Abandoned mine drainage, or AMD, in this case iron rich or "yellow boy" pollutes a tributary of the Chartiers

	IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM

	UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM

	SOLVE THE PROBLEM

	THE NEXT STEP

EVALUATING ABANDONED MINE DISCHARGES (AMD)

PROJECT SCOPE

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.

PURPOSE

Understand AMD surface discharges and their mine pool sources. Prioritize sites and propose remediation solutions.
Develop a restoration plan.

GOAL

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.

OBJECTIVES

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.

METHOD

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.

SITES AND FINDINGS
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.
	LOCATE & CHARACTERIZE AMD SOURCES
	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.
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:

Click on the yellow circle representing an AMD discharge site on the mine map to see the characterization of each discharge and the proposed mitigation (treatment) for each discharge. Green shading represents underground recharge area for each discharge site.

Mine Map showing mine discharge basins, mine pools and discharge sites

Click on the yellow circle on the map above or on the discharge name below
and scroll down to view characterization & mitigation for that discharge:

Click on the yellow circle on the map below or on the discharge name above
and scroll down to view characterization & mitigation for that discharge:

DEVELOPING THE REMEDIATION PLAN


Chartiers Creek before Discharges
*DISCHARGE*	*IMPACT*
Wingfield	0.0 miles
*Coal Run*	*0.6 miles*
*Millers Run*	*2.5 miles*
Backchannel	4.2 miles
*Scrubgrass Run*	4.8 miles
Hope Hollow	5.4 miles
*Robinson Run*	*6.3 miles*
*Campbells Run*	*7.5 miles*
Whiskey Run	*9.3 miles*
Ohio River	*16.7 miles*
Chartiers Creek after Discharges

Chartiers Creek
before Plan

Locate & characterize major AMD sources

Measure impact of AMD inflows on receiving streams

Develop options for each discharge

Evaluate site & land constraints

Prioritize the sites
pollutant loading
impact on stream
impact on recreation
cost effective treatment

Develop a Plan that delivers
solution for each discharge
estimates costs
istream chemistry mpacts
cost / benefit ratio

Develop advanced treatment plan for one discharge

Chartiers Creek
after Plan

MEASURE IMPACT OF AMD INFLOWS

PRIORITIZE THE DISCHARGES

LOADING | CHEMISTRY

DIVIDING THE WATERSHED INTO RESTORABLE SEGMENTS

UPPER | MILLERS | BACK CHANNEL | SCRUBGRASS/HOPE | LOWER

COST / BENEFIT

HIGH PRIORITY | MEDIUM PRIORITY | LOW PRIORITY

IMPLEMENTING THE RESTORATION

The restoration 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. Several recommendations from the plan have been funded and are being managed by local watershed conservation groups. Track progress on these projects thru the conservation group links below. Over a million dollars in Growing Greener grants have been awarded for the following AMD projects:

A passive treatment design has been developed for Wingfield Pines, and a construction grant was announced. Allegheny Land Trust is managing the project.

A reclamation project that will affect the Gladden discharge was announced for Fishing Run and the abandoned Maud Mine. South Fayette Conservation Group is managing the project. Permits have been received and initial construction is underway.

Wanashee Conservancy has been awarded a Growing Greener grant to characterize and evaluate the discharges in the Robinson Run watershed. Monitoring data and reports have been posted to their website. Robinson Run is a large tributary of Chartiers Creek.

Scott Conservancy is in the process of securing property and funding to establish a passive treatment system at the Woodville site. This would be their second project. Scott's existing AMD pond at Scrubgrass Run has mitigated AMD pollution for over a decade. The bright orange sediment recovered from the site, referred to as "yellow-boy", is recycled and used for pigment in paints and dyes.

Stream Restoration, Inc is proceeding with AMD remediation in the watershed.