West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition - (570) 748-4901

The WBSRC supports the cleanup of AMD throughout the West Branch Susquehanna watershed through the exchange of information, formulation of educational initiatives, and building of widespread public support.

Abandoned mine drainage (AMD) is a major source of pollution to waterways within the West Branch Susquehanna watershed. As a result of the extensive impact that AMD pollution has on the watershed, countless federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, watershed groups, and individuals have accepted the responsibility of addressing this problem. Moreover, there is growing recognition of the direct economic benefits to the region from tourism and recreation giving even greater impetus to restoration projects.

The West Branch Susquehanna watershed is located in north central Pennsylvania and drains an area of approximately 7,000 square miles or 4,466 million acres. It is the largest of the six river basins that make up the Susquehanna River drainage. The West Branch Susquehanna River and its tributaries flow through 13 counties and the watershed contains approximately 1.4 million acres of state forest land, 250,000 acres of state game land, and 29,000 acres state park land.

The watershed is truly a gem nestled in the Commonwealth’s interior that has the tremendous potential to provide a mecca of outdoor recreational opportunities. Unfortunately, that potential is impacted by the pollution and other problems left behind from historic unregulated coal mining activities that once provided a boon to the local industry and communities.

The legacy that remains today is in the form of abandoned mine drainage (AMD), which is the cause for 57% of the pollution to the West Branch’s impaired waterways. More than 1,000 miles of the main stem and tributaries have documented AMD impairment.

Tags: River