Case Study
Mineland Reclamation
![Capital Region Water logo.](https://materialmatter.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Capital-Region-Water-570x320.png)
Client: Capital Region Water
Project: Mineland Reclamation
Project Type: Research and Innovative Projects
Industry: Utilities
Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
![Mineland before reclamation.](https://materialmatter.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CRW-before-1-570x320.jpg)
Problem
The City of Harrisburg had been using landfill as the primary and only option for biosolids end use for over 15 years. As the cost of landfill increased and the reliability decreased, Harrisburg decided to seek a beneficial use alternative with a lower end use cost.
![Mineland reclamation in progress.](https://materialmatter.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CRW-during-case-study-570x320.jpg)
Approach
To address these concerns, the City hired Material Matters to develop an innovative, low cost, beneficial use option for the City: mine land reclamation on Pennsylvania Game Commission land where coal was being re-mined. The project included in-depth interactions with the State Game Commission and PADEP for project approval and permit modifications. Material Matters also worked diligently to gain public acceptance from the community through correspondence with Township officials, organization of public meetings, and the development of a monitoring protocol approved by the community.
![A grassy field at the edge of a forest.](https://materialmatter.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CRW-after-case-study-570x320.jpg)
Outcomes and Benefits
Overall, the project was a success, resulting in a low cost, publicly accepted beneficial use management option for the City. The program functioned as a segue to a long-term land application program, which has successfully achieved nearly 100% beneficial use for over 10 years.