SAP) system. This project will eliminate 75 percent of the acid in Potomac Hill Run and four percent of the total acid in Georges Creek.

The Coney Acid Mine Drainage Remediation Project will include the design and construction of two sets of SAP systems to treat two separate flows from the coal mine. The flows will be combined into a wetland for final treatment before discharge into Georges Creek, about one mile north of the Town of Lonaconing.

Both projects will each also receive $25,000 additional grants from Allegany County.

"Allegany County is pleased to receive state funding assistance for these acid remediation projects," said Dale R. Lewis, president of the Allegany County Board of Commissioners. "It is expected this project will produce a significant water quality improvement in Potomac Hill Run and Georges Creek."

Chaired by Governor Glendening, the Board of Public Works also is comprised of Comptroller William Donald Schaefer and Treasurer Richard N. Dixon. The Board is empowered by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.

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