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ANTRIM, Pa. -- An acid mine water treatment plant in Tioga County, Pennsylvania is now generating enough electricity to power itself, a first in the state.

Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Mike Krancer was on hand to open a valve Wednesday, allowing treated acid mine water to power a turbine at the Antrim Micro-Hydro Plant.

Acid mine water is a big problem in Pennsylvania, with water coming from abandoned coal mines contaminating rivers and streams. The contaminated water is now treated and used to power the plant before being released back into local waterways. The plant will also be able to sell its generated power to the electric company and receive revenue for its trust fund.

"Our long term plans are that the trust fund will generate extra revenues that can be used to fund other Acid Mine Drainage treatment facilities elsewhere in Tioga County," said Michael Smith, the DEP District Mining Manager.

The plant is awaiting federal approval to be able to sell back electricity, which will generate an addition $10,000 a year in revenue for the plant.