KETTLE CREEK
The Kettle Creek Watershed in north-central PA is, for most of its length, prime trout habitat. However, the final several miles of the stream are highly degraded by mine drainage. This mine drainage pollution further impacts the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, which receives Kettle Creek near the town of Westport.
In 1999, Hedin Environmental was asked to complete a Restoration Plan for Lower Kettle Creek. Major project partners were Trout Unlimited, the Kettle Creek Watershed Association, Sproul State Forest (who owns much of the land in the Lower Kettle Creek), and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation (BAMR). The Restoration Plan was funded by the Western Pennsylvania Watershed Program.
The restoration plan was completed in late 2000. The plan focused on discharges to Twomile Run, a highly polluted tributary of Kettle Creek.
Since delivery of the plan, several restoration projects have occurred. The Middle Branch Passive System was rehabilitated and has produced good quality water since 2008. Trout have recently been found in Middle Branch by Trout Unlimited. The Swamp Passive Treatment Project was funded in 2009 and is scheduled for construction in 2011. The Robbins Hollow 10A/10B Passive Treatment System was funded in 2010 and will be constructed in 2013.
Several projects that have resulting from this Restoration Plan have taken place or are now taking place in the watershed. These include:
