Your Invited: Audenreid Dedication (June 17th, 2006)

On behalf of the Columbia and Schuylkill County Conservation Districts and the Catawissa Creek Restoration Association, it is my pleasure and honor to invite you to the Audenreid Tunnel Acid Mine Drainage [AMD] Treatment System dedication ceremony. This ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 1:30 p. m. The event will include an open house and tours beginning at 12:30 p. m. The press will be invited.

The Audenreid Tunnel Treatment System is the largest passive AMD treatment system ever built in Pennsylvania and perhaps anywhere, in terms of amount of water treated. This facility is capable of treating over 14,000 gallons per minute of AMD and, since beginning operation on December 15, 2005, has had a significant positive impact on the water quality of the Catawissa Creek. Fish are now being seen in about 25 miles of stream that have been biologically dead for over 75 years! Needless to say, we are very excited and wish to share our enthusiasm with our partners and the public.

The dedication ceremony will take place at the site of the treatment system rain or shine. Please be prepared for potentially wet weather and uneven terrain. There will be a bus that will transport public participants from the Brandonville Fire Co. in Brandonville starting at 12 p. m. (see Directions in next post).

We would appreciate your RSVP to Columbia County (570. 784.1310 ext. 102) or Schuylkill County Conservation District (570. 622. 3742 ext. 5) ASAP to assist in our planning. Please indicate number of people attending in your party.

This project is the culmination of efforts and support from many government agencies, businesses, and volunteer groups. It is our hope that you will be able to join us in celebrating the rebirth of the Catawissa Creek!