The water building up in the abandoned mines is a common problem, and has caused additional concern that nearby property is at risk for flooding.

But now, thanks to a $131,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, contractors are working to alleviate those fears.

The grant was allocated to control the water flow by sending it into the west branch of the Susquehanna River. Even though the entrances have been sealed for years, water weakened those seals and caused them to fail.

Crews have already opened three of the mine's portals to help control the water.

Bill DaDamo, construction supervisor, said crews have cleaned out a channel, installed rock and mounted grates.

"What we've eliminated was a safety hazard of people falling in the upwell and drowning," DaDamo said. "We've also eliminated the water from backing up in the mine again and flooding the road."

In addition to making the area safer, crews are also cleaning up the property and are planting trees to make it more attractive.

The project is expected to be complete sometime in April.