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Historic Pine Grove Home Sells for $96,600 Amid Environmental Challenges

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/0 .. ls-for-96-600-amid-environmental-challenges.html
  Published in House and Home on Monday, January 5th 2026 at 9:46 GMT by Lehigh Valley Live

Historic Pine Grove Home Sells for $96,600: A Testament to Resilience and Community Preservation

A charming, historic single-family home in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, recently sold for a surprisingly low price of $96,600. While the figure might seem astonishingly modest in today's housing market, it reflects a complex narrative intertwined with community preservation efforts, environmental remediation challenges, and the enduring spirit of a small town grappling with economic shifts. The sale, finalized on January 25th, 2024, marks a significant moment for Pine Grove and highlights the dedication required to revitalize areas facing adversity.

The house itself is located at 139 S. Mill Creek Rd., Pine Grove. Built in 1876, it’s a two-story Victorian with three bedrooms and one bathroom, spanning approximately 1,405 square feet. While possessing inherent architectural charm – a hallmark of the Victorian era – the property's history is inextricably linked to the legacy of the former Cressona Coal Company and the environmental contamination that followed its operations.

The low sale price isn’t simply a reflection of the house’s age or size. It's deeply rooted in the ongoing remediation efforts for properties impacted by decades of coal mining activity. For years, homes in Pine Grove have been burdened with restrictions due to the presence of mine drainage and related contaminants impacting water quality and soil stability. These restrictions severely limit the usability of the land and significantly impact property values.

The Cressona Coal Company operated extensively in the area for over a century, extracting anthracite coal which was crucial to powering Pennsylvania's industrial revolution. However, the mining process left behind a legacy of environmental damage. Acid mine drainage (AMD), caused by water reacting with exposed minerals from abandoned mines, has been a persistent problem, polluting streams and impacting groundwater quality. This AMD is rich in sulfates, iron, and other metals, making it corrosive and harmful to aquatic life and human health if ingested untreated.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated the Pine Grove area as part of the Schuylkill River Basin’s Superfund site, a designation that acknowledges the severity of environmental contamination and triggers federal funding for cleanup efforts. This designation is crucial because it allows for resources to be directed towards addressing the widespread issues stemming from historical mining practices. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) also actively participates in remediation programs within the area.

The restrictions placed on properties like 139 S. Mill Creek Rd. often include limitations on well usage, prohibitions against certain types of construction, and requirements for ongoing water testing. These conditions make it difficult to secure traditional financing, deterring potential buyers and keeping property values depressed. While the current owners were able to obtain a deed restriction release through remediation efforts (more on that below), many properties still carry these limitations.

The recent sale is particularly notable because of the Deed Restriction Release program implemented by the Schuylkill River Watershed Association (SRWA). SRWA, in conjunction with state and federal agencies, has been actively working to identify and remediate contaminated sites within the watershed, including those impacting Pine Grove. A key component of their work involves obtaining releases from deed restrictions, effectively clearing properties for future use and potentially increasing their value.

According to information found on the SRWA website (linked in the original article), the Deed Restriction Release program provides technical assistance and financial support to property owners to enable them to meet the requirements for releasing these restrictions. This process often involves soil testing, water quality assessments, and implementation of remediation measures such as installing passive treatment systems to mitigate AMD impacts. The release allows a new owner greater freedom in using their land, removing a significant barrier to development and investment.

The buyer, identified as Eric Miller, is reportedly an investor who intends to renovate the property. The low purchase price reflects both the historical restrictions and the work required to fully restore the house and its surrounding environment. However, with the Deed Restriction Release in place, Mr. Miller now has a clearer path towards realizing the home's potential and contributing to the revitalization of Pine Grove.

The sale serves as a microcosm of larger challenges faced by many communities across Pennsylvania and Appalachia – areas that once thrived on coal mining but are now grappling with the consequences of environmental degradation and economic decline. The efforts of organizations like SRWA, coupled with ongoing state and federal funding, offer a glimmer of hope for these communities, demonstrating that through perseverance and collaborative action, it is possible to heal the land and build a more sustainable future. The $96,600 sale price isn’t just about one house; it's a symbol of resilience and the potential for renewal in Pine Grove.

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