Fish need food to eat! Most aquatic insects they feed upon, called macroinvertebrates, cannot live in highly acidic water. Fish haven’t been seen much in the Cattie for much of this decade, but thankfully, that is changing!

The acidic water of Catawissa Creek is a result of the several deep mines that started operations in the 1930’s. Chemicals and bacterial reactions in the abandoned mines can cause the formation of toxic corrosive acids that work their way into the waterways where they destroy ecosystems. This is called Acid Mine Drainage (AMD).

We are actively working on reducing and/or eliminating the sources of AMD to restore the water quality and bring back a viable fishery. We have completed three treatment systems (link to projects) and continue to identify sources of water infiltration into the mines so that these sources can be eliminated.

After years of remediation, water quality is improving. Conditions are allowing for the return of trout to portions of the main stem. One challenge is that much of the frontage of the creek is on private property. We are currently working with several partners and landowners on gaining public access for fishing and recreational purposes.…