A local mining company has big plans for the future of the Conemaugh River. The company said it found a way to stop more than 3,700 tons of acid mine drainage.

Rosebud Mining Company is so confident with its proposed plans that it put down $15 million and has already started construction on a treatment plant, before receiving final approval from the federal government.

Much like the Conemaugh River, shades of red can be seen in Topper Run. Behind the St. Michael fire department is the abandoned Maryland No. 1 mine shaft and the 3,500 gallons of acid mine drainage that pour out every minute. Rosebud Mining has been mining near the area for about five years but its work will soon come to an end if its can't drain the mine pool below.

"The only way we can go lower than 1,604 elevation is to lower the mine pool," said John Garcia, a spokesperson for Rosebud. "Our permit right now allows us to mine below 1,604 only if we de-water."

That's why Rosebud has agreed to pay more than $40 million on a project that will not only allow them to mine deeper, but also clean up the watershed.

"It's a huge win win for the communities," said Garcia.

Rosebud has already started construction on a $15 million water treatment facility, but it's a gamble for the company who has not yet received a discharge permit.

"The permit is currently being reviewed by Department of Environmental Protection and setting the discharge standards," said Garcia. "It's only a $15 million bet."

And with the drainage amounting to 30 percent of the total overall load for the Little Conemaugh River, it's a bet the Cambria County Conservation District is pleased to see.

"The department has always told us that we don't have that kind of money to treat these big discharges and this is the largest one," said Robb Piper, manager of the conservation district. "It's the biggest one that's actually in time being looked at first."

Rosebud hasn't only agreed to completely pay for the treatment plant and it's operation, it also plans to start a fund that will keep it running far into the future. Final approval from the Environmental Protection Agency could take several months.