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problem
project
scope
sites
& findings
remediation
plan
map
Abandoned
Mine Discharges
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IDENTIFYING THE
PROBLEM
UNDERSTANDING
THE PROBLEM
SOLVING
THE PROBLEM
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Update
an understanding of surface discharges and the underlying
mines of nine major Abandoned Mine Discharges (AMD) in the
lower Chartiers Creek watershed. Use this
characterization data to develop and prioritize engineering
design options.
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PURPOSE |
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To
understand AMD surface discharges and their mine pool sources.
To prioritize sites and propose remediation solutions.
To develop a restoration plan.
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GOAL |
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Measure
discharges and develop a GIS-based hydrologic model. Determine
loading calculations for the discharges. Produce
original data regarding the impact of discharges to Chartiers
Creek and its tributaries. Develop
remediation options for each discharge and a detailed
conceptual design for the preferred alternative. Develop a
restoration plan.
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OBJECTIVES |
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Monitor
flow and chemistry monthly for one year to characterize nine
major surface discharges. Compile and digitize deep mine maps
to characterize underground topography and mine pools. Compare
with historical mine drainage studies. Identify key property owners
to determine potential remediation sites. Develop a prioritization matrix
to facilitate cost-effectiveness evaluation for remediation
projects.
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METHOD |
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Evaluation
of Mine Discharges from Abandoned Coal Mines in the Lower
Chartiers Creek Watershed and Restoration Plan for Large Mine
Discharges to Lower Chartiers Creek were funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP)
thru Growing Greener. The studies were conducted by Hedin Environmental and GAI Consultants. |
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SITES
AND FINDINGS
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Each discharge was measured for flow (gallons per minute
– GPM) and chemistry (pH, temperature, alkalinity, iron, aluminum,
manganese, sulfate, acidity, conductivity). Flows were measured by a
variety of means including flumes, weir, stream gauge or timed
container fills from piped discharges. Chemistry was measured with
field devices or PADEP lab analyses. Discharges were sampled in
2002. The stream above and below each discharge was sampled in
2004. After hurricane Ivan, additional samples were taken on
Millers Run, Campbell's Run and Robinson Run - in November of 2004,
and again in February 2005. Photos were taken in November 2004.
Maps for the underlying mines
were obtained and geo-referenced to form a GIS database. Maps were
obtained from the Office of Surface Mining and the University of
Pittsburgh Library. A base map for the area was prepared by the Works
Progress Administration (WPA). Some of these maps were originally
prepared by the Pittsburgh Coal Company. Contours (underground
topography) of the mine floor elevations were developed by GAI and
discharge points were referenced.
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The result
is a topographical
representation of the mine substructures that provides dimensional
understanding of the location, varying elevations, slopes and
direction, capacity, mine pool sources and discharges. It is
interesting to note that “recharge area”, the mine sprawl that
drains each discharge, ranges from 1080 acres (Whiskey Run) to 4400
acres (Scrubgrass/Woodville). Six hundred forty acres (640) equal one
square mile. That gives some idea of the sprawling dimensions of the
mines that honeycomb beneath:
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MAP LEGEND
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MINE
DISCHARGE MAP
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Click
on the yellow circle
representing a discharge site on the mine map to see the
characterization of each discharge and the proposed mitigation for
each discharge.
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Wingfield | Coal |
Gladden
| Presto Sygan | Woodville/Bridgeville
| Scrubgrass | Hope
Hollow | Whiskey |
Robinson
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the gold leaf or yellow square at right links you to each step
at left or below
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COST /
BENEFIT
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HIGH
PRIORITY SITES |
| DISCHARGE |
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REASONS
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Gladden
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Highest
Fe loading
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Treatment
will restore 3.8 miles of Millers Run and improve 3.8 miles
Chartiers Creek
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Responsible
for aesthetic degradation of Chartiers Creek
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Treatment
is possible
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Wingfield
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First
AMD degradation to Chartiers Creek
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Will
restore 2.5 miles of Chartiers Creek
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Landowner
willing
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Moderate
cost solutions
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MEDIUM
PRIORITY SITES |
| DISCHARGE |
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REASONS
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Presto-Sygan |
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Highest
Al loading
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Inflow
where aesthetics degraded
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Agreeable
landowner
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Planning
is in progress
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Scrubgrass |
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Existing
investment in treatment system
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Visible
site used by local schools
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Promising
ways to manage water so that system would be more effective
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Bridgeville |
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Highly
visible discharge-McLaughlin Run
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5th
Fe loading (iron)
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2nd
Al loading (aluminum)
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Several
possible solutions
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Woodville |
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7th
Fe loading
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inflow
to backchannel and Chartiers Creek prominent
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Affordable
treatment options
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Hope
Hollow |
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2nd
Fe load
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3rd
Al load
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Stream
devastated
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Treatment
expensive and no location identified
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Chartiers
Creek impacted above
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Cost/benefit
high
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LOW
PRIORITY SITES |
| DISCHARGE |
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REASONS
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Whiskey
Run |
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Lowest
loading
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Furthest
downstream
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Minimal
benefit to Chartiers Creek without upstream projects
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Little
public accessibility
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Coal
Run I & II
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Very
visible discharge
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Does
not degrade stream beyond in-stream limits
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Easy
to treat with passive technologies
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Nearest
treatment area is across CC and requires 2500 ft pipeline
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Cost/benefit
high |
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PLAN FOR THE
RESTORATION PLAN
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Recommendations
will be incorporated into the report delivered to PADEP in
January. It will discuss proceeding with Growing Greener proposals in
March 2006 for the Gladden design, the Woodville design and construction
and the Scrubgrass Run channel sealing.
The
plan is a
dynamic document that changes with new information and
opportunities. Since this project has begun, Hurricane Ivan
revealed AMD problems not previously considered and Growing Greener
grants have been awarded for AMD projects.
A
passive treatment design
has been developed for Wingfield Pines, and a construction grant was
announced. Final design is being developed for the Presto Sygan
site. A reclamation project that will affect the Gladden discharge
was announced for Fishing Run and the abandoned Maud Mine.
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problem
project
scope
sites
& findings
remediation
plan
map
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recreational activities
