Thank you for visiting the Cumberland Mine No. 9 Bleeder Shaft Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) Project community information page.
Iron Senergy is committed to maintaining open communication with our neighbors, local officials, and other stakeholders throughout the project. This page provides an overview of the project and answers frequently asked questions.
The Cumberland Mine No. 9 Bleeder Shaft RTO Project is an environmental improvement initiative designed to reduce methane emissions from the mine’s ventilation system.
The project will install Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) technology to safely destroy ventilation air methane (VAM), a naturally occurring greenhouse gas released during underground coal mining. By reducing methane emissions, the project helps lower greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining the safe operation of the mine’s ventilation system.
An RTO is an emissions control system designed to safely destroy methane contained in ventilation air from underground coal mines. The technology has been successfully deployed at mining operations throughout the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Underground coal mines require large volumes of fresh air to maintain safe working conditions. The ventilation air leaving the mine contains very low concentrations of methane. While these concentrations are too low to use as a fuel source, they can be safely destroyed using an RTO, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
No. The project does not change how coal is mined. It is an environmental control project that treats ventilation air after it exits the mine.
Yes. The project has been designed with multiple safety systems and will be operated by trained personnel in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, industry best practices, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Construction activities may temporarily increase deliveries of equipment and materials. Once construction is complete, only routine maintenance traffic is expected.
Construction activities may generate temporary noise during normal working hours. Once operational, the RTO system has been designed to minimize operational noise and will comply with applicable permit requirements.
The project is intended to improve environmental performance by reducing methane emissions. The system will operate in accordance with applicable air quality permits issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Iron Senergy is the project owner and operator. Qualified contractors, equipment suppliers, and engineering firms are supporting the design and construction of the project.
Community members are encouraged to contact the project team at any time.
Email: CumberlandRTO@ironsenergy.com
Community Information Line: 724-395-3270
Email: CumberlandRTO@ironsenergy.com
Community Information Line: 724-395-3270
Questions, comments, or requests for additional information may be submitted by email or by leaving a message on the community information line. A member of the project team will respond as promptly as possible.
Major project milestones and community notices will be shared as appropriate throughout construction and commissioning.
Iron Senergy values being a responsible member of the community. We are committed to maintaining open communication, responding to community questions, and operating the Cumberland Mine No. 9 Bleeder Shaft RTO Project in a safe, environmentally responsible, and compliant manner.
