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The photo at left is Lake "Ore-be-Gone" located in
Minnesota. The site was once an iron-ore surface
mine, but later reclaimed and transformed into a
valuable recreational lake. Much science supports
the notion that such a large reservoir/lake can be
created through mining and reclamation near the
site of the existing Silver Creek Reservoir in
northern Blythe Township, Schuylkill County,
Pennsylvania.
Minnesota. The site was once an iron-ore surface
mine, but later reclaimed and transformed into a
valuable recreational lake. Much science supports
the notion that such a large reservoir/lake can be
created through mining and reclamation near the
site of the existing Silver Creek Reservoir in
northern Blythe Township, Schuylkill County,
Pennsylvania.
| < Click photo for more information about Lake Ore-be-gone. |
Preface:
This interactive website was created to provide the residents of Blythe Township, Schuylkill Co. with facts and
information about an opportunity to secure a long-term much needed revenue source for public use; and improve the
local environment and economy in the process.
what remains of Reading Company, the defunct railroad empire. Several million tons of high quality Anthracite coal
reserves exist upon this property, much of which is under the Silver Creek Reservoir. This reservoir is owned and
operated by the Blythe Township Municipal Authority (Blythe Authority), a municipal corporation created in 1943 by
the Supervisors of Blythe Township. Although this reservoir and adjacent land is presently used for water supply
purposes, DiRenzo believes it is greatly underutilized and could be profitably developed into a much higher and
better water resource use.
During its 100+ years of ownership; Reading Co. has made numerous unsuccessful efforts to replace the reservoir
and develop these coal reserves. DiRenzo believes that significant changes have occurred since Reading Co.'s
efforts and that today mining and reclamation offers economic and environmental benefits to Blythe Twp. for
generations to come. The most significant change is the feasibility of a continued adequate supply of water during
mining and reclamation. Past approaches to develop an alternative water source were simply too costly, politically
constrained, or could not assure adequate quality or quantity. However, recent discussions with the Borough of
Tamaqua found this nearby water-wealthy community quite interested in selling surplus water to the Blythe Authority.
So today; realizing the many benefits of mining and reclamation at Silver Creek could be as simple as tapping into
Tamaqua's existing, approved, and abundant water supply. In fact, Blythe Twp.'s east neighbor, Schuylkill Twp., has
plans underway to extend Tamaqua's water system to the villages of Newkirk and Reevesdale; making a future
connection between the Blythe Authority and Tamaqua water systems that much more feasible (See related news
release)
The Opportunity:
The opportunity consists of implementing an adequate alternative water supply plan that allows for mining and
reclamation at the site of the Silver Creek Reservoir. If any of several studied alternative water supply scenarios is
developed, DiRenzo is prepared to generously share the profits generated by the realization of this
opportunity with Blythe Township.
Far beyond mining and money, much past and present evidence shows that planned reclamation could result in a
post-mining reservoir many times larger than the existing Silver Creek Reservoir. Throughout the world there are
many sites that once hosted quarries or surface mines and now host functional reservoirs or recreational lakes.
Schuylkill County is no exception with many water filled excavations used for water supply, fishing, and/or swimming.
Blythe Twp.'s very own "Caparell Pit", located east of the Silver Creek Reservoir is one example. Most of these
inundated pits were never planned to have any water resource value after mining. The most valuable and functional
of such water impoundments were well planned prior to mining, just like DiRenzo is proposing as part of this
opportunity, and just like Blythe Twp. officials have considered in the past ...but choose to disregard today despite
many favorable changes and circumstances.
Unfortunately, Blythe Township officials have flat-out refused to consider this opportunity and deferred the entire
matter to the Water Authority. Efforts to discuss this opportunity with the Water Authority have been met with closed-
mindedness, costly frivolous litigation, and the promise for more. This despite the fact that Blythe's appointed and
elected officials have considered the benefits of mining and reclamation at Silver Creek several times in the past. So
why not consider it now, at a time when Blythe Twp. is economically distressed and it's taxpayers are plagued with
little tax-base and the burdensome cost of many public works projects?
DiRenzo believes Blythe's officials are being negligent in their duties by unjustly ignoring the facts and denying this
renewed opportunity the consideration it needs and deserves. Please contact the public officials at the locations
provided below and request that this opportunity be provided with the same attention and consideration given to
projects like the (past) soil burner and (present) landfill located on Blythe Authority land along the Burma-Road. In
fact, insist that this opportunity be given special consideration because it does not involve the importation and
disposal of any trash or waste....and never will. If and when you do express your position, please keep in mind that
the only goal at this point is to have Blythe Township officials participate in a fair, open, and public process to further
evaluate this opportunity.
The pages and links of this website provide facts, figures, and information relating to this opportunity. Please visit
each and by all means contact us with any questions or comments. We are committed to public awareness and
helping the residents of Blythe Township make informed factual decisions with regard to this opportunity. An online
discussion forum link will also be available. We encourage posting comments and questions, but request that you
please be factual and respectful of others. For your convenience, and If called for, an online petition to Blythe Twp.'s
elected and appointed officials, as well as State and Federal officials, will be made available.
Please note that this website is planned for growth to meet the informational needs of the people that use it. Kindly
revisit this site as information will be added weekly, if not more frequently.
Thank you for visiting and your interest in this opportunity.
DiRenzo Coal Co.
Taxpayer of Blythe Township and the Pottsville / St Clair. School District
This interactive website was created to provide the residents of Blythe Township, Schuylkill Co. with facts and
information about an opportunity to secure a long-term much needed revenue source for public use; and improve the
local environment and economy in the process.
"In an era of ever increasing municipal expenses and corresponding levels of taxation, municipalities
need to find new and innovative ways of generating revenue without increasing taxation on its
residents."
Cynthia M. Borchick, Blythe Twp. Supervisor
Pottsville Free Press, May 2004
what remains of Reading Company, the defunct railroad empire. Several million tons of high quality Anthracite coal
reserves exist upon this property, much of which is under the Silver Creek Reservoir. This reservoir is owned and
operated by the Blythe Township Municipal Authority (Blythe Authority), a municipal corporation created in 1943 by
the Supervisors of Blythe Township. Although this reservoir and adjacent land is presently used for water supply
purposes, DiRenzo believes it is greatly underutilized and could be profitably developed into a much higher and
better water resource use.
- "It's a lot of coal...it's worth a lot of money"
Harry Brown, longtime Solicitor of Blythe Water Authority
Pottsville Republican, January 5, 1998
During its 100+ years of ownership; Reading Co. has made numerous unsuccessful efforts to replace the reservoir
and develop these coal reserves. DiRenzo believes that significant changes have occurred since Reading Co.'s
efforts and that today mining and reclamation offers economic and environmental benefits to Blythe Twp. for
generations to come. The most significant change is the feasibility of a continued adequate supply of water during
mining and reclamation. Past approaches to develop an alternative water source were simply too costly, politically
constrained, or could not assure adequate quality or quantity. However, recent discussions with the Borough of
Tamaqua found this nearby water-wealthy community quite interested in selling surplus water to the Blythe Authority.
So today; realizing the many benefits of mining and reclamation at Silver Creek could be as simple as tapping into
Tamaqua's existing, approved, and abundant water supply. In fact, Blythe Twp.'s east neighbor, Schuylkill Twp., has
plans underway to extend Tamaqua's water system to the villages of Newkirk and Reevesdale; making a future
connection between the Blythe Authority and Tamaqua water systems that much more feasible (See related news
release)
The Opportunity:
The opportunity consists of implementing an adequate alternative water supply plan that allows for mining and
reclamation at the site of the Silver Creek Reservoir. If any of several studied alternative water supply scenarios is
developed, DiRenzo is prepared to generously share the profits generated by the realization of this
opportunity with Blythe Township.
Far beyond mining and money, much past and present evidence shows that planned reclamation could result in a
post-mining reservoir many times larger than the existing Silver Creek Reservoir. Throughout the world there are
many sites that once hosted quarries or surface mines and now host functional reservoirs or recreational lakes.
Schuylkill County is no exception with many water filled excavations used for water supply, fishing, and/or swimming.
Blythe Twp.'s very own "Caparell Pit", located east of the Silver Creek Reservoir is one example. Most of these
inundated pits were never planned to have any water resource value after mining. The most valuable and functional
of such water impoundments were well planned prior to mining, just like DiRenzo is proposing as part of this
opportunity, and just like Blythe Twp. officials have considered in the past ...but choose to disregard today despite
many favorable changes and circumstances.
Unfortunately, Blythe Township officials have flat-out refused to consider this opportunity and deferred the entire
matter to the Water Authority. Efforts to discuss this opportunity with the Water Authority have been met with closed-
mindedness, costly frivolous litigation, and the promise for more. This despite the fact that Blythe's appointed and
elected officials have considered the benefits of mining and reclamation at Silver Creek several times in the past. So
why not consider it now, at a time when Blythe Twp. is economically distressed and it's taxpayers are plagued with
little tax-base and the burdensome cost of many public works projects?
DiRenzo believes Blythe's officials are being negligent in their duties by unjustly ignoring the facts and denying this
renewed opportunity the consideration it needs and deserves. Please contact the public officials at the locations
provided below and request that this opportunity be provided with the same attention and consideration given to
projects like the (past) soil burner and (present) landfill located on Blythe Authority land along the Burma-Road. In
fact, insist that this opportunity be given special consideration because it does not involve the importation and
disposal of any trash or waste....and never will. If and when you do express your position, please keep in mind that
the only goal at this point is to have Blythe Township officials participate in a fair, open, and public process to further
evaluate this opportunity.
The pages and links of this website provide facts, figures, and information relating to this opportunity. Please visit
each and by all means contact us with any questions or comments. We are committed to public awareness and
helping the residents of Blythe Township make informed factual decisions with regard to this opportunity. An online
discussion forum link will also be available. We encourage posting comments and questions, but request that you
please be factual and respectful of others. For your convenience, and If called for, an online petition to Blythe Twp.'s
elected and appointed officials, as well as State and Federal officials, will be made available.
Please note that this website is planned for growth to meet the informational needs of the people that use it. Kindly
revisit this site as information will be added weekly, if not more frequently.
Thank you for visiting and your interest in this opportunity.
DiRenzo Coal Co.
Taxpayer of Blythe Township and the Pottsville / St Clair. School District
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