Earth Conservancy Leads Major Restoration of Nanticoke Creek

The Nanticoke Creek Watershed Restoration Project is underway, led by Earth Conservancy, in an ambitious effort to revive the long-damaged waterway. Decades of coal mining in Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley devastated the creek, leaving it nearly dry and contaminated. Now, thanks to major funding and strategic partnerships, Earth Conservancy is working to restore 15,000 linear feet of Nanticoke and Leuder Creeks.

The Damage Done

From the early 1900s to the mid-20th century, deep and surface mining operations altered the flow of Nanticoke Creek. Mining companies diverted water, funneled streams through wooden and concrete flumes, and left the land scarred. These changes eventually cut off natural water flow, causing water to seep into abandoned mines, where it mixed with iron and resurfaced as toxic, orange-hued runoff, uninhabitable for aquatic life.

The Restoration Plan

The multi-phase restoration plan aims to reconnect the upper and lower watersheds, remove obstructions, and restore natural water flow. Key projects include:

• Realigning Nanticoke Creek at Clarks Cross Road to return it to its original path.

• Constructing a water conveyance structure on South Main Street.

• Restoring Leuder Creek’s connection by removing a dam and replacing deteriorated culverts and bridges.

• Rebuilding the upper watershed, including removing obstructions, reestablishing a natural channel, and reopening a buried railroad tunnel.

Funding & Partnerships

The project is backed by a $17.5 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)—the largest ever awarded to Earth Conservancy—as well as support from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Additional partners include the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, local engineer George Albert, and Stell Enterprises.

Environmental & Community Impact

Restoring Nanticoke Creek is expected to have long-term ecological, recreational, and economic benefits. The project is modeled after the successful Espy Run restoration, completed in 2022, which saw aquatic life return.

However, tree removal along the creek has raised concerns. Earth Conservancy has assured residents that 5,000 new trees will be planted to replace those lost.

Project Timeline

With funding secured and permits in place, Earth Conservancy estimates the project will be completed in two to three years.

For more details, visit Earth Conservancy’s website.