Terence Ostrowski recently embarked on a hike through Hanover Township, revealing a sight that never fails to amaze him—the crystal clear waters of Espy Run flowing towards the Nanticoke Creek and eventually, the Susquehanna River. What sets this stream apart from others in the region is the fact that it is brand new—the reestablishment of a waterway that disappeared seventy years ago due to coal mining.
Ostrowski, President/CEO of the nonprofit Earth Conservancy, displayed a series of maps at their headquarters in Ashley to showcase the significance of this achievement and its recent recognition with an environmental award. One of the maps, dated 1894, depicted Espy Run flowing from Hanover Reservoir through the West Hanover section of Nanticoke. Another map from the 1939 showcased the stream’s similar path.
However, on a map from the 1950s, the stream abruptly vanished due to strip mining at the Bliss Colliery. Mining activities caused fractures in the earth, swallowing up the stream underground. Instead of continuing its natural course, the water ended up in the strip pits, resulting in heavily contaminated runoff resurfacing through boreholes at the Askam pond area.
A 2001 study highlighted the severe water quality issues caused by Espy Run’s disappearance, leading to a 2005 assessment of the Nanticoke Creek Watershed and plans for the restoration of the waterway. The Earth Conservancy designed a riparian forest buffer to enhance habitat and create a wildlife corridor.
The construction of a new 6,000 linear feet stream began in 2016, with slight alterations to the path to avoid disrupting a residential area. The new channel closely resembles a natural stream, meandering with pools and rifts, and is heavily vegetated. To prevent water infiltration below, the entire channel was lined with clay, and over 1,500 coniferous and deciduous trees were planted along its course.
Elizabeth Hughes, Earth Conservancy’s communications director,…
