DURYEA -- Conservation officials toured several abandoned mines Monday to figure out how to cleanup waterways throughout Luzerne and Lackawanna counties.
Newswatch 16 caught up with authorities Monday in Duryea.
Their goal is to eliminate mine drainage into surrounding creeks and streams which connect to state waterways.
Officials said the project is more than an environmental precaution.
"All functions need clean water. Everybody from the business that you work at to when you get home and you want a cup of water with dinner. It's the entire gamut. Clean water is vital for our safety, health and economy," said Robert Maiden, a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts.
Authorities also toured abandoned mine sites in Old Forge, Wilkes-Barre and Nanticoke.