A Citizen's Handbook to
Address Contaminated
Coal Mine Drainage
EPA Report Collection
Information Resource Center
US EPA Region 3
Philadelphia, PA 19107
-------
Acknowledgments
Many people contributed their expertise to the preparation and
review of this publication. EPA and OSM would especially like to
thank the group of ad hoc citizens and government personnel who
provided input in its development and review. The document was
prepared by Tetra Tech, Inc under EPA contract #EPA-903-K-97-003.
Additional Copies
Please contact the Public Environmental Education Center (PEEC)
of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 3 at
(215) 566-5121.
Regional Center for Environmental Information
US EPA Region HI
1650 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
-------
Table of Contents
Introduction
Step 7. Understanding Coal Mine Drainage
Step 2. Getting Organized
Step 3. Assessing the Watershed
Step 4. Understanding Clean-up Options
Step 5. Establishing a Clean-up Plan
Step 6. Financing and Implementing Your Plan
i-i
1-1
2-1
3-1
4-1
tr.i
6-7
Appendices
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms
Appendix B: Information on the Federal Surface Mining
Control and Reclamation Act of 1977
Appendix C: Watershed Delineation Instructions
Appendix D: Stream Quality Reporting Form
Appendix E: Detailed Information on Treatment
Technologies
Appendix F: Matrix of Possible Funding Sources
Appendix G: Fact Sheet on Frequently Asked Questions
About OSM's Appalachian Clean Streams
Initiative (ACSI) Funding
References
-------
Introduction
THE PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE
This guide is intended to familiarize citizens and grassroots
groups with the history and chemistry of coal mine drainage (CMD)
from abandoned mines and to provide the tools needed to attack the
problem creek by creek, river by river, until the waters of Appalachia
once again run clean.
The guide provides an overview of the step-by-step process of
contaminated CMD clean-up and the role that citizens and
grassroots groups can play in that process. The steps include:
Step 1. Understanding Coal Mine Drainage
Step 2. Getting Organized
Step 3. Assessing the Watershed
Step 4. Understanding Clean-up Options
Step 5. Establishing a Clean-up Plan
Step 6. Financing and Implementing Your Plan
It is not a technical or regulatory document: it is a guide for
citizens who want to join with public agencies, universities, busi-
nesses, industry and other watershed stakeholders, to do something
about CMD from abandoned mines in their watershed.
In This
Chapter.
» The Purpose of
This Guide
» The Problem
The Challenge
» A Framework
for Action
« About This
Guide
' Introduction
-------
Cleaning up and protecting waterways
is built on three main principles:
« First, the target watersheds should be
those where pollution poses the
greatest risk to human health,
ecological resources, desirable uses
of the water, or a combination of
these factors.
« Second, all parties with a stake in the
specific local situation should
participate in the analysis of
problems and the creation of
solutions.
« Third, the actions undertaken should
draw on the full range of methods
and tools available, integrating them
into a coordinated,
multi-organization attack on the
problems.
The Pennsylvania Fish and
Boat Commission estimates the
economic losses from CMD
impacts on fisheries and
recreational uses in that state
alone at $67 million annually.
THE PROBLEM
Environmental Impacts from CMD
Contaminated water seeping from abandoned coal mine areas is
the most severe water pollution problem in the coal fields of the
Appalachian mountains of the eastern United States. Although there
are many possible contaminants in and around abandoned mines, the
most common and severe problem is the formation of acid mine
drainage (AMD), which can kill fish and aquatic insects, stunt plant
growth, eat away concrete and metal structures, raise water treatment
costs, and color stream banks and beds a bright, rusty, garish orange.
In addition, AMD can leach toxic concentrations of metals like iron,
and aluminum from mine rocks, causing further contamination of
creeks, rivers, and ground water. The problems of coal mine drainag*:
are not always from AMD; toxicities of certain metals and even
alkaline mine drainage can cause water quality problems in the
eastern United States.
While millions of dollars in water treatment have been spent on
CMD, serious problems remain. More than 7,500 miles of Appala-
chian streams are affected by CMD, with 80 percent of them in
western Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Economic Impacts of CMD
The U.S. Bureau of Mines estimates that the mining industry
spends about $ 1 million a day on treatment at working mines.
Clean-up projects at abandoned mines often involve costs in the
hundreds of thousands of dollars and more. However, lost revenues
from degraded recreational areas, increased drinking water treatment
costs, and the impact CMD can have on local communities Is often
much greater than the expense involved in preventing and treating it.
Successful clean-up projects, though often expensive, have significant
impacts on communities and their economic development potential.
For example, after a heavily contaminated 13-mile stretch of
Pennsylvania's Clarion River was restored through the efforts of a
CMD clean-up coalition, a thousand delighted people turned out to
witness the first fish-stocking. The revitalization of parts of the
Clarion has led to a proposal to designate the waterway as a National
Wild and Scenic River, a distinction enjoyed by only the Nation's
highest-quality waters. The environmental, economic, aesthetic, and
community benefits of cleaning up CMD make the endeavor more
than worthwhile.
Introduction
i-2
-------
THE CHALLENGE
Eliminating CMD from abandoned mines and restoring rivers
and streams to a healthy state represent significant challenges. While
the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977
(SMCRA, often pronounced "smack-ra" or "smick-ra") provides a
powerful vehicle for citizen and agency oversight of post 1977
mining operations, the authority for government action at pre-law, or
abandoned mines is limited; identifying parties responsible for
conditions at abandoned sites is difficult and often impossible.
Considering the scope of the challenge and the resources
required to mount a successful clean-up program, it is widely
recognized that an active, cooperative partnership between involved
citizens, academia, industry, and public agencies is essential in
attacking CMD from abandoned mines. For more information on
SMCRA and citizen involvement under SMCRA, see Appendix B.
What are "Pre-law" Mines?
Pre-law mines refer to cod mines that were
abandoned before the 1977 Surface Mining
Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA)
law took effect. This guide specifically
addresses these "pre-law" mines since the
authority and resources for government
action at these sites is limited and the
magnitude of the problem is so great.
A FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION
Starting in the 1930's under the Works
Progress Administration (WPA) program,
through the 1970's with "Operation Scarlift,"
and continuing up to the present under the
various abandoned mine land programs, public
agencies have been actively working to tackle
CMD. To bring greater awareness, attention,
and resources to abandoned CMD, the Office
of Surface Mining (OSM) Appalachian Clean
Streams Initiative (ACSI) and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Region 3 Coal Mine Drainage Initiative
(CMDI)have teamed up to provide leader-
ship to a coalition of parties interested in
CMD. In 1995, the coalition developed the
Statement of Mutual Intent (SMI) Strategic
Plan. The SMI provides a framework for
action to address water quality problems at
abandoned coal mines; more than 80 parties
have signed the SMI.
Role of Citizens and Grassroots
Organizations
Participation by citizens and grassroots
organizations in the watershed is critical
because they often have the greatest under-
standing of the problem, as well as the
Objectives of the Statement of
Mutual Intent
Build a clearinghouse to share and exchange data and
information identifying mine drainage sites and catalogue
abatement technologies that can restore water quality
adversely affected by CMD.
Raise public awareness about the serious environmental
problems associated with abandoned coal mine drainage.
Focus efforts to target streams degraded by mine drainage
for cleanup.
Work to develop and apply the best technology available
for cleaning up and preventing contaminated mine
drainage.
Support an effective remining program to eliminate some of
the mine drainage problems.
Provide forums to transfer technology and other information
about improving and restoring watersheds degraded by
mine drainage.
Develop shared information management systems to
minimize overlap in data collection and development.
Prepare periodic reports describing the extent and severity
of the mine drainage problem and the current status of
ongoing efforts to improve and restore degraded
watersheds.
•Introduction
i-3
-------
greatest interest in cleaning up the stream or creek. The role of
citizens and the organizations they form was highly regarded by the
coalition of public agencies and nongovernment groups involved in
developing the 1995 SMI. A progress report issued by the group in
1995 noted that:
"Grassroots organizations, in the form of watershed coalitions,
associations, advocacy groups, improvement committees, etc., are
the heart and soul of the movement to clean up [contaminated] mine
drainage and polluted streams."
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Introduction
This guide was developed through a cooperative effort by an ad-
hoc citizen's workgroup, EPA Region 3, and the Office of Surface
Mining (OSM). It has been designed to help citizens understand
CMD issues and clean-up options for abandoned coal mine drainage
sites.
A Citizen's Handbook to Address Contaminated Coal Mine
Drainage was one of the needs identified in the SMI Strategic Plan.
The guide does not contain engineering specifications for treatment
systems, detailed information on water testing methodologies, or
parameters for computer modeling of affected watersheds. It does,
however, provide a straightforward explanation of the issues involved,
actions required to address them, and references for more compre-
hensive discussions on the various topics.
Two CMD case studies are woven throughout the guide to
highlight where watershed groups have successfully tackled CMD
problems. The case studies are clearly identified with icons.
^ refers to the Oven Run Project in Somerset County, PA, and|
refers to the Mill Creek Project in Clarion and Jefferson Counties, PA.
In addition, the guide provides a resource information section at the
end of each step for those who want more information on the
material covered.
Appendices are located at the end of the guide that include the
following:
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms
Appendix B: Information on the Federal Surface Mining Control
and Reclamation Act of 1977
Appendix C: Watershed Delineation Instructions
Appendix D: Stream Water Quality Form ,
Appendix E: Detailed Information on Treatment Technologies
Appendix F: Matrix of Possible Funding Sources
Appendix G: Fact Sheet on Frequently Asked Questions About
OSMs Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative (ACS I) Funding
i-4
-------
Step 1: Understanding
Coal Mine Drainage
DEFINING COALMINE DRAINAGE
Coal Mine Drainage (CMD) from abandoned mines is water
which is affected by passage through, or alteration by, coal or
abandoned coal mine environments. CMD can have acceptable
water quality, but often it is contaminated. Contaminated CMD can
lower water quality and impair aquatic life, and is most often
characterized by one or more of the four major components:
* Low pH (high acidity), i.e., acid mine drainage (AMD)
* High metal concentrations
* Elevated sulfate levels
» Excessive suspended solids and/or siltation
Low pH (high acidity)
The majority of CMD problems result from surface water
contact with the unreclaimed waste rock and other earthen materials
or from the seepage or drainage of ground water which has con-
In This
Chapter.
Defining Coal
Mine Drainage
Pre-1977 Mining
Practices and
the Formation of
CMD
« Resource
Information
l-l
'Step 1
-------
Biological
Effects
pH Scale
pH Solution
If
j!l5
Eel, brook trout dte
Perch and plcede
Salmon, Mate.
crustaceans die (6.0)
-5 Stack coffee, most shaving lotkxis
-6
noutral
Battery add
•2 Normal stomach acidity (1.0 to 3.0)
Lemon juice (2.3), acid fog (2 to 3.5)
.3 Vinegar, wine, soft drinks, beer
Orange juice
Tomatoes, grapes, add depoatton (4 to 5)
Bread
Normal rainwater (5.6)
Urine (5.0 to 7.0)
M*(6.8)
Saliva (6.2 to 7.4)
-7 Pure Water
Stood (7.3 to 7.5), swimming pool water
Eggs
-8 Seamier (7.8 to 8.3)
SnBfnpoo
H Baking soda
Phosphate
.gent
GhkxfOB bfettcft, flntectos
IMcof
Soapi
IMk of magnesia (93 to 10.1)
11 Household ammonia (10.5 to 11.9)
Nonphosphate detergents
12 Washing soda (Na,CO,)
Hair remover
Oven cleaner
tacted the coal or rock strata remaining in
an underground mine. If the water
becomes acidic, it is referred to as "acid
mine drainage" (AMD). Acid is a
contaminant of primary concern since it
can leach toxic concentrations of metals
from rocks at mine sites.
Acids in streams are a problem
because they can corrode metal pipes and
structures, break down concrete, and kill or
stunt plants and other aquatic life-forms.
Acidic surface waters or runoff can also
break down metallic compounds of iron,
sulfur, manganese, and aluminum found in
nearby rock or earthen waste piles.
Where does the add come from?
Acid solutions form when surface or
ground water comes into contact with
acidic material, mostly pyrite, commonly
found in mine rocks, earthen refuse piles,
or underground mine works and/or auger
holes. The iron-sulfide mineral pyrite is
often found near subsurface coal seams
along with compounds containing manga-
nese, aluminum, and other metals. In the
presence of oxygen, ordinary rain water or
ground water can react with the sulfur to
form sulfuric acid.
Chemical Formula to Form
Contaminated CMD
A simplified version of the chemical
process that forms contaminated CMD
is shown below.
Pyrite (iron sulfide) + oxygen + water
react to create sulfuric acid + iron
hydroxide (yellow boy)
Step 11
Acid concentrations in CMD can reach levels that are more than
10,000 times higher than neutral waters, presenting a powerful
leaching agent that can dissolve significant amounts of metal com-
pounds and leach additional acid from rocks and earthen wastes
commonly found at most mine sites.
High Metal Concentrations
Layers of rock and earth above the coal removed during mining
commonly contain traces of iron, manganese, and aluminum and can
also contain other heavy metals. These metals can be dissolved from
mining sites through the action of acid runoff, as described above, or
can be washed into streams as sediment Many metals, though
common, can be toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms when they
are present in high dissolved concentrations. Dissolved iron and iron
precipitate, for example, can kill the aquatic biota that fish feed on,
thus reducing the overall fish population. Iron precipitate can also
clog the gill structures offish which will eventually lead to their death
1-2
-------
as well. In addition, precipitation of iron in the stream channel can
also wipe out the aquatic food chains and adversely affect fish
populations.
Elevated Sulfate Levels
As pyrite wastes are chemically broken down, a sulfate com-
pound is produced in runoff waters. Sulfates can bond with water
molecules to form sulfuric acid or can attach to calcium atoms to
form a gypsum sludge. Elevated sulfate levels are often found in
CMD discharges.
Excessive Silt and Suspended Solids
Most people think contaminated CMD results from chemical
reactions in streams, but a significant threat to water quality and
aquatic organisms comes from eroding soils at abandoned mining
sites, liny fly nymphs, insect larvae, and omer organisms that form
the base of aquatic food chains can be wiped out by heavy accumu-
lations of soil and mine waste particles that wash into streams after
rain events. Suspended silt particles can clog the gills of fish and
smother eggs on the stream bottom. Streams and rivers muddied by
silt and other suspended solids also mean higher costs at municipal
and industrial water treatment plants and accelerated sedimentation
in reservoirs.
What Do These Colors Mean?
White: High dissolved aluminum
concentrations are deposited as a
whitish powder as the aluminum is
oxidized back into solid form.
Black: Oxidized manganese appears
as a dark or black stain on creek rocks
Orange/Yellow: Oxidized iron has an
orangish, rusty color. Ferric (iron)
hydroxide gives CMD-contaminated
streams and seeps their characteristic
rusty, yellow-orange appearance.
Nicknamed yellow boy," the substance
forms after iron is leached from iron
sulfide wastes contained in rocks at
mining sites.
OVEN RUN
Oven Run, located in Pennsylvania's Shade
Township, is one of several tributaries that
discharge CMD into Stoneycreek River.
Stoneycreek River flows north from Somerset
County to "The Point" in Johnstown, where it joins
the Little Conemaugh to form the Conemaugh
River. Millions of tons of coal were removed from
mines in the Oven Run watershed during past
decades, and CMD problems were significant. The
estimated flow of CMD at one site alone exceeded
700,000 gallons per day (gpd). Degradation from
Oven Run and other tributaries severely impacted
aquatic life at Stonycreek River's downstream
locations, which did not support the thriving trout
fishery found above the CMD sites.
MILL CREEK
Mill Creek drains a watershed that covers nearly 60
square miles within Clarion and Jefferson Counties
in western Pennsylvania. The Main stem of Mill
Creek is approximately 15 miles long, with the
upper two-thirds of the channel and some
tributaries supporting a viable population of native
brook trout. The lower third of the main stem, from
the confluence with Clarion River to a point about
six miles upstream, had been so badly polluted by
acid mine drainage over a 50-year period that
most aquatic life had disappeared. Little Mill
Creek, which empties into the lower third of Mill
Creek, is the largest tributary and primary
contributor of CMD. Ten CMD discharges were
identified in the Little Mill Creek watershed.
* Step 1
1-3
-------
It has been estimated that 70 percent of
the existing acid drainage in Appalachia
is the result of past underground mining
operations (1969 ARC report).
PRE-1977 MINING PRACTICES AND THE
FORMATION OF CONTAMINATED CMD
Knowing how the coal was mined can provide you with clues as
to where to look for the sources of contamination. All past mining
approaches sought to remove coal from beneath sometimes thick
layers of soil and rock called overburden. Many of the various
coal-mining practices exposed the sulfur-containing rocks and
minerals to the weather, and in some cases, to groundwater flow.
There were and continue to be two approaches to mining:
removing the overburden to get at the coal (surface or strip mining) or
extracting the coal while leaving the overlying material in place
(underground or auger mining). Underground mining has accounted
for approximately 70 percent of the Appalachian mining production in
the past. Surface (or strip) mining, underground mining, and augering
were all common to the Appalachian region.
Surferce Mining
Surface mining was practiced where coal beds were at or near
the surface of eroded hillsides. Operators removed the overburden
with various excavating equipment to expose the coal outcrops. The
amount of material disturbed by this technique depended on the
thickness and quality of coal being mined, but in most situations,
resulted in more than just the near surface zone. The overburden fill
is left in the area and if located along drainage zones, can become a
source for acid formation if sulfur-containing materials are present
and exposed to water.
Auger Mining
Auger mining is the process of drilling out coal seams from a
vertical highwall with a large auger. This practice often accompanies
the contour mining process. Augers could penetrate horizontally
more than 200 feet into a seam, removing as much as 60 percent of
the coal. Waste material brought out with the coal was sometimes
placed back into the auger holes to prevent subsidence and tension
cracks at the surface. Auger holes can be a source of contaminated
drainage if rain percolates through the overlying layers and seeps into
the holes.
Underground Mining
Removing coal through a process of tunneling through the
relatively soft coal beds is among one of the oldest, and still most
Step 1i
1-4
-------
common, mining practice. In this practice (also called deep mining),
vertical, horizontal, and/or entire sloping mine works were con-
structed to provide access to the coal seam and to remove dust and
recharge fresh air supplies. Many old, abandoned underground
mines are honeycombed with miles of tunnels, capable of collecting
huge amounts of water. As this water passes through the overbur-
den and the maze of tunnels in the coal, it can react with the various
acid-forming materials (if present) and create strong concentrations
of acid.
RESOURCE INFORMATION
Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative. Office of Surface
Mining. n.d. Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative: A Plan to
Clean Up Streams Polluted by Acid Drainage. Brochure
explains what AMD is, how it can be eliminated, and discusses the
mission of the Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative.
Focusing on the Problem of Mining Wastes: An Introduction
to Acid Mine Drainage. Durkin, T.V., and J.G. Herrmann. Reprint
from EPA Seminar Publication No. EPA/625/R-95/007, Managing
Environmental Problems at Inactive and Abandoned Metals Mine
Sites. Obtained from Internet: http:www.info-rnine.com/technomine/
enviromrne/publicat/arndintroJitml.
Office of Surface Mining's WWW Home Page is accessible
through the internet at http://www.osmre.gov. OSM, 1951 Constitu-
tion Avenue, Washington D.C. 20240; (202) 208-2782.
Robertson GeoConsultants, Inc., hosts an online technical
discussion group on mining and related environmental issues. It can
be accessed by e-mailing listproc@info-mine.com. An informative
web site hosted by the group can be accessed at http://
www.Mo-niine.conVtechnoniine/enviromine/wetIands/
welcome.htm.
Stoneycreek-Conemaugh River Improvement Project (SCRIP)
of Pennsylvania maintains a homepage on the Internet at http://
ctcneLnet/scrip. This site contains a rich variety of information on
CMD and links to other resources on the World Wide Web.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conserva-
tion Service. See county listings for local offices.
U.S. Department of Energy, Morgantown Energy Technology
Center, 3610 Collins Ferry Road, P.O. Box 880, Morgantown, WV
26507-0880; Robert Bedick 304/285-4505.
1-5
• Step)
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 3 (Maryland,
Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia) is at (215) 597-3429; 841
Chestnut Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4 (Kentucky,
Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia) at (404) 347-2126; 61 Forsyth
Street, Atlanta, GA 30303.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 (Ohio) is at
(312) 886-0209; 77 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, DL 60604.U.S.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining, 1951
Constitution Avenue, Washington D.C. 20240; (202) 208-2782.
U.S. Forest Service. User Guide to Solid - Mining and
Reclamation in the West. Intermountain Forest and Range Experi-
ment Station, U.S. Forest Service, Ogden, UT. Gen. Tech. Report.
INT-68, SEAM; 1979.
Step 1'
1-6
-------
Step 2: Getting
Organized
FINDING POTENTIAL PARTNERS
The extensive problems of contaminated CMD from abandoned
mines far outweigh the limited resources and regulatory authority
that are available to agency staff to tackle this problem alone.
Cleaning up CMD from abandoned mining sites requires citizens,
business and industry representatives, agency staffs, and the
research community to work cooperatively and collaboratively.
Where dedicated, committed citizens—and trie local groups they
represent—have joined with government researchers and commer-
cial interests in battling CMD, real progress has been achieved.
What Is Happening in Your Watershed?
If you can answer "not much," maybe YOU should consider
providing the spark. Chances are, others in your area feel the same
way you do about the problems in your creeks and rivers. They are
probably just like you—waiting for someone to take the lead. While
government personnel can help to involve their agencies and
leverage funding, the "spark" for many clean-up projects has come
In This
Chapter.
» Finding Potential
Partners
» Outreach Is
Important
» Forming a
Watershed
Partnership
» Resource
Information
2-1
'Step 2
-------
Where Do I Start?
How do I find others to help tackle
the problem?
Should I try to educate the general
public on the problem?
Who will test the water, identify
contaminated CMD sources, check
out clean-up options, investigate
funding opportunities, hire the
contractors, install the treatment
technologies, and monitor the
results?
Potential Partners Are
Everywhere
» State, county, and local offices of
environmental protection
(including conservation districts)
* Federal offices: U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency,
Office of Surface Mining, National
Park Service, National Resource
Conservation Service, U.S. Forest
Service, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, U.S. Geological Survey
« Local businesses
» Environmental organizations
from interested, motivated private citizens and businesspeople.
Communities must voice their concerns and desires and initiate action
to address the problems plaguing their localities.
Identity Partners
Public agencies involved in abandoned mine lands, soil and water
conservation, and water quality should be high on the list of potential
partners. Glancing through the phone book "blue-page" listing of
government agencies provides a good starting point One or two good
contacts in a public agency can often generate a list of a dozen or
more potential public agency and university partners who will be
valuable in providing background information, identifying available
water quality and mining data, and developing links to public and
private funding sources for project implementation.
Reaching out to other organizations with an interest in water
quality, such as hunting clubs, fishing groups, civic clubs, youth
organizations, and others will help establish a strong base and bring
diverse perspectives to your efforts.
OUTREACH IS IMPORTANT!
As you begin to publicize your efforts and develop your group
membership, consider various outreach approaches including:
posters;
inexpensive brochures and newsletters;
presentations to civic clubs and other
organizations;
newspaper articles;
art contests;
events like trash clean-ups and water quality fairs.
OVEN RUN
In order to address the very significant CMD
problems in the watershed, a coalition of
government and non-government organizations
converged in the early 1990's to devise a unified
strategy. The Somerset County Conservation
District and the Stoneycreek Conemaugh River
Improvement Project (SCRIP) is a coalition of
agencies, organizations, and individuals interested
in improving the water quality of Oven Run,
Pokeytown Run, and the four-mile stretch of
Stoneycreek River from Oven Run to the Borough of
Hooversville. SCRIP was formed in 1991 when U.S.
Representative John Murtha realized that the
developing remediation project lacked central
authority, making it difficult to manage. Local
sponsors of SCRIP are contributing 50 percent of
CMD remediation costs, or about $2,500,000.
Step 2 *
2-2
-------
Messages can range from public education (e.g., the estimated
impact CMD is having on recreational opportunities in the area) to
solicitations for attendance and involvement at meetings or special
events.
Keep the effort in the public eye to help keep your partners
motivated and bring new members into the process. While you are
promoting your project and related educational efforts to the public,
keep in mind the old adage of advertising practitioners:
Reach x Frequency = Results
You want to reach as many people with your information with
as much frequency as possible to achieve the desired results,
whether your objectives are increased attendance at your meetings,
elevated knowledge of CMD and clean-up methods, or additional
funding for your project A well-conceived, carefully planned
step-by-step approach to outreach in your watershed will generate
interest and increase participation in your efforts.
Finally, remember that your primary goal is to clean up the
water. It is easy to find fault with what was done (or not done) in
the past, but rehashing history often does not translate into positive
action in the present or future. Keep the focus on the work neces-
sary to accomplish your objectives.
FORMING A WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP
As your group begins to analyze the problems, educate the
public, and recruit interested agencies and organizations, involvement
will grow. Building an organization takes awareness, planning,
involvement, thought, and work. There will be early struggles, some
setbacks and periodic pressures. It is helpful to recognize that these
difficulties are normal, and that real progress can be achieved
through a cooperative, inclusive process that focuses on the overall
goal: cleaning up the watershed and keeping it clean.
Why form a Partnership?
Developing a watershed partnership to tackle your project
ensures that no single entity will be seen as responsible for the work;
all interested agencies, organizations, civic groups, elected officials,
businesses, industries, and individuals will feel that they have a stake
in the process and its outcome. This approach also creates an effort
that is much more than the sum of its individual parts or members
and it provides the organizational strength and maturity needed to
weather the challenges and minor glitches that will surely come.
Building Blocks to Better Outreach
Effective outreach involves the following
steps:
» Define your objective
« Identify and characterize the target
audience
« Develop the desired message
« Select the delivery vehicle
(medium) for the message
• Deliver the message
» Evaluate the results
Partnerships are Forming
The Appalachian Clean Streams
Initiative (ACSI), founded by OSM in
1994, is currently supporting
coalition-based projects, lead by local
citizens, to clean up tributaries of the
Cheat River in West Virginia and
Monday Creek in southeastern Ohio.
Other alliance activity is sprouting up on
Pennsylvania's Lackawanna River and
Little Toby Creek, on the Tug Fork at the
Kentucky-West Virginia border, and on
dozens of other Appalachian waterways.
> Step 2
2-3
-------
Getting Organized in the Real World
The best advice on organizing and "getting the ball rolling"
comes from citizen activists in the field. Rod Piper of the
Stoneycreek-Conemaugh River Improvement Project
(SCRIP) provides the following insights:
« People like to work on what affects them personally.
» Make your activities known to potential public and private-
sector partners using an outreach program, including
newspaper articles and other approaches.
» Success often means getting the ear of local elected
officials, who can identify funding sources and interest them
in supporting the project.
"Grassroots organizations are initially
formed by environmentally conscious
citizens whose goal is to clean up a...
degraded watershed. As the partnership
grows, its composition changes to
include, in addition to the local and
other citizen organizers, representatives
from: federal, state and local government
agencies; academic institutions ranging
from grade schools to universities;
foundations; environmental groups; local
businesses and industry; public service
organizations; and others. The final
success of the effort depends upon the
contributions that each person and
group makes."
- Statement of Mutual Intent Strategic Plan
Roles of a Watershed Partnership
The partnership's role is many faceted.
Momentum must be maintained through
meetings and other forms of information
transfer and new members should be re-
cruited. Citizen members:
• help collect the information and data needed
to define problems and secure funding for
remediation projects;
* secure cooperation from local landowners
whose land may be affected by a project and
help get assistance from non-government
people and groups as needed;
» ensure government agencies' interest in the
project to secure the necessary funding; and
» are key to the continued maintenance and effectiveness of the
remedial measure after the project is completed.
Public agencies and some formal organizations that join the
partnership like to develop specific lists of roles they will play in the
effort These can often be outlined in a memorandum of agreement,
memorandum of understanding or other document These documents
serve to identify responsibilities, workloads, and participation.
Recruit Volunteers
Volunteers form the backbone of many CMD and watershed
protection coalitions. Since volunteers usually are able to work on
only an intermittent basis, it is important to manage their efforts so
they fit well into the overall scheme of activity.
Volunteers can handle assignments ranging from writing letters to
the editor to taking water samples (see next section), and they are
indispensable in planning and executing public awareness projects like
clean-ups, water quality fairs, and other events. Attracting volunteers
from partner organizations and the general public is vital in establish-
ing your partnership as a vibrant agent of action and change.
Establishing a Nonprofit Corporation
To better organize a watershed partnership and establish eligibility
for direct funding from governmental agencies, private foundations
and individuals, partnerships can organize as nonprofit corporations
under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The
benefits of this approach include:
Step 21
2-4
-------
* eligibility for grant funding;
• lower bulk mailing rates;
* limited liability for board members;
* tax exemptions; and,
* the ability to hire staff.
There is some paperwork in creating a nonprofit corporation and
reporting income and expenses, but if your partnership has the
membership resources to handle these tasks they are not too
difficult. Filing fees are usually less than $500.
If an established nonprofit organization (i.e., Resource Conser-
vation and Development Council, river protection organization, etc.)
is available to serve as a funding vehicle for your partnership
activities, consider working through that organization before creating
a new one.
Tips for Working With Volunteers
Know their skills; try to fit task
assignments to skill areas if possible.
Provide clear instruction and supervision
to avoid confusion.
Make tasks self-contained, so
responsibility assignments are evident.
Help volunteers understand how their
tasks fit into the overall goals.
Put volunteers to work in teams to add a
social dimension and fun to the work.
Thank them, invite them back, and
publicly recognize their efforts.
CMD Info on the Web
A good place to interact with new and established watershed partnerships is on the Internet.
The Stoneycreek-Conemaugh River Improvement Project (SCRIP) of Pennsylvania maintains
a homepage on the Internet at http://ctcnet.net/scrip. This site contains a rich variety of
information on CMD and links to other resources on the World Wide Web.
The U.S. Geological Survey has a CMD-relatedsite at http://water.wr. usgs.gov.
Robertson GeoConsuttants, Inc. hosts a technical discussion group on mining and related
environmental issues that can be accessed by e-mailing listproc@info-mine.com. An
informative web site hosted by the group can be accessed at http://www.info mine.com/
technomine/enviromine/wetlands/ welcome.htm.
Another interactive discussion group is at http://www.microserve.net/~doug/index.html, with
information on CMD from the same host located at http://www.microserve.net/~doug/
aciddra.html.
The Office of Surface Mining's WWW Home Page is accessible through the internet at httptf
www. osmre.gov/astart2.htm.
The Friends of the Cheat web site can be found at http://tipswww.osmre.gov/~lwindle/
cheat2.htm.
The Clean Streams listserve can be found at cleanstream@osmre.gov.
'Step 2
2-5
-------
Tips for Productive Meetings
Establish a clear agenda; allow time
for each item and some indication of
the desired outcome.
Sit in a circle or semi-circle so each
person can see the others.
Appoint a timekeeper, and stick to the
agenda. If additional time is needed
on an item or other items arise, have
the group decide how to proceed.
Encourage everyone to speak, and
don't allow one or two individuals to
monopolize the dialogue.
Sum up points that have been made to
facilitate understanding and speed up
the process.
The chair should help guide the group to
achieve resolution of the action items by
identifying important points and
alternatives and clarifying decisions.
Identify tasks, responsible parties, and
time frames for action specified.
Set the date, time, and place for the next
meeting; and establish a process for
updating those who could not attend.
Steps to Incorporation
» Identify the incoiporator (often an attorney who helps with
the legal paperwork for the corporation);
» Elect a board of directors and officers;
» Draw up the articles of incorporation and by-laws;
* File the documents with the secretary of state's office; and
* Apply to the IRS for a federal tax exemption.
Do we hove to?
Although incorporating has some benefits, many partnerships are
able to operate quite successfully without pursuing this option. CMD
restoration projects funded by public agencies can often proceed
under the jurisdiction of the agency itself. Sometimes partnership
member organizations are able to serve as funding conduits for grant
funds on behalf of the watershed partnership. It will be up to your
group to decide which path is best. The key point is not to get bogged
down in organizational detail unless it is essential to the project's
success. People want to spend their time cleaning up the creek,
not attending endless meetings on bureaucracy and paperwork!
MILL CREEK
In the spring of 1990, representatives from private
and governmental organizations met to discuss
ways to improve the quality of water in Mill Creek.
Attendees at that first meeting included members of
community groups, environmental organizations,
environmental consulting firms, biology professors
from Clarion University, representatives from the PA
Game Commission and Fish and Boat
Commission, U.S. Soil Conservation Service and
Conservation District personnel, and elected
officials from the region. The initial discussions led
to organization of a conference to discuss the
feasibility of improving the quality of water in Mill
Creek, and the formation of a watershed coalition to
achieve this goal.
Step 2*
As a result of the initial meetings and subsequent
conference, the Mill Creek Coalition was formed by
the following partners: The Alliance for Wetlands and
Wildlife, Damariscotta Environmental Consultants,
Clarion County Conservation District, Jefferson
County Conservation District, Clarion County
Federation of Sportsmen, Jefferson County
Federation of Sportsmen, Iron Furnace Chapter of
Trout Unlimited, Magic Forest of West-Central
Pennsylvania, League of Women Voters of Clarion
County, Seneca Rocks Audubon Society, and the
Natural Resources Conservation Service.
2-6
-------
RESOURCE INFORMATION
Watershed Partnerships
Building Local Partnerships. CTIC. An overview and
explanation of teamwork among groups, challenges and benefits,
how partnerships develop, obstacles, selecting technical advisors,
conducting effective meetings, and team building exercises. Contact
CTIC at (765) 494-9555.
A Citizen's Action Guide to River Conservation. The
Conservation Foundation. A "how-to" book to encourage con-
cerned citizens. Emphasizes building multi-interest citizen coalitions
through community involvement and stream conservation efforts.
Clean Water in Your Watershed: A Citizen's Guide to
Watershed Protection. Terrene Institute. 1993. Washington, DC.
Guide designed to help citizen groups work with local, state, and
federal government agencies to design and complete a successful
watershed protection or restoration project (202) 833-8317.
Environmental Partnerships: A Field Guide for Nonprofit
Organizations and Community Interests. Management Institute
for Environment and Business. Available from the Management
Institute for Environment and Business at (202) 833-6556.
How to Save A River: A Handbook for Citizen Action.
Contains information on forming a watershed group, developing an
outreach campaign and identifying problems that rivers face. River
Network. Contact River Netwo± at (202) 364-2550.
Know Your Watershed Campaign. CTIC. A series of fact
sheets designed for people who want to organize a local partnership
to protect their watershed. Contact CTIC at (765) 494-9555.
Little Nescopeck Creek-Jeddo Tunnel Rivers Conservation
Planning Project List of Partners. Wildlands Conservancy.
Listing of project partners includes members from several groups,
including: colleges and universities, citizens' groups, conservation
organizations, government, and private industry.
' Step 2
2-7
-------
Outreach
Getting the Word in the Fight to Save the Earth. Richard
Beamish. This book provides dps on communicating with your
members to keep them involved, designing outreach materials, and
fundraising strategies. Available from Johns Hopkins University
Press, 2715 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4319.
How To Handbook (Draft). U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. A guide for developing materials, developing your message,
and identifying appropriate communication channels.
Incorporation
Starting Up. River Network. It contains information on devel-
oping a mission statement, recruiting a board of directors, fundraising,
creating a budget, working with the media, producing a newsletter, as
well as tips on using the watershed protection approach for river
conservation. The handbook is $25 for non-members and $10 for
members. The River Network's eastern office is located at 4000
Albemarle Street, N.W., Suite 303, Washington, DC 20016, phone:
(202) 364-2550. Their internet home page can be found at
www.teleporLcom/~rivemet/index.htm
Step 2 •
2-8
-------
Step 3: Assessing the
Watershed
TARGETING PROBLEMS
After you have established your watershed partnership and
have begun the important task of publicizing your efforts and
educating the public, the data gathering begins. Your group will be
organizing a detective force to gather all available information on the
watershed drainage area by reviewing maps, mining records, and
other documents; talking to local people who are familiar with the
specific mines; and conducting watershed assessments. Collecting
existing and new information on the watershed drainage area is very
important. Identification and characterization of CMD problem sites
will determine and prioritize where clean-up projects will be con-
ducted.
Maps, mining records, and other documents can be obtained
from OSM, state mining agencies, state geological surveys, county
clerks and property assessors, local historians, residents, archives,
libraries, or sometimes from former employees. Much of the existing
information and data pertaining to natural resources is organized by
In This
Chapter.
» Targeting
Problems
Conducting a
Background
Search
Investigating the
Watershed
• Field
Assessment
Tools and
Procedures
» Conducting the
Watershed
Assessment
* Resource
Information
3-1
' Step 3
-------
Sources of Background
Information
County clerk offices
State water quality agencies
State geological surveys
Local conservation districts
Libraries
Universities
Private consultants and industry
Federal agencies
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Surface Mining
U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Since a good deal of information is often
available from agencies, it is very
important to contact them early in the
process.
counties, states, and school districts. State water quality agencies
prepare Water Quality Inventory Reports every two years, as
required by Congress under Section 305(b) of the Clean Water Act
These reports contain data on stream monitoring, physical evaluations,
problem areas, and other important information.
CONDUCTING A BACKGROUND SEARCH
Background information is helpful in determining where old mines
are, what practices were used and who owns the land. Some early
mining information may not be recorded, but most mining companies
kept documents and maps of their activities. Since a good deal of
information is often available from agencies, it is very important to
contact them early in the process. The advice and guidance of
agency staff are vital to the work of watershed partnerships, and the
motivation and energy of the partnership contribute to the work of the
agency. Many times, citizens are surprised to learn that their creek or
river has been monitored extensively by an agency or university
research team. The summarized results of that data can provide
valuable information for newspaper, radio or television coverage of
the problem. Be advised, however, that sometimes data are old. Take
precautions to check the dates of any data or other information
provided, since water quality conditions change over time.
INVESTIGATING THE WATERSHED
After you have collected background information on your
watershed, you will probably want to get out in the field and take
water quality measurements to determine if there are areas impacted
by CMD discharges. The following section provides an overview
the tools commonly used in stream assessments, instructions on 1
to delineate a watershed, and recommendations for selecting sam
MILL. CREEK
Information from the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, PA Department of Environmental
Protection, and Clarion University faculty and
students led to the identification of 18 CMD
discharges along a ten-mile stretch of Little Mill
Creek. Fifteen of the discharges were the result
of surface mining, with the other three stemming
from abandoned gas wells. The flow rates and
chemical characteristics of each discharge varied, but
the general ranges were as follows: flow rate of 10-50
gallons per minute (gpm); acidity 250-500 parts per
million (ppm); iron 50-250 ppm; aluminum 0-7 ppm;
manganese 1-15 ppm; and sulfates 1000-1600 ppm.
Step 3 •
3-2
-------
pling sites. References to obtain more detailed information on
stream assessments is provided in the Resource Information section.
Collecting Data
Even though previous data on water quality in your project area
might exist and should be used, it can be useful to collect site-
specific data on water quality conditions as part of your background
search. More comprehensive data collection will be needed when
conducting the watershed assessment as discussed in the next
section.
Consider asking an area college or water quality/mining agency
to come out for a day to run some basic tests. College professors
who teach biology, chemistry, geology, hydrology, or environmental
science often welcome the opportunity to take their students on a
field trip, where they can use their testing and lab equipment in a
"real world" situation. Students who are interested in pursuing a
career in the sciences are always looking for projects to work on for
their future resumes, and many professors like to conduct research
projects for eventual publication.
High school science teachers and students likewise can be
valuable assets to your project. Many high schools have lab facilities
and some can conduct fairly sophisticated water quality tests in the
field. Involving these local teachers and students often results in the
recruitment of interested parents who staff agencies, businesses,
factories, and civic groups that can become partners in your project
Do It Yourself!
If you are unable to interest a university or high school in testing
the water, consider doing it yourself. Many grassroots groups and
watershed partnerships—such as the Isaak Walton League—have
members who have at least some college chemistry and/or biology
training and are more than capable of gathering baseline information
on flow rates, fish habitat conditions, acidity, and other parameters.
Check to see if there is a volunteer monitoring program in your
watershed. These programs are usually staffed by trained nonpro-
fessional citizen members who are usually well-organized and
operate under rigorous quality control guidelines. Many of the
organizations take water quality samples and assess stream and lake
conditions on a periodic basis.
The Field Crew
The watershed assessment will most likely involve a host of
volunteers. A lot of people who attend your meetings want to do
something—they aren't happy sitting around talking about organiza-
tional issues, funding research, or deciding who is going to be on the
communications committee. Many of them will find their niche
. The Stoneycreek-Conemaugh River
Improvement Project (SCRIP) developed
a CMD monitoring program using
trained volunteers and university
students with considerable success.
3-3
> Step 3
-------
Potential Volunteers Are
Everywhere
University and high school students
Members of local environmental
organizations
Scout troops
Teen clubs
Civic groups
Retired persons
through the field work aspect of the project There is a lot of work
involved, but it is rewarding, interesting and often enjoyable.
Proper organization, supervision, and management of field work
is absolutely essential if your findings are going to be used as the basis
for a clean-up program. It is important to obtain professional help
when defining and conducting the actual data collection process. If
you have water quality or mining agency people in your partnership
who are willing to handle the field assessment, let them. Agency
personnel can sometimes train field volunteers, supervise them, and
manage the investigation. In addition, established environmental
organizations such as the River Network and the hook Walton
League, etc. may be able to provide training. For more information
on these different organizations, refer to the Resource Information
section at the end of this chapter.
Training field volunteers
Field volunteers require some basic training in using the sampling
tools, interpreting the different color conditions of the stream, and
identifying bugs that could be potential indicators of CMD. It will also
be important for volunteers to learn the proper use of topographic
maps, pH testers, and conductivity meters. Ideally, many of your
volunteers will be somewhat knowledgeable about the work they will
be doing. Make every attempt to pair up an experienced assessor
with inexperienced volunteers for the best results.
It is a good idea to recruit water quality agency staff, university
personnel, or watershed organization members to conduct the
training. Hopefully, you will have some of these people within your
partnership and can interest them in coordinating training for the field
staff.
Field Assessment Tools
Maps are excellent reference and planning documents, but when
it comes to pinpointing CMD sources, the best method is to find the
sites in the field, locate them on a topographic map, take water quality
samples, estimate volume or discharge amounts, and enter the
information into your database.
Topographic Maps
Before you conduct your watershed assessment, you will need to
obtain topographical maps. "Topo" maps show the "lay of the land"
with their detailed contour markings, making it easy to identify hills,
ridges, waterways, roads, and other features. Each map measures
about 18 x 20 inches and covers an area of about 7 miles by 8.5
miles. The production dates of these maps vary across the country, so
Step 31
3-4
-------
be sure to note when your maps were printed. If they are very old,
be alert for possible differences in road routes, buildings, and other
features.
Two types of maps should be used to assess the watershed: a
county highway map and a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
7.5-minute topographical map. The county highway map provides a
detailed layout of roads, creeks, and other landmarks of the area
and is useful for finding general regions to be investigated. The
USGS topographical maps are used to delineate watershed bound-
aries and to identify sources of water, drainage ditches, creeks,
rivers, some mine sites, structures, power lines, pipelines, ponds, and
other features.
Testing Equipment
Basic test kits for pH can be purchased from any national firm
for less than $75, with some of the color comparator pH kits priced
in the $30 range. The best pH testers are the newer
microprocessor-based units, which fit easily in a shirt pocket and
can detect changes down to one-tenth or even one-hundredth of a
pH standard unit They cost $45 to $100, and display readings on a
small digital screen. A pocket-sized conductivity meter is another
good investment for field testing and is used to measure the amount
of dissolved metals found in water samples. Conductivity refers to
the ability of an electric current to pass through the water more
quickly due to the presence of dissolved solids.
If you decide to do the testing yourself, it is a good idea to
involve professionally trained partners, agency staff, or volunteers
so that the readings are taken in the right places at the right times,
and good records are kept of the sampling stations and results.
Bug Cards
In addition to visual observations, an effective water quality
assessment tool for field volunteers is a simple pictorial key to
stream insects and crustaceans. The Izaak Walton League of
America publishes an excellent "bug card" printed on both sides of
a notebook-sized sheet of poster board. The organisms on the key
are grouped according to their pollution tolerance.
Field Assessment Procedures
Ask Permission
Make sure your assessors have landowners' permission before
they work on private property. Landowner information is available
3-5
Typical Watershed Assessment
Parameters
« Water quality measurements (pH,
dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen
demand (BOD), conductivity, metals)
« Flow
« Visual observations
« Biology
Tools of the Trade
» Topographic and county map
« Compass
« Clipboard, pen, and paper
« File folders in which to collect
information on each site
* pH tester
« Flow measurement devices
« Camera
« Macroinvertebrate keys
« Pocket-sized electrical conductivity
meter
' Step 3
-------
from county clerks, property assessors, neighbors and other knowl-
edgeable local people. This also allows the collection of information
from each landowner, who can often direct field volunteers to sites
that require investigation. Interest and support from landowners will
be needed if treatment needs to occur on their property.
Safety First
Since some field sites will be remote, field workers should make
sure that other people know exactly where they are going and when
they expect to return. Investigators should always travel in pairs and
should be in fairly good health for the physically demanding task they
will be performing. If water samples are to be taken downstream
from houses with questionable septic systems, plastic or rubber
gloves, antiseptic towelettes, and a hepatitis shot are advisable. Make
sure volunteers are advised to never drink water from streams,
springs or other untreated sources in the field. Drinking water from a
reliable source should be brought into the field in canteens or jugs.
Keep Your Data Organized
As information becomes available from these and other sources,
it will be important to keep it organized Subdividing the watershed
into smaller units (subwatersheds, or the drainage areas of smaller
feeder streams) will allow for easy processing and storage of
informatioa Chart information collected on maps, labeled with file
numbers of pertinent information at specific sites. For example, a
map for the Mill Creek subwatershed might pinpoint a site as "CMD
Source #12," which would correspond with a file folder (Mill Creek
#12) which contains documented site information and water test
results for that particular location. Organizing your watershed
assessment in this manner will help to keep all your information in an
easy-to-use format
OVEN RUN
A resource inventory found six sites of
significant CMD discharges from deep mine
openings, stripping and erosion of land
downhill from CMD discharges, erosion in spoil
areas, seepage .of CMD into streams, and
infiltration of CMD-ponded water into the
ground water. These six sites were chosen for
treatment due to potential public health and safety
risks, the high acidic content of the water, and the
destruction of aquatic life in many sections of
Stoneycreek River. The main public health concern
focused on the Borough of Hooversville, which has a
drinking water intake pipe in Stoneycreek River two
miles downstream from the CMD sites.
Step 31
3-6
-------
CONDUCING THE WATERSHED ASSESSMENT
Delineate Your Watershed
Prior to conducting your field assessment, you must first
delineate the boundaries of your watershed on a topographic map.
See Appendix C for step-by-step instructions to watershed
delineation. Marking off watershed boundaries on a USGS "topo"
map is easy once you understand how the contour lines correspond
to the elevation (above sea level) of the land. In delineating water-
sheds and subwatersheds, the trick is to use the contour map to find
the ridges that separate watershed drainage areas. Establishing all
the high points surrounding a drainage area will provide a
"connect-the-dots" outline of the watershed boundary.
Visual Survey of the Watershed
After delineating the watershed boundaries and any sub-
watersheds, volunteers will conduct a visual survey of the area to
identify major geographic features, land use activities, and other
characteristics. Locate any piles of coal or coal waste, particularly
if obvious contaminated CMD is flowing from them. Investigators
should record the location of coal strata, or areas where pieces of
coal are exposed on the ground surface. Maps should locate any
CMD seeps, abandoned houses or towns, old buildings and mining
equipment, abandoned railroad tracks or ties, and disturbed areas
where water is standing.
Establish Sampling Sites
The volunteers' job is to methodically cover the tract assigned,
which is a portion of the subwatershed along and above a stream
with verified CMD problems. CMD-affected streams can be
identified by sampling water quality at selected points. Sampling
sites should be selected carefully, since they will provide baseline
and post-project data that will help to determine how effective the
clean-up effort has been.
In general, a primary sampling site is situated at the lowest
elevation of the target watershed, where the stream or river exits the
project area. Other sites are located along the main stem of this
waterway (3 to 6 sites, or more if necessary) and at the mouth of
each feeder stream that empties into the main stem. (Note: Be sure
to take mouth samples well upstream from where the feeder stream
empties into the main stem, since some mixing of main stem and
feeder stream water normally occurs at the point of confluence).
Other sampling sites can be located up from the mouth of the feeder
streams if they are large and contain areas of possible CMD. Of
course, if a feeder stream mouth sampling site does not appear to be
Clues to Contaminated CMD
1. Contaminated Colors
Red, rusty-colored stream banks and
bottoms indicate the presence of iron;
white deposits indicate the presence of
aluminum; and black deposits indicate
the presence of manganese.
2. No Bugs
The absence of aquatic organisms like
stonefly and mayfly nymphs,
hellgrammites (go-devils), crawdads,
caddisfly nymphs, and other insect
larvae and crustaceans that usually live
among and under the rocks in clean
streams.
3. Toxic Readings
Readings on color comparators or pH
testers below the 6.0 range can be good
indicators of CMD as well. (Note:
Normal rainwater has a pH of around 5.6
and lower in some parts ofAppalachia
due to acid rain, so avoid testing right
after significant rainfall.) If you also
measure conductivity, readings above
800 generally indicate the presence of
dissolved metals and probable CMD.
However, a conductance of 800 or
greater is frequently obtained in areas
where bicarbonate, sodium, and
chlorides are high. Highly alkaline
groundwater discharge from aquifers
can also cause such a reading.
3-7
'Steps
-------
Stream OiuBty Reporting Form
Loeaton dMcripfen (l.«. 43. irilM 141 Gamy CiMk Ro«J (n Can* Ciwk) _
Untqu* MnvhngslMld«rhMk«tfc>nnumbw(^M notion the topogcapMcadrrwp)
STTECOMHTIONS
low «t rito (gdtont p«r minot»)
. ^
AQUATIC OftQAHBUS tPttH, HWSCT&, ETC^ APPEARANCE OF VnEAMBEDffiOCKS:
iyp« Nimbtr _ «wy - brown
STREAUBEOOOOR:
PraMnc*otgut»g« yM no OMafbatnwofllttrln«nd«round»M«ttMm._
Ctafccnr LfMr problem to MV*nWmodwtt»/1
CbtfouB wptc tyttKn probtom. yM
QWVMI bloctogM yM no
Remember Pre-law vs. Post-law
Discharges
Some of the CMD discharges might be
resulting from post-SMCRA operations.
If so, regulators will want to initiate an
investigation quickly so contact your
state water quality and mining
regulatory agency as soon as possible.
affected by CMD, it is usually not necessary to establish
upstream sampling points.
Identify CMD Discharges
While in the field, volunteers should take water quality
samples, conduct a visual survey of the stream, record flow
measurements, and note the presence of any aquatic
organisms. If they find indications of CMD, they should
look first along the stream channel and feeder creeks and
ravines for signs of CMD sources.
If these signs are present, the field crew should attempt
to determine whether the CMD discharge is coming from
the stream bank area or even from the bed of the stream
itself. This can be difficult to determine because the
discharge can range from a field of small seeps to a running
or even gushing flow. If the crew suspects a discharge
along the bank or from the bed, they can take pH readings
just above and below the suspected discharge area to see if
there is a significant change (1.0 or greater difference in
pH readings, or significant differences hi conductivity
readings).
As suspected CMD discharges are located, they should be
pinpointed on the map and assigned a unique subwatershed name
and identification number, as noted in the previous section. Readings
on pH, color observations, insect and crustacean information,
approximate discharge rates (in estimated gallons per minute),
noticeable odors, and other pertinent information should be written in
ink on a site assessment form and placed in a file folder. Be sure
the volunteers label each form or sheet with a number that corre-
sponds to the number designated on the topo map! Photo or video
documentation of the sites should be made whenever possible.
A stream water quality reporting form is included in Appendix
D for you to photocopy and use on your assessments.
Report Contaminated CMD Discharges
It is important if your field team finds a contaminated CMD site
(i.e., low pH, absence of aquatic organisms, stained water, etc.), to
locate it on a map, and notify state water quality and mine regulatory
agencies immediately. These agency officials can then check
whether or not it is an active, or post-SMCRA discharge, and take
appropriate action. If not, they can also enter this information into
theur abandoned mine land database. Having these agency people in
your partnership will ensure that this task is accomplished and that
further investigation can begin in a timely manner.
Step 31
3-8
-------
RESOURCE INFORMATION
Macroinvertebrate Keys
The Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) publishes an
excellent "bug card" printed on both sides of a notebook-sized sheet
of poster board. IWLA can be reached a (800) BUG-IWLA.
Topographic Maps
USGS maps are available at the geology departments of major
state universities, local or county planning commission offices,
sporting goods stores, or directly from the USGS (phone: (703)
648-6892; address: USGS, Reston, VA 22092).
Field Assessment
The Art and Science of Mine Drainage Prediction (paper).
Hyman, D.M., J.W. Hawkins, R.L.P. Kleinmann, and G.R. Watzlaf.
1995. Attachment to letter from William J. Kovacic, Field Office
Director, OSM Lexington Office, to Carl Campbell, Commissioner,
Kentucky Dept. for Surface Mining, Frankfort, KY, November 29,
1995.
The Strip Mining Handbook: A Coalfield Citizen's Guide to
Using the Law to Fight Back. The Environmental Policy Institute.
Chapter 9 provides information on monitoring a strip mine. Contact
the Institute at (202) 544-2600.
A Stream Watcher's Stream Guide. Izaak Walton League of
America. Summarizes indicators of pollution in flowing waters.
Streamwalk Manual. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Region 10,1994. The manual is designed to be an easy-to-use
screening tool for monitoring stream corridor health. EPA 910-B-94-
002.
The Volunteer Monitoring Guidance on Stream Surveys
(Draft). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The manual will be
finalized soon and will include detailed information on conducting
streamside surveys.
3-9
' Step 3
-------
Water Quality Testing Kits
A few of the firms that have testing equipment catalogues
available are:
Forestry Supplies, Inc.
HACK Company
International Reforestation Supply
LaMotte Company
Wards Natural Science Establishment
Wildlife Supply Co.
(800) 752-8460
(800) 227-4224
(800) 321-1037
(800) 344-3100
(800) 962-2660
(517) 799-8100
Volunteer Monitoring
Save Our Streams. The Izaak Walton League of America
has volunteer training materials through its Save Our Streams
program. Contact IWLA at 707 Conservation Lane,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878-2983, or call (800) BUG-IWLA.
The Volunteer Monitor's Guide to Quality Assurance
Project Plans. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This
document outlines the procedures a monitoring program will use
to ensure that the samples collected and analyzed are of high
quality. Contact the Volunteer Monitoring Coordinator at (202)
260-7018.
The Volunteer Monitor. A periodic newsletter that covers
issues like the organization and management of volunteer monitor-
ing programs, training, testing methodologies, planning approaches,
and other themes. Subscriptions are available by contacting
Eleanor Ely at 1318 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94117
or by calling (415) 255-8049.
Step 31
3-10
-------
Step 4: Understanding
Clean-Up Options
TARGETING CLEAN-UP SITES
Understanding the various CMD treatment methodologies will
help you understand the engineering portion of your project. A brief
overview of these approaches appears below. More details on
treatment methods are included in Appendix E. These systems
involve assessment, design, and construction assistance from
qualified professionals and are presented here only in summary
form.
OVERVIEW OF TREATMENT APPROACHES
Assessing CMD sites for possible construction of treatment
systems involves analyzing four basic criteria: water chemistry, flow
rate, available land, and financial/in-kind resources.
Treatment methods to address CMD focus on neutralizing,
isolating, stabilizing and/or removing problem pollutants through
various chemical, physical and biological processes. There are two
In This
Chapter.
« Targeting Clean-
up Sites
» Overview of
Treatment
Approaches
» Reclamation
and
Remediation
* Resource
Information
4-1
'Step 4
-------
Technical and Economic Factors to
Consider for Active Treatment
Systems
Technical factors include the acidity
level of the discharge, rate of flow, types
and concentration of metals in the
water, rate and degree of pH increase
desired, and the solubility of the
chemicals in the water.
Economic factors include cost of the
reagents, handling costs (labor,
machinery, and equipment), and the
number of years that treatment will be
needed.
basic types of treatment systems. Active treatment involves the
addition of alkaline chemicals such as lime, soda ash, or ammonia,
with the contaminated drainage to decrease its acidity and speed up
the removal of metals. Passive systems clean contaminants from
mine drainage by exposing it to air, limestone, cattails and other
vegetation that form carefully designed components of ponds,
neutralization ditches, buried channels, and wetlands.
AcffVe Treofmenf Systems
Active CMD treatment uses strong alkaline chemicals such as
lime, caustic soda, ammonia, and calcium oxide to neutralize acid so
that metals can be precipitated and removed. Active treatment
systems are classified by the chemical used to treat the CMD.
There are six chemical reagents which are typically mixed with
contaminated mine drainage in active systems. Each chemical has
characteristics that make it more or less appropriate for a specific
condition. The best choice among the alternatives depends on both
technical and economic factors.
* Limestone (calcium carbonate)
« Hydrated Lime (calcium hydroxide)
* Pebble Quick Lime (calcium oxide)
» Soda Ash Briquettes (sodium carbonate)
« Caustic Soda (sodium hydroxide)
« Ammonia (anhydrous ammonia)
MILL CREEK
The CMD treatment methodology chosen involved
the use of anoxic limestone drains (ALDs) which fed
constructed anaerobic wetlands. In the fall of 1991,
the Howe Bridge Site treatment system was
constructed to treat two adjacent CMD discharges.
The flow rate of the two discharges was between 30
and 40 gallons per minute (gpm), which loaded 100
to 125 pounds of iron and acidic water (pH = 3.0)
into Mill Creek each day. Damariscotta
Environmental Consultants designed the system,
and the 876th Engineer Battalion of National Guard
Company B, stationed at Punxsutawney in Jefferson
County, built it. Documented performance of the
system included the removal of 90 to 95 percent of
the iron, and a 300-fold increase in pH (from
a pH of 3.0 to a reading of 6.0).
The National Guard built two more systems
in 1992, improving the water quality of the
discharges to the same standards as the first
treatment system. The three systems
eliminated high levels of iron and low (acidic)
pH readings from the discharges that
entered Mill Creek for a distance of six miles.
In 1994, a system was built for Little Mill
Creek to clean up the last six miles of the
main stem of Mill Creek.
Step 41
4-2
-------
Cross Section of Passive Treatment System
(from University of Kentucky, Department of Agronomy)
Concrete Block
with mastic sealer
Sediment Bask*
Concrete Footini
j Concrete Footina
Passive Treatment Systems
Passive systems remove or neutralize contaminants in mine
drainage by exposing them to air, limestone, vegetation in ponds,
neutralization ditches, buried channels, and wetlands. Exposing
CMD to air helps to precipitate metals through oxidation processes;
limestone contact neutralizes acid by adding alkalinity; vegetation
such as cattails filter contaminants and aid in oxidation and metals
removal; and organic wetlands remove metals and provide habitat
for bacteria that break down sulfates.
Since passive systems are designed to make use of gravity flow
through ponds, buried channels, ditches and wetlands, they can treat
CMD without the continual addition of chemicals or neutralizing
agents. In general, ponds are used to collect mine drainage, settle out
larger particles of sediment, oxidize metals, and can reduce acidity
when underlain with organic material and limestone. Ditches convey
drainage to ponds or wetland cells, and often contain crushed
limestone rock for acid reduction. Wetlands serve a variety of
treatment functions, including filtration of smaller sediment particles,
uptake of water and some contaminants, oxidation/adsorption of
metals, and removal of sulfates through bacterial action.
Aerobic wetlands
Aerobic wetlands are used for low-acid CMD to collect flows,
settle out sediments and provide residence time so that metals in the
water can precipitate. Cattails and other wetland vegetation are
Constructed aerobic wetlands
typically consist of:
« A basin having a natural or
constructed low-permeability barrier
of soil;
« Synthetic liner material to minimize
seepage;
» Substrate (soil or another suitable
growing medium), placed over the
barrier to support and nourish
vegetation; and
* Wetland plants such as cattails and
other planted or emergent
vegetation.
4-3
' Step 4
-------
Cooperation between your partnership,
regulatory agency personnel, private
contractors, funding sources, and elected
officials will be vitally important during
the design and construction phase of
your clean-up plan.
planted in an aerobic wetlands substrate to promote the uptake of
water and small quantities of metals and other contaminants.
Anaerobic wetlands
These wetlands are used to treat CMD that is higher in acidity or
sulfate concentrations. Anaerobic wetlands are similar to aerobic
wetlands in appearance; however, they are underlain with an organic
muck (substrate) and a layer of limestone.
Anoxic Limestone Drains (ALDs)
ALDs are buried trenches or channels containing crushed
limestone into which acidic CMD is channeled. As the CMD flows
through, the limestone is dissolved, alkalinity is added and pH is
increased. The channels are covered to reduce or eliminate the
presence of oxygen; the elimination of oxygen prevents the develop-
ment of an iron oxide coating (armor) on the limestone.
Alkalinity Producing Systems (APS or SAPS, Successive Alkalinity
Producing Systems)
APS or SAPS combine the use of ALDs and anaerobic wet-
lands. Elevated dissolved oxygen concentrations are often a design
limitation for ALDs. If dissolved oxygen concentrations are above 1
or 2 mg/1, the water can be collected in a pond underlain with drain-
age pipes which are covered by limestone and capped off with
organic material.
Limestone Ponds (ISPs)
LSPs are a new passive treatment approach in which a pond is
constructed on the upwelling of an AMD seep or underground water
discharge point Limestone is placed in the bottom of the pond and the
contaminated water flows upward through the neutralizing limestone.
Reverse Alkalinity Producing Systems (RAPS)
RAPS are similar to limestone ponds in design and installation,
but are more efficient in removing metals.
Open Limestone Channels (OLCs)
OLCs can be used to increase alkalinity and reduce acid, but
armoring reactions promoted by contact with the air will reduce
their effectiveness somewhat.
OVEN RUN
Plans for CMD treatment in the watershed include
the use of rock-lined channels to divert CMD
surface water, and a combination of alkalinity
producing systems, settling ponds, and wetlands
using composted mushroom spoil and cattails.
During construction, erosion and sediment control
practices will be applied, and existing areas of erosion
and infiltration to ground water will be addressed
Step 4 *
4-4
-------
Design Considerations for Passive and Active Systems
Trenches, wetlands, and ponds of treatment systems must be
designed to handle the CMD flow and predicted rainfall. These
constructed devices should be impermeable to prevent seepage of
the CMD into the ground, where it can bypass the remainder of the
treatment system and contaminate ground water. Linings can be
clay or grassed if the flow is not excessive. If the flow is consider-
able, rip-rap (large rocks that do not contain acid-producing material)
can be used to slow the flow, or other nondegradable, nonerodible
material like plastic liners can be used Sometimes check dams
made of rip-rap or straw bales are installed to reduce the velocity of
CMD flows through channels or ditches, and they must be designed
and constructed to ensure containment of the flow plus predicted
rainfall.
Side slopes of ponds, wetlands and other embankments must be
designed and constructed to prevent slippage and erosion, which
usually involves establishing a thick stand of grass. Kentucky
Bluegrass, tall fescue, reed canarygrass and Bermuda grass make
excellent vegetative covers for embankments and ditch features.
RECLAMATION AND REMEDIATION
Sometimes it is possible to prevent the formation of contami-
nated drainage at abandoned mine sites through reclamation,
remining or other remediation approaches. This option removes the
need for treatment, which is often expensive, labor intensive and
long-term.
Capping
One common preventive approach involves capping mine
wastes with a layer of impermeable clay to restrict rainwater
percolation and formation of CMD. If a field investigation deter-
mines that rain water is flowing into underground mine works
through identifiable openings at the surface, it is advisable to fill and/
or seal the openings to prevent CMD. Remediation can also include
re-directing streams to reduce contact with contaminant sources like
coal waste piles.
Remining
In other cases, there is still recoverable coal in the vicinity of
contaminated mine drainage. Before CMD sites are scheduled for
expensive treatment system construction, it may be worthwhile to
4-5
'Step 4
-------
have a geologist deteimine whether enough coal is present at the site
to justify remining. Some old mines were worked before the develop-
ment of modem equipment, so it is possible that significant coal
reserves are still present. The remining contractors would apply for
permits that would ensure that their operations prevent the generation
of CMD by careful planning, engineering and operational approaches
to the remining work.
RESOURCE INFORMATION
Treatment Technologies
(Appendix E of this guide includes detailed descriptions and
limitations on various treatment technologies for CMD.)
Development of New Technologies for the Utilization of
Municipal Sewage Sludge on Surface Mined Lands. Final
Report. Haering, K.C. and W.L. Daniels. October 1,1991. Depart-
ment of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, "Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State University. Report investigates new technologies
that revolve around using sewage sludge mixtures as a soil type to
support plant growth on coal refuse piles for stabilization.
Kentucky Coal Mining Practice Guidelines for Water
Quality Management, Kentucky Division of Water and University of
Kentucky Agronomy Dept; Natural Resources and Environmental
Protection Cabinet, Commonwealth of Kentucky; March, 1996.
Lime Substitutes for the Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage.
Heunisch, G.W. 1987. Mining Engineering, pp. 33-36. Two new lime
substitutes for treating AMD were tested and compared. Sludge
settling rates are faster with the new lime substitutes than those
obtained using real lime.
Managing Environmental Problems at Inactive and Aban-
doned Metals Mine Sites, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development, EPA 625-R-95-007.
Passive Treatment of Coal Mine Drainage, U.S. Department
of the Interior, Bureau of Mines Information Circular 9389,1994.
Practices for Protecting and Enhancing Fish and Wildlife on
Coal Surface-Mined Land in Central and Southern Appalachia.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1983. FWS/OBS-83/08. Information
on best current practices (BCPs) to protect and enhance fish and
wildlife resources on surface-mined land in central and southern
Appalachia.
Step 4 *
4-6
-------
Renovation of a Failed Constructed Wetland Treating High
Metal Load Acid Mine Drainage in the Rock Creek Watershed.
Barton, C.D., and A.D. Karathanasis. 1996. In 1996 Kentucky
Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference Proceedings, Kentucky
Division of Water, September 1996.
Revegetation and Minesoil Development of Coal Refuse
Amended with Sewage Sludge and Limestone. Joost, R.E., R.J.
Olsen, and J.H. Jones. 1987. Journal of Environmental Quality.
16(1)65-68. Study in So. Illinois found that the use of dried sewage
sludge and/or limestone to ameliorate acid coal refuse for establish-
ment and survival of three forage grasses is indeed effective.
Statement of Mutual Intent Strategic Plan for Restoration
and Protection of Streams and Watersheds Polluted by Acid
Mine Drainage from Abandoned Coal Mines: 1995 Progress
Report. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S.
Department of the Interior. Discusses current mine drainage control
activities in VA, PA, WV, MD, and OH, as well as future CMD
activities.
' Step 4
4-7
-------
Step 5: Establishing a
Clean-Up Plan
ESTABLISHING PRIORITIES
After your group has completed an assessment of the water-
shed, identified potential CMD discharge sites, and reviewed the
basic treatment methodologies, a plan should be developed to
address the highest-priority problems. During this phase of your
project, it will be most important to involve the technical profession-
als, agency personnel, and volunteer monitors who will be dealing
with the prioritization, design, funding, installation, maintenance, and
monitoring of the treatment method selected.
Form a Committee
The work undertaken during this phase is usually managed by a
special committee, with regular reporting to watershed partnership
members on progress.
This technical committee will ideally involve representatives
from mining and water quality agencies, soil and water conservation
programs, university research institutions, environmental protection
In This
Chapter.
» Establishing
Priorities
Setting Goals
and Objectives
« Developing a
Plan of Action
» Resource
Information
5-1
'StepS
-------
agencies, private engineering firms, landowners, public officials, and
citizens. In deciding how to proceed, the committee will review
results of the monitoring program, the nature and amount of available
funds and other resources, space requirements for selected site
treatment systems, and landowners" willingness to participate.
Define Clean-Up Parameters
The process of identifying where and what type of treatment
approaches to use is highly subjective. Water chemistry, flow,
available space, and financial resources will determine the nature of
the remediation projects approved for construction. Since water
quality and flow are two primary considerations in the deliberations,
the importance of a well-designed, well-executed monitoring and
assessment program (see Step 3) cannot be overstated. Monitoring
groups will provide the data to professional staff and agency repre-
sentatives involved in the remediation design that will dictate the path
of much of the clean-up program.
The following section describes the process for determining the
desired outcomes for each watershed and subwatershed, and how
these activities affect the goals that have been established.
MILL CREEK
There were six main factors that influenced the
group's decision to clean up Mill Creek.
» Even though Mill Creek was heavily polluted,
the group felt the watershed could be
improved. If a clean-up attempt was not
made, Mill Creek would continue to
deteriorate.
» Previous studies on CMD within the
watershed had already been conducted and
documented by U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers and the PA Department of
Environmental Protection.
• The watershed included both Jefferson and
Clarion Counties, which brought to the table
each county's NRCS office, Conservation
District, and Resource Conservation and
Development District organizations. The
involvement of two counties was also advantageous
for financial support considerations.
« The lower half of Mill Creek's main stem included a
public access recreational area known as PA Game
Commission Game Lands Unit #74. This region
had a high potential for a recreational cold-water
fishery.
• Future strip mining was not a concern since most of
the watershed had been previously mined and the
quality of the remaining coal was low.
« Mill Creek is easily accessible'for both Clarion and
Jefferson residents.
Steps*
5-2
-------
Set Priorities
Regional watersheds contain multiple subwatersheds, which
have unique attributes, problems, and uses. Federal and state
agencies define surface waters as high-quality outstanding resource
waters (such as Wild and Scenic Rivers); primary contact recre-
ational waters (swimmable), secondary contact waters (fishable);
domestic water supply sources (drinking water sources), cold water
aquatic habitat (trout-quality streams), and warm water aquatic
habitat (a catch-all category for nondesignated waters). States
usually designate their waterways as serving one or more of these
uses. If a water body does not support its designated use, it is said to
be use-impaired and is often targeted for remediation.
After investigating the uses, quality, characteristics, and relation-
ships that each water resource has within the watershed, individual
goals for subwatersheds can be established. These goals usually
depend on existing and future desired uses, so consideration should
be given to public health concerns, drinking water quality, recre-
ational uses, and aesthetic quality, among other criteria. In selecting
a watershed for a clean-up project, pick a site that is doable.
Tackling an extremely polluted site that is beyond the capabilities of
the partnership and the resources available might lead to failure and
frustration, dean up smaller areas first, then move on to bigger
ones; it will give your partnership valuable experience and the
motivation that comes from executing successful projects.
SETTING GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
In setting goals for your watershed and subwatersheds, it is vital
to work with the state water quality personnel within your partner-
ship. These agencies collect and maintain records on most water
bodies within the state, which are forwarded to Congress every two
years as part of the state's requirements under the Clean Water
Act A close alliance with public agencies during all phases of your
project will pay dividends by having the project at least considered in
the agency's official documentation and goal-setting processes.
Determining the goals and desired condition of water resources,
however, is increasingly left to the discretion of citizens and other
stakeholders in the watershed. Under the watershed protection
approach being implemented by state and federal agencies, regional
watershed partnerships are charged with the authority and responsi-
bility for developing criteria for the desired quality of water re-
sources in their regions. Through this process, partnership members
set goals for the watershed (fishery support, recreational use,
aesthetic beauty, etc.) and then identify factors that prevent attain-
ment of the goals. Problem factors are then assessed, and plans are
developed to address them.
5-3
A goal for your CMD-impacted waterway
might be to lower the levels of acidity and
metals to the standards required for
designation of your stream as cold water
aquatic habitat. When considering
long-term goals for the watershed,
partnership members should widen the
scope of their assessment to include
problems stemming from nonmining
sources.
' Step 5
-------
Use your goals and objectives as guidance for the project, but do
not become so obsessed with them that you become inflexible.
Unforeseen circumstances abound in any project Maintain a clear
sense of ultimate purpose (cleaning up the watershed) and perception
to help your group recognize future challenges and opportunities
when they emerge and make it easier to deal with them. Establish a
process for revising components of the objectives as necessary to
make the work proceed with minimal disruption.
Start with a "Vision"
A "visioning" process is often employed to establish goals for the
watershed. Partnership members bring unique perspectives and
desires to the partnership, and the melding of these diverse outlooks
and aspirations into an achievable plan provides the sense of owner-
ship stakeholders need to stay involved over the long term. From the
vision synthesized by the partnership, long- and short-term goals can
be established and plans to reach those goals can be developed.
When considering long-term goals for the watershed, partnership
members should widen the scope of their assessment to include
problems stemming from nonmining sources. Erosion, failed or
nonexistent onsite sewage treatment systems, nutrient runoff, and
other nonpoint and point sources of pollution often contribute signifi-
cantly to water quality problems in Appalachian watersheds. Devel-
oping a comprehensive watershed plan involves identifying all
contaminants and developing strategies to deal with them.
DEVELOP A PLAN OF ACTION
By addressing your prioritized CMD problems througha
step-by-step approach, you can create a sense of steady progress
toward achieving the goals of your partnership. Start by assigning
each task group or committee a section of the work plan and ask
them to determine the following:
* a group leader
» a start-up date
» actions to complete (objectives)
» a completion date
» any obstacles they can predict that might slow the process down
« strategies to address those obstacles, and a plan for reporting
regularly to the entire partnership group
It is important to keep the public informed on your progress
through regular news releases, media tours, brochures, public meet-
ings, and other outreach methods.
StepS*
5-4
-------
Develop a Schedule
Although there is no simple solution for turning your plans into
action, having a master schedule will help organize your tasks. The
comprehensive schedule should include budgeting information,
funding and technical assistance sources and mechanisms, individual
and task group assignments, and critical deadlines for negotiations
and actions.
Partnership members need to understand their roles in the
partnership work plan, be willing to give their time and effort, be
honest and open-minded, and accept the various setbacks, pressures,
and frustrations that will arise. Patience and persistence will be
required from those involved, especially the leaders of the group. It
is important for your partnership members to recognize that the task
they are undertaking represents a significant challenge. The prob-
lems of CMD were not created in a year or two, and it is unlikely
that the watershed will be cleaned up in that period of time.
Choosing Group Leaders
When choosing group leaders, consider each member's deter-
mination, dedication, reliability, and ability to articulate the goals of
your partnership. It is important to have stable leaders who can keep
the group focused and assist in solving disagreements. Good "people
skills" are important for group leaders because they often have to
deal with disagreements on strategy, work assignments or other
issues. Technical know-how is helpful, but do not forget the human
dimension of your work. Involving the maximum number of water-
shed partners will greatly add to the success of your project, so
select leaders who act in an inclusive, mutually respectful manner.
Lead the
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection reiterated the
importance of watershed partnerships with strong leadership in the state's 1996
Comprehensive Plan for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (August 1996):
"Partnerships among public and private institutions are essential to accomplishing
the goals of this comprehensive plan. Partnerships can develop at any phase of the
planning process. The leadership role among the partners is the most important
decision the partners make. The earlier partners establish a leader and define their
individual roles, the more effective they will be. For the most part, leadership should
lie with a local organization where there is strong, local support and a commitment
to long-term solutions."
' Step 5
5-5
-------
Organizing Takes Time
The SCRIP partnership in
Pennsylvania spent 3 years organizing
the watershed assessment, conducting
field studies, and analyzing treatment
options. Funding for some of their
projects has come only recently, after
several years of work.
Assign Responsibilities
It is important to assign responsibilities for managing progress
toward each objective, and to identify partnership members who will
be involved. Watershed groups can proceed more quickly with their
projects, as enthusiastic agency personnel, business people, citizens,
industrial leaders, and elected officials involve themselves in the
effort. This "snowball effect" can create tremendous momentum for
your project, though with increasing velocity and mass (more people)
come organizational, scheduling, and work assignment challenges.
Diligence, mutual respect, and a strong commitment to participatory
partnership decision-making processes will ensure that progress
occurs as smoothly as possible and that all participants feel the sense
of involvement and momentum that vitalize and enhance CMD
clean-up efforts.
Potential Roadblocks
A number of factors can affect the start date of your actions.
Lack of funding and technical support, unresolved conflicts within the
group, and communication gaps between funding and technical
assistance participants and organizations are all examples of problems
you might need to resolve before making firm dates to start work.
Committee leaders will need to determine the actions required to
complete specific sections of the master schedule, solicit volunteers to
perform the tasks, and establish a completion date. These decisions
should be reported to the partnership periodically to ensure that other
possibly conflicting or mutually necessary activities can be coordi-
nated. When organizing their work, those responsible for implement-
ing objectives in the plan should define the roles of outside organiza-
tions and individuals and should devise a way to evaluate progress
and ensure that alternative or backup plans exist.
OVEN RUN
On December 20, 1993, a letter of mutual support
and cooperation for the restoration of Oven Run
was signed by seven federal agencies, three state
agencies, and five local organizations. The local
NRCS office prepared a preliminary report on the
watershed, and a resource plan was developed
by the Northeast Regional Technical Center and
local NRCS offices. The local NRCS is also
designing the systems which will be used to clean
up the CMD at the six selected sites in the project
area.
Area Conservationist Jim Gettinger attributes the
success of the project to three elements: a strong
local emphasis, early involvement of agencies and
other organizations, and the sense of ownership
that comes from an inclusive approach.
Steps*
5-6
-------
RESOURCE INFORMATION
Clean Water in Your Watershed: A Citizen's Guide to
Watershed Protection. Terrene Institute. 1993. Washington, DC.
Guide designed to help citizen groups work with local, state, and
federal government agencies to design and complete a successful
watershed protection or restoration project
Cleaning Up Contaminated Sediment: A Citizen's Guide.
U.S. EPA. Jan. 1995. Prepared for the U.S. EPA/GLNPO by the
Lake Michigan Federation. This guide has a section devoted to
public involvement in the clean-up of contaminated sediment
Environmental Partnerships: A Field Guide for Nonprofit
Organizations and Community Interests. Management Institute
for Environment and Business. 1995. To order, call 800/782-4479.
Environmental Planning for Small Communities: A Guide
for Local Decision-Makers. U.S. EPA. 1994. Designed to help
leaders of small communities develop a community environmental
plan that will save money, make the best use of resources, and meet
all environmental regulations. Offers tips on how to build a partner-
ship, develop a shared vision, and define community needs.
How to Do an Urban Streambank Cleanup. West Michigan
Environmental Action Council. Describes the steps necessary to
organize and carry out a stream cleanup.
5-7
' Step 5
-------
Step 6: Financing and
Implementing Your Plan
FINANCING YOUR PROJECT
A primary limitation to turning your plan into action will be the
ability to fund your project. Numerous sources of funding and
technical assistance are available to groups attempting watershed
clean-up projects. The only problem is determining when, where,
and how to begin a search. See Appendix F for a matrix of
possible funding sources for CMD projects.
Do Your Homework
Research funding sources early, and during each stage of your
project. Identify potential funding sources before you develop your
financial and action plans. It will not only simplify your search, but
allow you more time to widen its scope. If you have not previously
established a base of funding sources, consider contacting several
watershed associations with completed CMD projects. This
information will provide you with sources of financial support and
additional funding ideas.
In This
Chapter.
Financing Your
Project
Funding
Sources
Maintaining Your
Effort
« Resource
Information
6-1
• Step 6
-------
Start With Your Partnership
All members of your partnership
should be involved in funding efforts to
demonstrate their commitment.
When researching each prospective funding source, find out:
» Who have they funded in the past? Are these efforts consistent
or in conflict with your proposed projects?
* How important is your project to their giving program? To their
mission?
» What is their timetable for grant giving?
* Who is the project officer to whom you should direct your
funding inquiry?
MILL CREEK
Funding and support for the Mill Creek projects have come from watershed coalition members and other
organizations. The following table displays the sources that were involved and their contributions. Other
contributors included Seneca Rocks Audubon Society, Clarion County and Jefferson County Federation of
Sportsmen, Strattanville Sportsmen's Club, Clarion Fraternal Order of Eagles, Clarion County League of
Women Voters, Alliance for Wetlands and Wildlife, Magic Forest of West-Central Pennsylvania, and USDA
NRCS.
Organization
Mill Creek Watershed Coalition Funding Partners
Contribution
Local banks (various)
Clarion University, C.U. Foundation
PA Higher Ed. Assistance Authority
Iron Furnace Chapter, Trout Unlimited
Trout Unlimited state and national organizations
Regional Trust
PA DER OSM and coal companies
Damariscotta Environmental Consultants
NRCS
Conservation Districts
PA Game Commission
PA National Guard
PA DER Bureau of Oil and Gas
RC&D and NRCS
McLean Contributorship
Vera Heinz Foundation
$100 to $2,500
2-3 student workers
40% of students' wages
$9,000
$23,000
$20,000
$14,000 (4 times/2years)
In-kind professional services
In-kind professional services
In-kind administrative and support services
Land Use permission for treatment
$85,000 in construction services
$158,000 - plug 3 wells (CWA 319 $)
$165,000 for AMD sites (CWA 319 $)
$20,000
$40,000
Step 61
6-2
-------
Timing Is Everything
To secure funding, timing is essential. It is important to deter-
mine the time needed to create an effective application, including
information-gathering, writing and rewriting, and internal review
time. Getting an early start on funding will ensure that you do not
miss critical funding deadlines. It is often helpful to include elected
officials, community and business leaders, and agency representa-
tives on your fundraising committee, since they often have excellent
contacts within both public and private funding organizations.
Note Any Special Requirements
As you research funding sources, be sure to note the require-
ments for applying, especially the type of organizational entity
necessary for receiving an award. These requirements will have a
direct bearing on how your application is structured, what organiza-
tion will actually be submitting the application, and who will be
responsible for financial management, reporting, and programmatic
activity.
Parties responsible for reporting and handling management tasks
need to agree up front what their duties will be. A memorandum of
agreement should be drawn up to list responsibilities, if a number of
separate organizations are involved.
Increase Your Chances for Getting Funding
Most applications for funding are direct requests for fairly
specific activities. Projects that are:
* tightly focused,
* have widespread in-kind and other support,
* demonstrate considerable need,
• seem "doable,"
* appear well-structured, and
* adequately assessed
receive more consideration than those which lack these qualities.
Defining your project through the goals established for the water-
shed helps focus projects that are developed for possible funding. In
addition, letters of support from partnership member organizations,
businesses, elected officials and other members show funding
source representatives that your project has broad support.
Since CMD problems are formidable and funding is less than
adequate, federal and state sources look for strong partnerships
planning achievable projects when considering funding applications.
The amount of support that a project has determines its ultimate
success. Outreach and education are the keys to promoting involve-
ment within the watershed community and sparking the interest of
6-3
What Do States Look for in
Funding Applications?
Pennsylvania's approach to funding
considerations is instructive. State
reviewers rate proposals according to
the following criteria:
» The potential for water quality
improvement in the watershed
« The potential for a state/federal/local
partnership
» The existence of funding from other
sources
« The potential for remining at the site
> Step 6
-------
potential funding sources for CMD remediation projects. People need
to know what CMD is, how it affects them and their local economy,
the approaches involved in treating CMD, and what is necessary to
implement the project. Support will be needed from citizens, govern-
ment, industry, businesses, and other organizations to provide the
expertise, resources, and funding required for success.
FUNDING SOURCES
Funding from local and external sources and in-kind support from
your regional partnership partners will be essential elements in
achieving the overall goals established for your watershed.
In addition to support from your partnership members and other
local and regional entities, funds for CMD remediation are available
from private foundations and several governmental agencies. Each
of these sources of support has its own criteria for applying for funds,
and each has unique project management and reporting requirements.
Due to the importance of financial support to the overall success of
your effort, it is usually necessary to establish a special fund-raising
committee early in the process. As potential funding sources are
identified, they need to be updated regularly on how your field work
and watershed analysis are progressing. This effort requires a
personal touch. People on the fund-raising committee should be
appointed to work with each potential funding source as the project
unfolds. This approach generates interest among potential financial
supporters and cultivates the relationships that are essential in
acquiring the resources that will be needed during the treatment
system's design and installation phase.
Where to Look for Funding
Potential sources of funding can be found in all sectors. As
always, begin by looking locally. A brainstorming session among
partnership members is a good way to jog people's memories
regarding their networks. A contact inside an organization can often
link you quickly with the appropriate person. The more prospects you
can identify, the better the chances of finding the financing necessary
to move your project forward. Funding can be obtained primarily
from two major sources:
» the private sector, which includes foundations, not-for-profit
organizations, corporations, and local businesses; and
* the public sector, which includes federal, state and local agen-
cies.
Step 6 •
6-4
-------
Private Sector Funding
While researching possible funding sources, do not forget about
the local business and industrial community, not-for-profit organiza-
tions, and foundations. Many contractors who depend upon public
work projects like roads and bridges are very interested in supporting
efforts that benefit the economy of the region, as are business
people and representatives of area industries.
Foundations: Foundations must give away at least five percent
of their assets each year to retain their foundation status. Typically,
foundations have a board of directors that review proposals for
funding. There are national directories that describe the eligibility
requirements, funding cycles, and contact names for more informa-
tion on foundations. See the Resource Information section at the
end of Step 6.
Not-for-profit Organizations: Try teaming up with various
environmental organizations, professional societies, universities, and
associations to obtain financial or in-kind support for your CMD
clean-up project. If they cannot provide direct funding, they may be
able to provide technical assistance, or other in-kind services.
Corporations: Many corporations have community relations
offices that support local projects. You may have already enlisted
support from the community when forming your partnership. Check
out your local businesses and banks to see if they provide any
funding support. Remember that in-kind services can be just as
valuable for your project.
Mining Industry: Sometimes mining companies and local or
regional contractors will offer to provide in-kind services like heavy
equipment work to construct treatment system components, and
some mining firms might be interested in remining some problem
areas, if the approach is feasible.
Public Agency Funding
Federal, state, and local agency funding for CMD clean-up
projects comes from a variety of sources. These sources include
federal agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
the Office of Surface Mining, the National Resource Conservation
Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as from
individual state program offices. Keep in mind that your CMD
project may be eligible for funding from program areas such as
watershed restoration, sediment and erosion control, nonpoint source
pollution control, or source watershed protection.
The Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Program; The AML
program was established by Title IV of SMCRA. Under this
program, coal operators now pay a 35-cent fee for each ton of
surface-mined coal removed, and 15 cents for each ton of
Public Agency Funding Examples
The federal Abandoned Mine Lands
(AML) program has funded projects in
West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and other
states.
Nonpoint source pollution remediation
support from the Clean Water Act
Section 319 program provided $480,000
for monitoring and remediation projects
on Bear Creek in Tennessee.
The state of West Virginia received
nearly $1 million of a 1997 Appalachian
Clean Streams Initiative (ACSI)
allocation to OSM targeted at CMD
clean-up.
Pennsylvania spent $75 million in
special bond issue money in the 1960s
to address some of the state's most
pressing mine-related problems.
6-5
' Step 6
-------
How much is enough?
While it seems that adequate funding
might be available to address CMD
problems, such is not the case.
Pennsylvania, which has received an
annual allocation of about $20 million
in AML funds recently, has an estimated
$5 billion in abandoned mine CMD
problems. That state alone has about
2,400 miles of CMD-contaminated
streams, 250,000 acres of unreclaimed
surface mine land, and potential
subsidence problems on hundreds of
thousands of acres.
deep-mined coal. These funds go to the Abandoned Mine Reclama-
tion Fund (AMRF), which is administered by the OSM. However, the
amount actually provided to projects each year depends on the
allocation approved by Congress. While some of the funds are
targeted at emergency AML problems like mine fires, landslides
threatening homes, and dangerous subsidence conditions, most
AMRF monies are potentially available for contaminated CMD
clean-up. States may set aside 10 percent of their allocated AML
funds in interest-bearing accounts to address CMD problems.
The Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative: A primary focus
of the ACSI is to improve the efficiency of public fund use in cleaning
up CMD by helping to coordinate information exchange and eliminat-
ing duplication of effort among federal, state, and local agencies and
private groups. Congress appropriated $4 million for 13 ACSI
projects inFY 1997, including $975,000 for projects in West Virginia,
$325,000 for the Quemahoning Creek cleanup in Pennsylvania,
$ 100,000 for Cherry Creek in Maryland, $650,000 for projects in
Ohio, and $325,000 for the Little Toby Creek project in Pennsylvania.
Watershed groups seeking to address CMD problems should contact
their state ACSI representative for technical assistance and possible
funding. See Appendix G for more information on funding opportu-
nities under ACSI.
EPA Coal Mine Drainage Initiative: EPA's Region 3 office
has several programs which can provide funds for restoration of
abandoned coal mine drainage impacted watersheds. These include
the Nonpoint Source Program under Section 319 of the Clean Water
Act, Regional Geographic Initiatives Program, Environmental Educa-
tion, and Environmental Justice. A more detailed explanation and
point of contact for these and other EPA funding programs is listed in
HI
1^5591 OVEN RUN
CMD treatment expenses
NRCS
Construction
Engineering
Project Administration
Land Rights
Total Funds
and sources of
PL 83-566 Funds
2,189,000
438,000
280,000
0
2,907,000
funds for the Oven
Other Sources
2,189,000
0
73,000
18,000
2,280,000
Run Project
Total Funds
4,378,000
438,000
353,000
•18,000
5,187,000
Step6*
6-6
-------
Appendix F. EPA also has on its homepage the Guidebook of
Financial Tools which provides an overview of the various ways/
means to fund sustainable environmental systems. The web site
address is: http://www.epa.gov/efinpage/gmdebk/giundex.htm.
MAINTAINING YOUR EFFORT
By this point, you should have a good idea of how to organize
your project, educate the public, assess your watershed, analyze
clean-up options, prioritize remediation projects, seek funding
support, and begin work. As your project unfolds, remember that
you're in this for the long haul. Once the clean-up work has begun, it
will be necessary to monitor both the installed treatment systems and
the quality of the water they were designed to improve. Developing
post-clean-up monitoring plans for the installations and the water
bodies involved will ensure that you can quickly identify any prob-
lems with the treatment systems, and specifically measure the
success of your efforts. Establishing your volunteer water monitor-
ing program as a permanent part of environmental oversight in your
watershed creates long-term interest in the quality of your rivers and
streams and makes it easy to identify future problems as they arise.
Stewardship essentially begins with monitoring, since analyzing
water quality provides information on how waterways are affected
by land uses upstream. Recognizing that the monitoring program will
serve as a focal point for long-term activities of the partnership is a
vital component of watershed protection.
Share Your Experiences
As members of your partnership gain experience with project
activities, consider offering outreach support to newer groups.
Watershed protection partnerships are being developed across the
region to deal with CMD and other pollutants, and your members
can provide valuable assistance to their efforts. The experience your
group has developed can help others avoid common pitfalls and
provide clear direction for their efforts. Linking your group with
statewide partnerships, including volunteer monitoring programs,
builds strong regional organizations and helps to develop competent
local affiliates as information and experience are shared.
Report your results of the assessment and clean-up from your
efforts to watershed association meetings, technical meetings, state
and federal water quality agencies, and scientific literature.
Check How You Are Doing
Use the checklist on the next page to track your efforts for
cleaning up CMD sites. Make a copy of it to use over and over.
6-7
• Step 6
-------
Checklist for Cleaning up your CMD-impacted Watershed
Q 1. Develop a watershed partnership that includes involved and affected parties
to establish long-term goals, identify problems, assess problems, set priorities,
correct deficiencies, and monitor results between January and April.
Q 2. Research existing data on water quality, mining activity, and other possible
sources of contamination during February through May.
Q 3. Identify the specifications (pH, metal concentrations, etc.) for designation as
cold water aquatic habitat and develop water monitoring program during
April through June.
G 4. Conduct field surveys, water testing and research to determine the levels of
problem parameters at various points in the watershed and subwatersheds
during June through September.
G 5. Identify the segments of the affected waterways that appear to have the
most significant levels of the problem parameters between August and
October.
G 6. Conduct comprehensive, site-specific follow-up field surveys to confirm
earlier field results at the most significant sites during October and Novem-
ber.
G 7. Assess the relative contributions of the problem sites to water quality
deficiencies in the overall watershed between December of Year 1 and
February of Year 2.
G 8. Prioritize the problem sites according to their impact on water quality be-
tween March and May of Year 2.
G 9. Assess remediation options for each site representing the most significant
problems during May through August of Year 2.
Q 10. Analyze costs of each proposed remediation project and identify possible
funding sources between August and December of Year 2.
Q 11. Develop funding proposals for the selected remediation projects during
August of Year 2 through March of Year 3.
G 12. Secure funding, contact installation contractors, and implement remediation
projects during March through September of Year 3.
Q 13. Assess the water quality impacts of the remediation projects through the
comprehensive water monitoring program both before and after remediation
projects are installed.
Q 14. Conduct a vigorous program of public outreach and education throughout the
entire project period.
Step 6 •—••—i—^^—-^—
6-8
-------
RESOURCE INFORMATION
Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative can be reached at (412)
937-2106, or by writing ACSI, through James Taitt, OSM, 3 Parkway
Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15220.
The Clean Streams Contact List is a network of persons with a
common goal of cleaning and restoring streams. Users can find
community support, funding information, technical information, and
much more by contacting the people on the contact list. The list can
be obtained through The Clean Streams Clearinghouse.
The Foundation Center is an independent national service
organization established to be an authoritative source of information
on private philanthropic giving. It has a nationwide network of
cooperating collections, available to the public free of charge. The
core collection includes The Foundation Directory, The Grantsman-
ship Center publishes a "Whole Nonprofit Catalog" and provides
grantsmanship training. It publishes several useful publications on
grant seeking including Program Planning and Proposal Writing.
Call (800) 424-9836 to inquire about the nearest collection.
1997 Directory of Funding Sources for Grassroots River
and Watershed Groups. Available for $35. Contact River Net-
work, (800) 423-6747 or email rivernet2@aol.com.
Pennsylvania's Abandoned Mines: Problems and Solutions.
PA DER, 1993. Pamphlet discusses Pennsylvania's reclamation
program and projects, as well as funding sources for mine reclama-
tion and its benefits.
River Fundraising Alert. A series of ten newsletters on
memberships, special events and appeals, board fundraising, and
major donors. Contact River Network, (800) 423-6747 or email
rivernet2@aol.com.
The Taft Group publishes directories of funding sources, such as
the Taft Corporate Giving Directory, and management materials.
For a catalogue, call (800) 877-TAFT.
Ten Percent Set Aside for Acid Mine Drainage Abatement.
PA DEP Fact Sheet 1996. Describes the AMD abatement and
treatment fund managed by the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Recla-
mation in the DEP. Funds are available to qualified hydrologic units
affected by past coal mining practices at eligible sites. Eligible sites
are defined as those where mining ceased prior to August 3,1977
and where no continuing reclamation responsibility can be deter-
mined
6-9
i Step 6
-------
Appendix A: Glossary of
Terms
Acidic: a condition where the concentration of positively-charged
hydrogen ions is high, and the pH is less than 7.0.
Aeration: the process of mixing air into a solution so as to allow
atmospheric gases to dissolve into the solution through direct
contact, stirring, forced injection, or other means.
Aerobic: a condition existing or process conducted in the presence
of oxygen.
Alkalinity: a measure of the ability of a solution to absorb
positively-charged hydrogen ions without a significant change in
pH. Also referred to as buffering capacity. Alkaline solutions
have a pH greater than 7.0.
Aluminum: a common metal element found in CMD that oxidizes
as a whitish powder at high pH levels.
Anaerobic: a condition existing or process conducted in the absence
of oxygen.
Anoxic: a condition existing or process conducted hi the absence of
oxygen; anaerobic.
Anoxic limestone drains (ALDs): sealed pipes or ditches contain-
ing crushed limestone used to neutralize the acid in CMD.
Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative: a program sponsored by
OSM to coordinate and focus CMD clean-up projects in the
United States.
Basic: a condition where the concentration of negatively-charged
hydroxide ions is high, and the pH is greater than 7.0; alkaline.
Contaminated coal mine drainage: mine runoff or discharge water
containing abnormal acid or alkalinity levels, elevated sulfate
and metal concentrations, and silt or other suspended solids.
Dissolved oxygen: the amount of oxygen (O2) that is dissolved in
a solution. Dissolved oxygen (D.O.) can cause armoring on
limestone by oxidizing iron compounds in CMD to form iron
hydroxide. D.O. is usually measured hi parts per million (milli-
grams per liter).
A-l
•Appendix A
-------
Dissolved solids: compounds in a solution that can be precipitated
through chemical processes into solids.
Effluent: the solution that flows out of a basin, pond, tank, wetland,
ditch, pipe or other containment.
Environmental Protection Agency: the federal agency created by
executive order in 1970 to coordinate efforts to protect human
health and biological communities from environmental pollutants.
Ferric hydroxide: an iron compound that forms when dissolved iron
in CMD is oxidized, and appears as a rusty, reddish-orange
residue. It is often called yellow-boy.
Flow rate: the rate a solution moves through a ditch, wetland or
pond, defined in terms of the quantity of CMD per unit of time
(i.e., 500 gallons per hour, etc.).
Hydrolysis: a reaction that occurs when a salt dissolves in water
and leads to changes in the H3O* and OH' concentrations of the
water.
Hydroxide: a compound containing the OH' molecule.
Iron: a common metal element contained in mine rocks in the form of
iron sulfide that oxidizes as a reddish, rusty colored hydroxide
solid.
Leach: migration of atoms or compounds from mine rocks or other
substances through the action of water, acid or other solvent
Manganese: a metal element found in CMD that oxidizes as a
blackish stain.
Metal: elements that are solids (except mercury), have few electrons
in the outermost shell, and lose electrons easily to form cations.
Metals of concern in CMD include iron, aluminum, manganese
and sometimes lead, mercury, copper, and zinc.
Neutral: a condition where the concentration of hydrogen ions [H+]
equals the concentration of hydroxide ions [OH'], resulting in a
solution that is neither acidic or basic (alkaline) and has a pH
value of 7.0 standard units. Distilled water is a neutral liquid.
Neutralize: to cause a solution to move toward a pH reading of 7.0
standard units through chemical or biological processes.
Appendix At
A-2
-------
Office of Surface Mining: the federal agency charged with
enforcing SMCRA and dealing with health, safety and resource
protection issues related to active mining and abandoned mine
problems.
Overburden: the layers of rock and soil found above coal bed
deposits. Overburden rocks often contain acid-forming materials
in the form of iron sulfide and other compounds that can form
dissolved metals and sulfates in CMD.
Oxic: a condition where atmospheric, gaseous oxygen is present
Oxidation: a reaction in which a substance losses electrons. In the
case of CMD metals oxidation, the oxidizing agent is gaseous
oxygen. Metal oxides are formed in the process.
Permeability: a measure of the rate of water movement through soil
or other substance.
pH: a value, expressed in standard units on a scale of 0-14, that
uses a logarithmic measure to express concentrations of hydro-
gen ions [H+]. pH readings below 7.0 are said to be acidic, and
readings above 7.0 are basic, or alkaline. Each unit difference
represents a ten-fold increase or decrease in acidity or alkalinity.
Precipitate: an insoluble, solid product that is formed when ions
combine with atoms or molecules in the air or with other atoms
or compounds in a solution. Also, the process of dissolved
compounds becoming solidified.
Porosity: the ratio of the volume of voids (openings) to the total
volume of material. Used to describe the ability of a fluid to
move through crushed rocks or other material.
Pyrite: the iron-sulfide mineral, often called "fools gold," that is
found in earthen and rock layers near coal seams. Pyrite is the
usual source of the sulfur that binds with hydrogen and oxygen
in rain water to form the sulfuric acid component of CMD.
Reduction: a reaction in which a substance gains electrons. In
CMD treatment, reduction usually involves the stripping away
of oxygen atoms from sulfate or metal compounds.
Residence time: the length of time that CMD remains in a treat-
ment pond, wetland, ditch or other structure. Designed residence
times depend on the incoming flow rate, the rate of treatment
processes in the structure, the contaminants in the CMD to be
treated, the size of the structure, and the settling rate of solids in
the discharge.
A-3
•Appendix A
-------
Sedimentation: the process whereby particles (suspended solids)
settle out of solution. Sedimentation produces a sludge or other
layer of solids at the bottom of a sedimentation, or settling, pond.
Settling Basin: a large tank or pond designed to hold water or CMD
for a long enough time to allow most of the suspended solids to
settle out (sedimentation).
Sludge: the layer of solids that settle from a solution, including
suspended silt and soil particles and precipitates formed by
chemical processes.
Solubility: the amount of material that can dissolve in a given
amount of water or other solvent at a given temperature to
produce a stable solution. Highly soluble substances dissolve
quickly. Soluble products will not settle out of a solution unless
they are precipitated.
Subsidence: the settling of waste piles or other areas at mine sites
which causes the surface of the land to sink.
Substrate: the rich, organic layer of compost or other material found
at the bottom of wetlands.
Subwatershed: the watershed of a tributary in a larger watershed.
Successive alkalinity producing systems (SAPs) - specialized CMD
treatment ponds that make use of chemical and biological
processes to treat the acid, metals and sulfates in CMD.
Sulfates: compounds containing sulfur and oxygen as SO4. Elevated
sulfate levels are common in contaminated mine drainage.
Sulfates can bond with hydrogen ions to form sulfuric acid, or
bind to calcium atoms to form a gypsum solid.
Surface Mining Control Act of 1977 (SMCRA): The federal law
that requires mining operations to prevent water pollution,
reclaim mine lands and protect other resources.
Suspended solids: solid particles that are suspended in solution.
Suspended solids in CMD can include oxidized metals, silt or soil
and other tiny debris particles.
Topographical map: a map that shows land elevations by use of lines
that connect points of equal elevation (contour lines), water
bodies, streams, buildings, mine sites, roads and other land
features.
Watershed: an area of land from which water drains toward a single
channel.
Appendix A,
A-4
-------
Appendix B: Federal
Surface Mining Control
and Reclamation Act
(SMC RA) of 19 77
While this guide deals with cleaning up contaminated coal mine
drainage (CMD) at abandoned mines, it is appropriate to mention the
role of prevention. Coal is still being mined hi Appalachia and
elsewhere, it is important to ensure that CMD problems at these sites
are prevented. Citizens can be valuable partners to public agencies
charged with the authority and responsibility for regulating mining
activities. SMCRA allows citizens to monitor and become involved
in permitting processes, thereby helping agency personnel and mine
operators ensure that current and future operations are performed in
an environmentally responsible manner.
The Provisions of SMCRA
» SMCRA regulates all ongoing (i.e., active) coal-mining
operations in the United States, as well as the surface effects
of underground mining. The law also applies to coal
preparation and processing facilities, waste piles and
loading operations located near mines. Mines that produce
less than 250 tons of coal per year, recover coal as a
secondary product, extract coal only for the operator's
personal use, or function as part of a government-funded
construction project are the only exceptions to SMCRA's
provisions.
* Under SMCRA, an individual state can assume the role of
primary regulator if it can prove its oversight programs are
at least as comprehensive as those of the federal OSM. The
law further requires that all operators obtain a permit from
the state mining agency to extract coal. Permits must
contain detailed information on the geological characteristics
of the affected land, its ecology and hydrology, the
operator's legal and financial status and history of compli-
ance with mining laws, and plans for mining and final
reclamation operations. If sample analyses are required,
particular attention should be paid to geological analyses
that characterize the acid-forming potential of each stratum
B-l
•Appendix B
-------
of overburden. Samples analyzed should be spaced so that
an accurate representation of the site is developed and the
chemical analysis can be performed. Plans for handling
potentially acidic, alkaline, or toxic waste materials must
ensure that CMD will not be produced to the point where it
condemns the operation to perpetual treatment.
* Regulatory agencies are required to certify that operators can
fulfill their obligations under the law and successfully reclaim
their sites before issuing permits. Bonding and insurance are
also required to provide financial assurance that money will
be available to correct any problems or cover any damages if
an operator encounters financial difficulty or abandons the
site. The importance of ensuring that adequate bonding and
insurance provisions are included in mining permits cannot
be overstated.
* SMCRA also requires operators to minimize disturbances to
surface streams and groundwater systems, to restore
approximate original contours of the land, and to reclaim the
area upon completion of mining activities. Inspection and
enforcement provisions focus on reducing threats to public
health and the environment through the oversight of state and
federal agencies. The law also designates some lands as
unsuitable for mining, such as lands within the National Park
System, near Wild and Scenic Rivers or the National System
of Trails, and within 300 feet of occupied homes, churches,
public buildings, and parks. All states can deny, and in fact,
are obligated to deny any permit application that the respec-
tive state determines will result in material damage (acid
damage).
Citizen Involvement Under SMCRA
Appendix £?•
Under the provisions of SMCRA, citizens have the right to
accompany a mine inspector if a problem (violation or imminent harm
situation is thought to exist) is alleged in writing and a request is made
to participate in the inspection. Citizen groups in coal states have
exercised their rights under the statute to ensure that mine operations,
inspections, and reclamation work proceed in accordance with the
best available practices to protect public health and the environment.
Agency records on mine activity are available for citizen inspection
under the federal Freedom of Information Act and corresponding state
laws.
Preventing CMD formation at currently operating mines involves
careful attention to mandated plans for managing the handling and/or
disposal of overburden and other wastes. While ninety-five percent of
B-2
-------
all mine spoil does not contribute to water quality problems, federal
permit regulations require operators to identify any acidic and other
toxic-forming rock layers between the ground surface and the
stratum just below the coal bed. Operators must engineer their
mining plans to ensure that these problem materials are disposed of
in a manner that prevents the formation of CMD. This can be
accomplished through careful mixing of acid and alkaline materials;
isolation of problem material through capping, burial, or runoff
diversion; or application of chemical additives like lime to neutralize
harmful by-products. Alkaline products such as flyash, kiln dust,
alkaline recharge structures, etc., are also used. Groundwater
diversions such as the use of highwall drains, and pit floor drains, are
also used to control water movement through the site.
Additional Information on SMCRA
Additional information on SMCRA and related regulations is
available from OSM, EPA, state mining agencies, and nongovern-
mental groups like the Citizens Coal Council and the National Mine
Land Reclamation Center.
•Appendix B
B-3
-------
Appendix C: Watershed
Delineation Instructions
To pinpoint possible sources of CMD, you must first delineate the
boundaries of your watershed on a topographic map. Topographic
maps display physical features such as hills, valleys, ridges, and
channels. Marking off watershed boundaries on a USGS "topo" map is
easy once you understand how the contour lines corrpesond to the
elevation of the land.
The following instructions outline how to delineate your water-
shed step-by-step. (Adapted from Delineating Watersheds—A First
Step Towards Effective Management, U.S. EPA Region 5).
1) Use a topographic map(s) to locate the river, lake, stream,
wetland, or other waterbodies of interest
Watershed Boundary
Topographic Map
•Appendix C
C-l
-------
Tributaries
(Streams, drains,
swales, channels
Sources
(Wetlands, ponds,
lakes, depressions)
2) Trace the watercourse from its
source to its mouth, including the tributar-
ies. This step determines the general
beginning and ending boundaries.
2. Watershed boundaries
3. Contour Lines
3) Examine the brown lines on the topographic map that are near
the watercourse. These are referred to as contour lines. Contour lines
connect all points of equal elevation above or below a known reference
elevation.
The dark brown contour lines (thick lines) will have a number
associated with them, indicating the elevation. The light brown contour
lines (thin lines) are usually mapped at 10 foot intervals, and the dark
brown (thick) lines are usually mapped at 50 foot intervals. To deter-
mine the final elevation of your location, simply add or subtract
theappropriate contour interval for every light brown (thin) line, or the
appropriate interval for every dark brown (thick) line.
40 50 60
Floodplain
Contour lines spaced far apart indicate
that the landscape is more level and gently
sloping. Contour lines spaced very close
together indicate dramatic changes (rise or
fall) in elevation over a short distance.
3. Contour Lines
Appendix C \
C-2
-------
4) Check the slope of the landscape by locating
two adjacent contour lines and determine their respec-
tive elevations. The slope is calculated as the change in
elevation divided by the distance.
A depressed area (valley, ravine, swale) is
represented by a series of contour lines "pointing"
towards the highest elevation.
100
90
80
70
60
Contour ines
4. A depressed area
A higher area (ridge, hill) is represented by a
series of contour lines "pointing" towards the lowest elevation.
Contour lines
150
B 140
5 130
| 120
| 110
LJJ 100
BO
5) Determine the direction of drainage in the area of the
waterbody by drawing arrows perpendicular to a series of contour lines
that decrease in elevation. Runoff seeks the path of least resistance as
it travels downslope. The "path" is the shortest distance between
contours, hence a perpendicular route.
5. Direction of drainage
4. A ridge
•Appendix C
C-3
-------
6) Mark the break points surrounding the waterbody. The "break
points" are the highest elevations where half of the runoff would drain
towards one body of water, and the other half would drain towards
another body of water.
-» [ * ——Breakpoints
6. Mark break points
7) Connect the break points with a line following the highest
elevations in the area The completed line represents the boundary of the
watershed.
•—Watenhed Boundary
7. Connect break points
Appendix C,
C-4
-------
Appendix D: Stream
Quality Reporting Form
•Appendix D
D-l
-------
Stream Quality Reporting Form
Name of sampler.
Property owner
Date.
Topographical map name.
Watershed or subwatershed name
Location description (i.e., 4.2 miles up Caney Creek Road in Caney Creek).
Unique sampling site identification number (also noted on the topographical map)
SITE CONDITIONS:
Description of water conditions:
color (green, brown, etc.) estimated flow at site (gallons per minute)
-PH
..conductivity
. other (oil sheen, foam)
Mark One:
very clear
clear
.slightly cloudy
_very cloudy
.muddy
Number of days since last rainfall over a half-inch (e.g., 2 days, 4 days, more than a week, etc.)_
AQUATIC ORGANISMS (FISH, INSECTS, ETC.):
Type Number
STREAMBEDODOR:
Presence of garbage:.
APPEARANCE OF STREAMBED/ROCKS:
grey brown
orange/red silt
yellow sand
black other ( )
. rotten egg
.musky
.oil
. sewage
none
STREAMBANK CONDITIONS:
stable
no vegetation
eroding
well-vegetated
other ( )
.yes
. no Describe type of litter in and around the stream:.
Circle one: Litter problem is severe / moderate / no litter.
Obvious septic system problems: yes no Describe .
Channel blockages: yes no Describe
Severe erosion: yes no Describe
Other degraded conditions: yes no Describe
Appendix D,
D-2
-------
Appendix E: Treatment
Technologies
PASSIVE TREATMENT SYSTEMS
Passive treatment is accomplished mostly through the action of
bacteria, wetland plants, exposure to the air, and contact with
limestone to neutralize acidity, break down sulfates and remove
metals. Raising the pH reduces acidity, permits the survival of
sulfate-reducing bacteria and promotes the oxidation and precipita-
tion of dissolved metals in the drainage upon aeration. Metals can
also be deposited directly as sulfide compounds into wetland sedi-
ments or bound up as plaque on plant roots. While wetlands are
usually incorporated into multi-component treatment systems, they
can be used as stand-alone treatment units if acidity is moderate,
flows are low, and space is available.
The structural components of integrated passive CMD treatment
systems require periodic maintenance but are relatively inexpensive.
Some concerns have arisen over the expected life of wetland system
components and long-term maintenance, and these factors must be
explored and considered during the design phase. Removal of
accumulated metallic sludges in wetlands and recharge of the organic
substrate are primary maintenance considerations in designing and
operating wetland systems. An excellent technical review of biologi-
cal processes appears in Passive Treatment of Coal Mine Drainage,
a document published by the U.S. Bureau of Mines (Information
Circular 9389).
There are currently several passive treatment processes in use:
aerobic wetlands, anaerobic wetlands, anoxic limestone drains,
alkalinity producing systems, limestone ponds, reverse alkalinity
producing systems, and open limestone channels. These approaches
are often combined with other specially designed chemical and
physical treatment processes to create a system capable of address-
ing a wide range of contaminants in CMD.
Some technical factors must be considered when deciding which
passive method to use in the treatment of CMD:
» Amount of acidity and alkalinity in the CMD
* Flow rate of the discharge
* Types and concentrations of metals
» Solubility of the limestone (if used).
E-l
•Appendix E
-------
» Percent of calcium in the limestone (if used)
» Amount of dissolved oxygen in the CMD
» Oxidation/reduction potential of the CMD
» Amount of suspended solids in the CMD
» Hydrology of the watershed
* Space available
Limitations of Passive Treatment
Passive treatment has proven to be successful on small CMD
discharges and some larger ones, but the long-term results are un-
known. A considerable amount of research is being performed on this
technology by agencies and universities throughout the coal states.
Space is another primary limitation since constructed wetlands can
require an area from several acres to several hundred acres in size.
Other limiting factors involve the use of limestone in biological
systems. Sulf ate (SO4) at concentrations of approximately 2,000 mg/
L will precipitate into an insoluble gypsum (CaSO4) sludge after
reacting with the limestone (CaCO3). This may cause clogging in the
pore spaces between the crushed limestone particles. Clogging can
also occur if the velocity is not strong enough to move precipitating
aluminum hydroxides out of the crushed limestone components.
Finally, disposal of wetland sludges and replacement of the organic
matter in the substrate are ongoing maintenance concerns.
Overview of Aerobic Wetlands
Aerobic (oxidizing) wetlands are man-made wetlands that provide
an inexpensive and low-maintenance process for treating the metals
contained in CMD with a pH above 6.0. The bed of the wetland is
lined with plastic or rubber sheeting (or a layer of clay or other
impermeable soil) to prevent seepage, and a top layer of rich soil or
other organic substrate is added for the growth of vegetation and
bacteria that help remove iron and manganese. Wetland plants such
as cattails, reeds, rushes, and arrowhead are planted in the wetland to
slow and filter the flow. Very little metal uptake by plants has been
documented, though some uptake of heavy metals has been noted.
The primary processes of CMD treatment in aerobic wetlands are
metal removal through aerobic bacterial activity and oxidation of
metals through exposure of these dissolved metals to atmospheric
oxygen. The large surface area of the wetland promotes the absorp-
tion of oxygen by the drainage water, facilitating the reaction that
oxidizes and solidifies the dissolved metal compounds. Besides
bacterial action and oxidation, metals are also removed in aerobic
wetlands through the process of adsorption to substrate material and
roots of the plants. An aeration device is sometimes used to further
increase dissolved oxygen in CMD, especially alkaline discharges,
which decreases the required residence or holding time in the cells.
Appendix £•
E-2
-------
Single aeration units can provide sufficient oxygen to oxidize 50 to
70 mg/L of ferrous iron; greater concentrations of iron require
multiple aeration units.
After oxidation, the metals precipitate out of the CMD solution
as a metal hydroxide sludge and settle to the bottom of the wetland.
Metal precipitate sludges may fill and clog the aerobic wetland after
a period of time to the extent that the system needs maintenance,
reconstruction, or replacement. The process of oxidation increases
the acidity of the CMD being treated, just as oxidation of mine
wastes lowers pH and increases acidity. Neutralization of excess
acidity at a subsequent treatment step may be required prior to final
discharge.
Design Considerations for Aerobic Wetlands
The pH of the inflowing CMD must be between 6 and 8 for the
system to work: metals that are being precipitated into a solid will
redissolve if the pH starts dropping into the acid range (below 6).
Even with ample oxygen, the oxidation of iron slows 100-fold with
every unit decrease in the pH. Sufficient area must be available to
construct an aerobic wetland with a flow path length and retention
time that promote removal of the metals from the CMD. Other
considerations in the design of constructed wetlands include site
preparation, establishment of vegetation on wetland dike slopes, the
number and size of wetland units (called "cells"), the type and
thickness of earthen materials used in construction, water depth
within the cells, flow patterns and rates within and between cells,
discharge point locations, species of plants within the cells, control of
animals like muskrats that may damage berms and dikes, and
monitoring of discharged water. The Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Resources has published a document for constructed
wetlands, Approval of Constructed Wetlands for the Treatment of
Mine Drainage, that provides guidance on design and construction.
Limitations of Aerobic Wetlands
It should be noted that some states do not recognize the effective-
ness of constructed aerobic wetlands as stand-alone units for treating
CMD. These systems are not sufficient in and of themselves to
acquire a mine bond release for active mining operations in states
like Kentucky, and other states recognize that the methodology is
new, relatively untested over the long term, and not effective under
all conditions. Aerobic biological systems are designed to remove
metals in CMD that has a relatively neutral pH (6.0 to 8.0), so
pretreatment of the discharge through a chemical process is neces-
sary for highly acidic or alkaline CMD. As noted previously, the
oxidation process promote lower acidity, which may necessitate
further treatment in an anaerobic wetland (see next section) or via
direct chemical applications. Finally, the metal precipitate sludge
may fill and clog the aerobic wetland over time to the extent that the
system needs maintenance, reconstruction, or replacement Removal
E-3
•Appendix E
-------
and disposal of accumulated sludges can be expensive, especially if
the sludges contain high concentrations of toxins.
Overview of Anaerobic Wetlands
Anaerobic (nonoxygenated) wetlands, also referred to as compost
wetlands, are very similar to aerobic wetlands. The major difference
between the two is the thick, oxygen-free organic substrate through
which the CMD flows upon entering the system. This substrate
consists of a layer of matted decaying material on the bottom of the
wetland, where bacteria-driven processes occur that break down the
sulfates (SO4) that form part of CMD's sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and
gypsum (CaSO4) content Iron-reducing anaerobic bacteria, which
can survive at low pH values, are also active in this oxygen-free zone.
Anaerobic wetlands represent an inexpensive method suitable for
treating some CMD discharges.
The primary agent in the acid-reducing process is bacterial action
that break down sulfates by using oxygen atoms bound to the sulfate
(SO4) molecules. The oxygen is consumed by metabolic processes of
the living bacteria. (This process is also used in the
alkalinity-producing systems reviewed in the following section.) The
bacteria thrive in the oxygen-free, rich, organic mass of the substrate.
They have been found to raise pH readings from 1.1 to more than 6.0
without additional chemical treatment.
As sulfates are reduced by anaerobic bacterial activity, metals in
the CMD begin to precipitate as sulfide compounds. Copper, if
present, precipitates first, followed by lead, zinc, cadmium and
eventually, iron. Aluminum does not form a metal sulfide, and the
high solubility of manganese makes formation of a precipitate
unlikely. The removal of these metals is accomplished through
precipitation processes as the pH is increased.
Flow rates of the discharge determine the size requirements of the
wetland area, and both flow and CMD chemistry determine the
required holding time. If the pH of the inflowing CMD is less than 3
and adequate residence time cannot be designed into the system,
additional alkalinity will be needed. Limestone is sometimes used in
the anoxic zone beneath the organic substrate to increase me amount
of alkalinity (see next section). The flow is directed first through the
limestone and then through the organic substrate. When limestone is
used, the dissolved oxygen level must be less than 2 mg/L to prevent
armoring of the crushed limestone. (See previous section for details on
armoring.) Substrate materials containing alkaline material, like spent
mushroom compost, can also be used to raise pH. Careful regulation
of the flow and dispersal through the wetland is necessary to ensure
adequate holding time for treatment to occur.
Appendix Em
E-4
-------
LJnufofions of Anaerobic Wetlands
As with aerobic wetlands, space considerations and the
long-term capabilities of the system represent primary limitations in
utilizing anaerobic wetlands. Temperature is also a limiting factor in
the performance of an aerobic wetland. During the winter, the rate at
which acidity and metals are removed can decrease because the
bacteria are less active in cold weather. Replacement or recharging
of the organic substrate might also be necessary as various microbial
species break down and consume the material. Finally, metal precipi-
tates settling out of the wetlands can fill and clog the bottom of the
cells with sludge to the extent that the system needs maintenance,
reconstruction, or replacement.
Overview of Alkalinity-Producing Systems (APS)
APS combine the chemical processes of limestone ponds with
the biological processes of anaerobic wetlands to treat CMD with
high acidity and elevated metal concentrations. APS are ponds with
perforated pipe underdrain systems overlain with crushed limestone
and a layer of organic material. These ponds, which produce alkalin-
ity through successive processes, are often called successive
alkalinity-producing systems, or SAPS.
The CMD flows into the SAPS pond where it is initially
exposed to conditions favoring the oxidation and precipitation of
metals, and the settling of these and other suspended solids. The
CMD then percolates through the anoxic zone containing organic
matter and crushed limestone. Iron is filtered through adsorption by
the organic material or reduced to ferrous iron and deposited in the
substrate by the action of resident bacteria. Bacterial action in the
organic layer also breaks down sulfates, decreasing acidity. The
layer of crushed limestone in the anoxic zone of the wetland further
decreases acidity, without the threat of armoring. The treated CMD
then flows into the perforated pipe to an outlet, where it can be
aerated, held in a sedimentation pond or filtered through a wetland
for the removal of any remaining metals or suspended solids.
When this system design is sited over a CMD seep, it is referred
to as a reverse APS. A reverse APS is a man-made pond with a
bottom layer of organic material overlain by limestone, built over a
CMD seep. As the CMD seeps up through the bottom of the pond,
metals are filtered and adsorbed by the organic material. Bacteria in
the matted organic layer reduce metals through metabolic processes,
and decrease dissolved oxygen while decomposing the organic
material. Alkalinity is added to the CMD as it rises through the
limestone in the anoxic zone. The treated CMD exits the system
through an open channel spillway, where aeration occurs. Remaining
metals in the CMD oxidize in the aerated water, precipitate and settle
from the solution in a sedimentation pond.
E-5
•Appendix E
-------
limitations of Alkalinity-Producing Systems
Space is a possible limitation, though space requirements are not
as extensive as those encountered for wetland systems. The specific
content of the various contaminants in the CMD will dictate how
much area is needed for the system to achieve the desired level of
treatment. Topography must also be suitable to allow for flows
through the treatment system. The flow rate within the system is
governed by the porosity of the organic material and limestone, and it
can be restricted due to clogging caused by sediment accumulation on
top of the limestone and organic layers. When clogging occurs, the
organic material and limestone might need to be replaced.
ACTIVE TREATMENT SYSTEMS
Active and passive CMD remediation systems usually integrate
components that employ chemical, biological, and physical processes.
The chemical (i.e., active) component of a CMD clean-up system
involves a process in which CMD is brought into contact with an
alkaline substance through direct mixing/application, or by channeling
or pumping the CMD to a location where alkaline material (e.g.,
hydrated lime) is present This process is designed to neutralize the
acid in the CMD through the buffering action of the alkaline sub-
stance. Raising the pH of CMD is often essential for further treat-
ment, since highly acidic discharges prevent the oxidation and settling
of metals in the settling pond and/or wetland component of a treat-
ment system. High acidity can also kill the plants, aquatic organisms,
and sulfate reducing bacteria found in biological systems.
Small CMD flows are often treated by mixing powdered lime or
other high-pH material with the drainage water. For larger flows, a
common approach is to construct a collection device for the CMD
(pond or diversion ditch), channel the flow to the treatment area (a
covered or open ditch containing an alkaline substance or a treatment
plant designed for the specific remediation option), and then route the
discharge from the treatment area to one or more settling ponds,
where suspended solids and metals settle out In some cases, addi-
tional chemicals are added to the sedimentation ponds to speed the
settling process.
Six chemicals are typically used to treat CMD: limestone
(calcium carbonate (CaCOS)), hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide
(CaOH)), quick lime (calcium oxide, (CaO)), soda ash briquettes
(sodium carbonate, (NaCOS)), caustic soda (sodium hydroxide,
(NaOH)), and anhydrous ammonia (NH3)). The purpose of the
alkaline chemicals is to neutralize the acidity of the CMD, which also
allows dissolved metals like iron (Fe), manganese (Mg) and aluminum
(Al) to solidify and settle out as a metal hydroxide sludge. Dissolved
metals in the treated CMD can also be removed by an application of
Appendix E.
E-6
-------
potassium permanganate (KmnO4), other oxidizing agents, and even
aeration in the settling pond, which are all effective in precipitating iron
and manganese. In situations where manganese concentrations are
particularly high, caution should be exercised in using permanganate
because of the possibility of adding to the concentration of manga-
nese. In cases such as this, briquettes composed of both soda ash and
potassium permanganate can be used.
Metals like iron and manganese require aeration or
bacteria-induced reduction so the metal solids (precipitates) become
stable compounds and settle out of the CMD. Aeration accelerates the
solidification of the metals dissolved in the CMD solution after the pH
is raised. In most cases, aeration is accomplished by exposing CMD
to the air via the large surface areas of ponds and wetlands. The
designed residence (or holding) time in settling ponds is dependent on
the pH of the CMD, the concentration of dissolved metals, the ability
of the pond to handle rain infiltration and resist runoff impacts, pond
maintenance practices, and the amount of dissolved oxygen in the
acidic solution. Mechanical aerators such as waterfalls, stair-step
flumes, or other structures which cause the water to "tumble" will
result in aeration. Other aeration options involve spraying CMD
water into the air, or allowing the water to cascade down a sluiceway
before it enters the settling pond. This can be done either before or
after the neutralizing chemicals have been added to the CMD. Larger
systems sometimes feature diffused air injector systems, submerged
turbine generators, or surface aerators like those used at sewage
treatment plants.
Active System Chemicals: limestone
Limestone (calcium carbonate, CaCO3) is the cheapest, most
stable, safest, and easiest chemical substance to use. Crushed lime-
stone is less caustic than lime, and cannot be overdosed in a CMD
treatment system, so the feed rate of limestone to CMD requires
minimal calibration. Limestone also creates a dense, heavy sludge that
settles fast Availability is usually no problem, and purchase, delivery,
and handling costs are low. It can be stored indefinitely.
Limestone treatment of CMD can be accomplished in the
presence of atmospheric oxygen (oxic) or in its absence (anoxic). If
the concentration of iron and other metals is low, oxic treatment in
open trenches (also called "drains") filled with crushed limestone is
the preferred approach. Oxic trenches have been used in Pennsylva-
nia, and the estimated life of the limestone material before refilling is
necessary was found to be about 5 to 10 years. However, most CMD
contains moderate or elevated concentrations of dissolved metals, and
allowing the limestone treatment process to occur in the presence of
oxygen causes a buildup of metallic hydroxide compounds on the
surface of the limestone (armoring). This coating prevents the CMD
E-7
•Appendix E
-------
from coining into contact with the limestone, which halts the treat-
ment process.
To prevent armoring while treating CMD with high metal
concentrations, anoxic limestone drains (ALDs) or pipes are used.
The purpose of anoxic drains is to eliminate the presence of atmo-
spheric oxygen by enclosing the limestone-containing trench or pipe to
prevent contact with the air. If a trench is being used, it is covered
with an impermeable cap, which allows a slow release of the carbon-
ate material from the limestone without the decrease in effectiveness
caused by armoring. The life of the limestone varies in accordance
with the chemical content of the CMD, the flow, and the amount of
limestone present
Anoxic limestone drains are cheap and effective when the amount
of dissolved oxygen in the trench and CMD is kept low (less than 2
milligrams per liter, or mg/L). The reactivity of limestone is dependent
on the percent of calcium (Ca) in the CaCOS and the size of the
particles. A variation of sizes might be best Small particles offer
more surface area per volume of crushed limestone, which increases
reactivity, but large particles dissolve slower, allow better flow and
last longer. A mixture of particle sizes may also facilitate water
movement due to greater porosity in the limestone bed.
Both oxic and anoxic approaches are often components of larger,
integrated treatment systems, as noted above. The usual sequence is to
provide for collection of the CMD in a pond or ditch, allow sediments
and precipitated metals to settle out, route it through the limestone
drains, then pass it through wetlands (see following section) for final
treatment. Sometimes a settling pond is included prior to discharge to
remove any remaining suspended solids.
Another approach to using limestone involves a device called a
diversion well. In this approach, CMD is routed to a pipe that empties
into a cylinder filled with milestone gravel. A drop of 8 feet or more
is designed into the system, so that the falling water hits the limestone
in the cylinder with enough force to continuously clean armoring
products from the limestone. Limestone gravel in the well must be
replaced every week or two. After leaving the diversion well, the
CMD is usually routed to oxidizing wetlands, which remove metal
hydroxides, and reducing wetlands, which reduce metals, to allow for
removal of the metal hydroxides washed from the limestone and to
ensure proper pH levels at final discharge. Here again, a settling pond
may be used for final sedimentation.
Some small CMD seeps are treated by constructing a limestone
pond at the site. Limestone ponds have a bottom layer of crushed
milestone, and they are built over the CMD seep. As the anoxic
(oxygen-free) CMD seeps through the milestone, alkalinity from the
milestone is added and the pH increases. After the CMD is discharged
Appendix £•
E-8
-------
from the limestone pond, it is aerated and metals and other particles
are settled out in a sedimentation pond or filtered through a wetland.
Limestone ponds are often used at the source of an anoxic CMD
discharge unless the metal content is low and an oxic trench would
suffice. Stirring might be needed occasionally to uncover the lime-
stone at the bottom of the pond if armoring and clogging occur,
especially if the sediments block off the seep that is being treated.
limitations of Limestone
Designing, constructing, and maintaining limestone treatment
systems is expensive and involves an ongoing commitment of years,
even decades. Limestone is not effective when the buffering potential
(total alkalinity) of the water reaches 7.5 or greater. Limestone has a
low solubility in water, which causes the reaction rate to be slow.
The rate will decrease further if oxygen is present and iron concen-
trations are above 5 mg/L as a result of the limestone becoming
armored Preventing armoring in anoxic trenches or pipes can be
quite involved, and if armoring occurs, removing the cap and
replacing or washing the limestone material represents a considerable
task.
When concentrations of sulfate (SO4) are above 2,000 mg/L, a
reaction occurs between the limestone and sulfate that produces a
solid gypsum (calcium sulfate, CaSO4) precipitate. This precipitate,
deposited in the form of a sludge, is insoluble and can cause clogging
between the limestone rock or in the pipes. Another possible draw-
back of limestone treatment is calcium hardness in the effluent,
which is contributed by the Ca (calcium) atoms in the CaCOS
(limestone). The approach is expensive, but not as costly as some
other options.
Active System Chemicals: HydratedUme
Hydrated lime (Ca(OH)2) is another reagent commonly used to
treat CMD. During the treatment process, the hydrated lime is
usually mixed into a slurry/suspension using the raw mine water. It
can be applied in either dry or liquid form, is safe to handle, and is
fairly inexpensive. Hydrated lime is cost-effective when the CMD
has a large flow and high acidity, and requires treatment for an
extended period of time (more than 3 years). It has been proven
effective for extreme conditions, such as a flow rate of 1,000 gallons
per minute (gpm) and acidity of 2,500 mg/L. The product is often
mixed with CMD in a treatment plant or small mixing device
regulated by drainage flow. When ferrous iron (Fe2+) concentrations
are high, hydrated lime is often used with an aerator to add oxygen
(O2) to the water. The ferrous iron oxidizes to form ferric iron
(Fe3+), which precipitates out into a solid at a lower pH. This
process reduces the amount of hydrated lime needed to remove the
iron from the CMD.
E-9
•Appendix E
-------
limitations of Hydrafed Lime
Extensive mixing is required for the hydrated lime to become
soluble in water. When sulfate concentrations in the CMD are greater
than 2,500 mg/L, an insoluble gypsum precipitate can be produced as
a sludge, which can cause flow or deposit problems that could clog
the system. Finally, the sludge produced in a hydrated lime system is
not very dense and does not settle out completely. This fluffiness
makes it difficult to handle during sludge cleaning.
Active System Chemicals: Quick lime
Quick lime (CaO) is very reactive and economical. It can be used
for small and/or periodic flows having high acidity. Metering equip-
ment is needed, so quick lime may not be appropriate in remote areas.
The product is less expensive than sodium-based neutralizing chemi-
cals. About half the weight of quick lime is needed to neutralize a
given quantity of acid compared to crushed limestone or soda ash.
limitations of Quick lime
Quick lime is seldom used in industry for permanent treatment
systems because of the formation of gypsum (CaSO4), which precipi-
tates out of the CMD through a chemical reaction between the
calcium (Ca) and sulfate (SO4) in the CMD. The formation of this
sludge-like precipitate can result in clogging of conduits in the
treatment system. In addition, handling of quick lime can be a prob-
lem because of the heat generated as it reacts with water. Serious
burning of the eyes can also be problem in using this dusty, flour-like
product
Active System Chemicals: Soda Ash
Soda ash (NaCOS), in either a briquette or slurry form, is
commonly used to treat CMD characterized by low flow rates and
low acidity. The briquettes are easier to handle than some
calcium-based neutralizing chemicals. Treatment systems are de-
signed so the CMD flows over the briquettes in a box or other
structure. Soda ash briquettes can be used hi remote areas, again
mostly for short-term applications to CMD discharges marked by low
flow and low concentrations of acidity and metals.
limitations of Soda Ash
When the concentration of iron is greater than 10 or 20 mg/L, a
mixing system is needed to increase efficiency. Soda ash briquettes
have a lower solubility and a higher cost when compared to other
sodium-based neutralizing chemicals (i.e., caustic soda).
Appendix Em
E-10
-------
Active System Chemicals: Caustic Soda
Caustic soda raises the pH of the CMD rapidly due to its high
solubility and quick dispersion. It is often used in temporary treat-
ment of low flows with high acidity, or in treatment of high manga-
nese concentrations. A common use of caustic soda is to boost pH
values well beyond neutral (pH = 7) and on up to the fairly alkaline
10.0 range. This approach is used to achieve quick precipitation of
dissolved manganese in the CMD. Manganese precipitation is fairly
slow at pH readings of less than 8.0. Raising the pH to 8.0 and
higher allows some buffering downstream if other small CMD flows
combine with the treatment system discharge.
limitations of Caustic Soda
Caustic soda produces a ferric hydroxide (FeOHS) sludge that
has a gel-like consistency. It is a little more expensive than some
other chemical approaches, and caution must be used when handling
the chemical to prevent excessive application. Caustic soda can
rapidly raise the pH level to extremely high alkaline values. In cold
conditions, caustic soda can freeze and be difficult to handle.
Active System Chemicals: Anhydrous Ammonia
Anhydrous ammonia (NH3) is commonly used in West Virginia
and other states to treat small discharges through direct application.
Application rates are computed by considering the volume, flow, and
pH of the discharge to be treated. This product, which acts as a weak
base, can cause serious bums if it gets into the eyes. Care must be
taken when handling ammonia products.
Drawbacks to Active Chemical Treatment
Actively applied chemical treatment is only a temporary solution
to the problem, since it does not eliminate the source of the CMD or
prevent its formation. Applied or mixed chemical treatment requires
constant maintenance and is relatively expensive. Passive treatment
with limestone trenches or ponds is also a temporary solution;
however, is more cost effective and requires less maintenance (see
following sections). The metals and other precipitation products that
settle from the CMD in the holding ponds or wetlands can contain
high levels of toxic compounds. In this case, the sludge must be
disposed of in a manner that ensures it will not contribute to water
pollution after it is removed. Sometimes the sludge can be buried in
specially designed containment areas near the treatment site, as long
as care is taken to minimize the infiltration of rain water and expo-
sure of the sludge to the weather. Sludge disposal can add consider-
able cost and ongoing maintenance requirements to a CMD
remediation project.
E-ll
•Appendix E
-------
RECLAMATION AND REMEDIATION
Prevention, of course, is the preferred method for dealing with
CMD. Preventing the formation of contaminated drainage involves
reducing or eliminating contact between acidic or metallic wastes and
precipitation or stream flows. This can be accomplished by capping
waste piles to prevent rain infiltration or by re-routing streams to
avoid contact with CMD sources. Neutralizing wastes through the
mixing of acidic wastes and those with alkaline properties also helps
prevent CMD formation. Finally, analyses of CMD discharge sites
sometimes finds that sites can be filled, sealed, or remined to prevent
CMD from forming. These situations are highly site-specific and
require the services of engineering and geological professionals.
Filling and Sealing
If field investigation determines rainwater is flowing into under-
ground mineworks through identifiable openings at the surface, it
might be possible to fill and/or seal the openings to prevent infiltration
and eventual formation of CMD. Tracer dye tests can indicate
whether infiltration points such as cracks, holes, or mine shaft
openings are creating a CMD discharge at another location. In
general, the best approach is to seal off any openings that lead into
underground mineworks to prevent rain infiltration. Likewise, any
channelized flows of storm water that disappear into mine area cracks
or shafts should be diverted so they do not flow through iron sulfide
material and generate CMD.
Remining
In some cases, there is still recoverable coal in the vicinity of
CMD discharges. As your group investigates and maps CMD sites, it
is important to note the names and addresses of property owners in
site investigation records. Before CMD sites are scheduled for
expensive treatment system construction, it might be worthwhile to
have a geologist determine whether enough coal is present at the site
to justify remining. Some old mines were worked before the develop-
ment of modern equipment, so it is possible that significant coal
reserves are still present The remining contractors would be charged
with ensuring that the remining operations prevent the generation of
CMD by incorporating careful planning, engineering, and operational
approaches into the remining work. The isolation or neutralization of
CMD-producing earthen wastes is accomplished by mixing acidic and
alkaline wastes in a manner that prevents CMD formation, or by
isolating problem wastes beneath impermeable caps.
The Clean Water Act allows less stringent limits for remining
activities, but water quality standards must not be violated. This has
Appendix Em
E-12
-------
created an obstacle for some remining operations, and officials from
EPA and OSM are exploring regulatory approaches to promote
remining as a no-cost CMD clean-up option while minimizing water
quality impacts. As with all mine permitting processes, it is impor-
tant for concerned citizens to monitor remining permit proceedings to
ensure that all necessary consideration is given to site-specific
conditions, water resource protection, adequate bonding and insur-
ance, and reclamation provisions.
•Appendix E
E-13
-------
Potential Funding
Sources for Mine
Drainage Abatement
Organization
Contact
Phone No.
Comments
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Baltimore District
Philadelphia District
Buffalo District
Detroit District
Huntington District
Louisville District
Nashville District
Pittsburgh District
Mobile District
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation
Service
Lexington, KY
Columbus, OH
Harrisburg, PA
Morgantown, WV
James Johnson
Robert Callegari
Phillip Berkeley
David Dulong
Jim Everman
JeffKlekner
Tom Waters
Jack Goga
Roger Simmons
David G.
Sawyer
Patrick K. Wolf
Janet L. Oertly
William
Hartman
(410) 962-4900
(215) 656-6540
(716) 879-4145
(313) 226-6766
(304) 529-5636
(502) 582-5658
(615) 736-5646
(412) 644-6817
(205) 690-2777
(606) 224-7350
(614) 469-6962
(717) 782-2202
(304) 291-4153
Section 1135: applies to watershed
projects damaging Corps property or if
Corps projects are having a negative
effect that would result in AMD
formation. The project area has to be
on public lands.
Section 206: Aquatic Ecosystem
Restoration Program. This program
has not yet been funded
Planning assistance to states for
watershed cleanups.
Stream Bank Erosion Program.
PL 566: Small watershed program
PL534: Hood prevention program.
Resource Conservation and
Development Program: provides
technical assistance to help identify
problems and locate funding.
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program:
Under the Farm Bill.
F-l
Appendix F
-------
Organization
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Morgantown Energy Center
Morgantown, WV
FE-232
Office of Coal Combustion Control
Systems
Advanced Research and Environmental
Technology
Coal Preparation
Environmental Science & Technology
Div.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. EPA Region m
Environmental Justice (EJ)
Section 319
Source Watershed Protection Program
Environmental Justice through
Pollution Prevention (EJP2)
Sustainable Development Challenge
(SDC)
Environmental Education (EE)
Appalachian Regional Commission
Contact
Robert Bedick
Douglas Uthus
Neil H. Coats
Jer Yu Shang
Randy
Penington
Bob Kleinrnan
Reginald Harris
Hank Zygmunt
Jeff Burke
Mindy Lemoine/
Theresa Martella
Nan L. Ides
Karen Holloway
Phone No.
(304) 285-4505
(301) 903-0479
(301) 903-6229
(301) 903-2795
(301) 903-3485
(412) 892-6555
(215) 566-2988
(215) 566-5750
(215) 566-2761
(215) 566-2736
(215) 566-5546
(202) 884-7754
Comments
Availabili ty of funds will depend on
Congressional budget authorizations
and proposed organizational changes.
Projects of this kind are funded by the
appropriate DOE Field Center.
Advanced Research and
Environmental Technology (Env) $2.5
Million FY96.
R&D project funding.
Provides technical assistance.
Provide financial assistance to eligible
community groups. Organizations
must be incorporated to receive funds.
Provides financial support for projects
which demonstrate water quality
improvement from non-point source
pollution.
Provides financial support for projects
which potentially impact drinking
water supplies
To use pollution prevention resources
for addressing environmental problems
in low income, high minority areas.
Provide community funding for
establishing partnerships to encourage
environmentally and economically
sustainable business practices.
Provide financial support for projects
which design, demonstrate,
disseminate environmental education
practices, methods, or techniques.
Appendix F
F-2
-------
Organization
U.S. Department of Interior
Office of Surface Mining
Clean Streams Initiative
Abandoned Mine Land Program
(AMI)
Pittsburgh, PA
Harrisburg, PA
Maryland
Charleston, WV
Columbus, OH
Big Stone Gap, VA
Lexington, KY
Knoxville, TN
Contact
James Taitt
James Taitt
Dave Hamilton
Pete Hartman
Rick Buckley
Max Luehrs
Ronnie Vicars
Dave Beam
Willis Gainer
Phone No.
(412) 937-2106
(412) 937-2106
(717) 782-2285
(301) 724-4860
(304) 347-7162
(614) 866-0578
(540) 523-0024
(606) 233-2896
(423) 545-4103
Comments
Provides funding for stream cleanups
impacted by AMD from abandoned
coal mines.
Established by Title IV of SMCRA.
Under this program, fees collected
from coal operators go to the
Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund
(AMRF). Most AMRF monies are
potentially available for contaminated
CMD cleanup.
AMD Program Coordinator.
PA ACSI Coordinator.
MD ACSI Coordinator.
WV ACSI Coordinator.
OH ACSI Coordinator.
VA ACSI Coordinator.
KY ACSI Coordinator.
TN ACSI Coordinator.
STATE PROGRAMS
Abandoned Mine Lands Program
Special Reclamation Fund
Acid Mine Drainage Abatement and
Treatment Fund - 10% Set Aside.
State Revolving Fund
State Nonpoint Source Programs
State Division of Natural Resources
Civil Penalties
State's Development Office
Federal and State Appropriations
Governor's Discretionary Funds
Your state office
Your state office
Your state office
Your state office
Your state office
Your state office
Your state office
Your state office
Your state office
Your state office
F-3
Appendix F
-------
Organization
Contact
Phone No.
Comments
State of Maryland
State of Maryland
Maryland Department of Environment
Water Management Administration
Maryland Bureau of Mines (BOM)
Maryland Geological Survey
Suzanne Arcella
State
Coordinator
J.L. Hearn
Director
Connie Lyons
John Carey
James Reger
Ken Schwartz
Emery Cleaves
(401)631-3584
(410)631-3567
(301) 689-6764
(301) 689-6764
(410) 554-5523
(301) 689-6104
(410) 554-5504
RFPs for Maryland 319 Funds come
out in April each year. The Maryland
Mining Program can compete for
funds.
MDE has an established tradition of
supporting projects with funding in
which they have an interest.
Source of additional contacts.
Potential source of contribution; source
of additional contacts.
State of Pennsylvania
Mineral Resources Management
Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation
Ernie
Giovennetti
Director
(717) 783-2267
Source of potential funding; additional
contacts; information.
State of Virginia
Department of Mines, Minerals, &
Energy
Division of Mined Land Reclamation
Bob Herron
Coordinator
(540) 523-8100
Source of potential funding; additional
contacts; information.
State of West Virginia
Stream Mitigation Fund
Section 319
Ken Politan
Lyle Bennett
(304) 759-0510
RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS / ENDOWMENTS / TRUSTS
Heinz Endowments
Andy
McElwaine
(412) 281-5777
The Heinz Endowments holds two
meetings per year (Spring and Fall) to
allocate funds from two separate Heinz
endowments. The Howard Heinz
Endowment is solely for projects
inside the State of Pennsylvania. The
Vira Heinz Endowment occasionally
considers projects outside of
Pennsylvania and does fund AMD
projects.
Appendix F
F-4
-------
Organization
Contact
Phone No.
Comments
ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
Clean Water Action
American Rivers
Friends of the Earth
Friends of the River
Izaak Walton League of America
National Water Resources Association
River Network
Sierra Club
Society for Ecological Restoration
Thome Ecological Institute
David Zwick
Rebecca
Wadders
Betsy Reifsnider
TomF.
Donnelly
Carl Pope
William Jordan
Steve Eandi
(202) 895-0420
(202) 547-6900
(202) 783-7400
(415) 771-0400
(703) 548-0150
(703) 524-1544
(202) 364-2550
(415) 977-5500
(608) 262-9547
(303) 499-3647
In-kind technical/scientific
consultation; In-kind research support;
networking.
In-kind research support; media
support; networking.
In-kind research support; media
support; networking.
Funds river preservation and
restoration projects through Friends of
the River Foundation; media support;
networking.
In-kind research support; media
support; networking.
Bestows awards; networking.
In-kind research support; media
support; networking.
Bestows awards; networking; media
support.
In-kind technical/scientific
consultation; networking.
In-kind technical/scientific
consultation; networking.
F-5
Appendix F
-------
Appendix 6: Fact Sheet
on OSM's ACSI Funding
Note: For additional questions on this fact sheet, contact Jim
Taitt, AMD Program Coordinator, at (412) 937-2106.
Fact Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions About OSM's Appalachian
Clean Streams Initiative (ACSI) Funding
Background: Hie Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of
1977 (SMCRA) created the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund, a
fund consisting of tonnage-based fees collected from coal producers.
This Fund is used to mitigate the effects of past mining practices and
protect people, property, and the environment from problems left after
coal companies mined lands and left them unreclaimed prior to
SMCRA. These problems include subsidence, landslides, mine fires,
mine drainage, open shafts, highwalls and other hazards and environ-
mentally degrading effects. Each year Congress appropriates monies
from the Fund for abandoned mine land (AML) reclamation as
outlined below.
The law requires that one half of the funds collected within a
State or Indian tribal boundaries be reserved for use by mat State or
Indian tribe. These "state share" funds are made available to the
States and Indian tribes through grants authorized by the Secretary of
the Interior, acting through the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation
and Enforcement (OSM). To receive a grant, a State or Indian tribe
must have a reclamation plan approved by the Secretary. The other
half of the funds collected is divided into "shares" for a variety of
uses. For example, funds are used to handle emergency reclamation
needs (an AML problem that must be addressed more quickly than
could happen under the grants process), for reclamation in States that
do not have approved reclamation plans, for expenses associated with
operating the AML program, for additional grants to the States and
Tribes for their reclamation efforts, and for other purposes authorized
by Tide IV of SMCRA.
G-l
•Appendix G
-------
SMCRA establishes a priority system which generally results in
reclamation of the most serious eligible AML problems first. The top
three priorities in this system are as follows:
* The protection of public health, safety, general welfare, and
property from extreme danger of adverse effects of coal mining
practices;
* The protection of public health, safety and general welfare from
adverse effects of coal mining practices; and
* The restoration of land and water resources and the environment
previously degraded by adverse effects of coal mining practices.
Historically, AML-related water quality problems were generally
deemed to be a Priority 3 problem, making it difficult for State and
Tribes to fund a significant number of water restoration problems, The
1990 Amendments to SMCRA made specific mention of adverse
economic impact upon a local community as a reason for giving priority
to the reclamation of certain sites. OSM recognized the importance of
acid mine drainage (AMD) problems and the potential impacts AMD has
on local communities. Beginning in 1995, OSM encouraged States and
Tribes to consider whether their AMD pollution sites could be consid-
ered "general welfare" problems that had an adverse economic impact
upon a community. Such an interpretation gives these water problems a
higher priority and allows them to compete more easily for limited AML
dollars. The process has facilitated the funding of Appalachian Clean
Streams Initiative projects. For fiscal year (FY) 1997, Congress
authorized Clean Streams funding as a supplement to Tide IV State
grants, i.e., funds earmarked especially for stream clean up.
SMCRA also provides that up to 10 percent of the annual grants to
States and Tribes may be set aside in State-managed accounts for use in
cleaning up mine drainage problems. Monies deposited in an acid mine
drainage set-aside fund may draw interest The AMD set-aside fund
also emphasizes a watershed-based approach to land reclamation and
stream clean up. OSM has determined that funds in these accounts be
State/Tribal funds and, therefore, can be used to match other Federal
grants (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency, Clean Water Act Sec.
319 or Corps of Fjigineers, Water Resources Development Act Sec.
1165 grants) for stream cleanup activities.
In the FY 1997 appropriation, Congress authorized States and
Tribes to use any of their AML grant funds to match other Federal
dollars as long as the purpose is environmental restoration-related to
treatment or abatement of acid mine drainage from eligible abandoned
mines and if the project is consistent with SMCRA's purposes and
priorities. This provides even greater flexibility to leverage Federal
dollars to cooperate in stream restoration activities, [note: this measure is
renewable annually as part of the AML appropriation].
Appendix G,
G-2
-------
Following are some frequently asked questions concerning the
Clean Streams Initiative and project funding.
Question 1: What is the Clean Streams Initiative? What
types of projects qualify for funding?
Answer 1: The Clean Streams Initiative (Clean Streams) is a
government-public alliance whose goal is to clean up streams and
rivers polluted by acid and toxic drainage from abandoned coal mines.
This initiative encourages increased information exchange, multi-
agency coordination, and the formation of partnerships among
government, citizens, and corporations to bring innovative solutions to
this national problem.
Basically, any abandoned mine land coal problem area eligible
under Title IV of SMCRA, with water pollution related to mine
drainage acidity, metals, or toxicity, may be a potential Clean Streams
project Because acid mine drainage problems are often very expen-
sive to clean up and funds are extremely scarce, OSM and the States/
Indian tribes are able to provide only limited funding for Clean Streams
projects.
Question 2: How does o State/Indian tribe request Clean
Streams funds?
Answer 2: After the annual Appropriations Act is signed by the
President, OSM makes funding decisions for its various programs
based on appropriation mandates and available funding. OSM
Headquarters then prepares authorizations to the Regional Coordinat-
ing Centers/Field Offices to expend funds and award grants. Assum-
ing that the Federal budget is passed by the beginning of the fiscal
year on October 1, the AML grant funds (including Clean Streams
funds) are usually available for distribution sometime after December
1 of each year.
For FY 1998, OSM and the States/Indian tribes are developing the
process and guidelines that will be used for Clean Streams project
submissions. Projects will be submitted to the applicable State/Indian
tribe AML agency for funding consideration. After the Appropriation
Act is signed, the States/Indian tribes will be notified about the amount
of funds earmarked for their clean streams initiative projects. To
request grant funds, a State/Indian tribe prepares an AML grant
application. Procedures for applying for a grant are outlined hi
regulations (e.g., 30 CFR 886; 43 CFR 12) and OSM's Federal
Assistance Manual. A State/Indian tribe may include its Clean
Streams project funding request as a part of its total AML grant
request or as a supplemental request to an existing grant In either
case, OSM approves a grant request after all requirements are met,
and then a Stateflndian tribe may draw AML funds on its established
letter-of-credit to meet its program/project needs.
G-3
•Appendix G
-------
Question 3: Are there differences between the Clean
Streams grant requirements and the standard requirements
for Abandoned Mine Land projects?
Answer 3: Clean Streams grants may only be used for the
reclamation of eligible abandoned sites with acid mine drainage prob-
lems from coal mines. Other than that, the Clean Streams grants are a
subset of the overall AML grants program; thus, the same requirements
apply. The proposed stream clean up project must be eligible to receive
Title IV funds. The proposed site must be listed in the national
Abandoned Mine Land Inventory System. The State/Indian tribe must
follow the procedures found in the Federal Assistance Manual for
receiving/administering AML funds and in its approved reclamation
plan. This includes the requirements of the National Environmental
Policy Act and other applicable Federal and State laws. Upon receiving
and finding acceptable the required material from the State/Indian tribe,
OSM issues an authorization to proceed.
Question 4: What is the acid mine drainage set aside?
When can a State/Indian tribe set aside its AML funds?
Answer 4: The acid mine drainage 10 percent set aside was
originally created to give States/Indian tribes more flexibility to address
AMD problems. Funds to be set aside are awarded either as part of a
State's/Indian tribes new AML grant or as a supplement to an existing
grant [Note: set-aside funds are considered State/Indian tribe money
and, thus, earn interest and can be used as matching funds for other
Federal dollars.]
Question 5: Con a State/Indian tribe set aside 10 percent of
Clean Streams Initiative funding for future reclamation?
While there is no specific written prohibition, OSM encourages
States/Indian tribes to use their entire Clean Streams Initiative supple-
mental funding for direct, construction-related purposes. By doing
this, on-the-ground successes can be attained more quickly, which
could help generate future funding support from multiple sources.
Question 6: If the State/Indian tribe receives Clean Streams
Initiative grant funds, must it be spent within the year the
funding was appropriated?
Answer 6: Clean Streams monies do not have to be spent within
the fiscal year they are appropriated. However, OSM assumes that
projects selected by States/Indian tribes are sufficiently far along in the
planning process for construction to proceed quickly.
Appendix G,
G-4
-------
Question 7: Are there restrictions on utilizing Clean
Streams Initiative grant money for overhead costs (e.g.,
planning, design, long-term monitoring equipment, drilling,
office equipment, salaries, mileage, etc.)?
Answer 7: The annual grant comprises several direct and
indirect cost components. OSM is encouraging all States/Indian tribes
to use the entire Clean Streams supplemental grant for direct, con-
struction-related purposes only, rather than on necessary administra-
tive expenses. In FY 1997, OSM is working with the National Mined
Land Reclamation Center (NMLRC) to provide some technical
support during the pre-construction, construction, and post-construc-
tion phases of the Clean Streams Initiative projects identified for
funding. If the States utilize the expertise of the NMLRC to the extent
available, design and engineering-related expenses would be reduced
and thus the funds devoted to direct construction work would be
maximized.
Question 8: Con Clean Streams Initiatve funds be used for
maintenance?
Answer 8: Clean Streams funds generally are to be used for
construction. Funds could be used for maintenance if a State/Indian
tribe applies for and received Clean Streams funding for this purpose.
Proposed maintenance projects would be ranked and selected accord-
ing to the same selection criteria applicable to all Clean Streams
Initiative projects.
Question 9: Con States/Indian tribes give Clean Streams
Initiative funds to a private entity to set up a trust to cover
maintenance?
Answer 9: The law does not allow AML funds to be set aside
for future use except for approved State/Tribal set-aside programs. A
State/Indian tribe could fund maintenance out of its approved set-aside
fund or as an annual portion of new grant funds.
Question 10: Con States/Indian tribes utilize Clean Streams
Initiative funding that was previously justified for one Clean
Streams project on a different Clean Streams project site?
Answer 10: Yes, under certain circumstances and subject to the
Clean Streams Initiative special grant condition and the State's/Indian
tribe internal procedures. For example, if a State obtains funding for
Clean Streams Project #1 from another source prior to OSM's
appropriation then it would be appropriate for Project #2 to receive an
Clean Streams dollars that remain after meeting Proejct #1 's needs.
G-5
iAppendixG
-------
Question 11: If a Clean Streams Initiative project is funded
in one fiscal year, but does not receive enough funding to be
completed, will additional Clean Streams fund automatically
follow in successive fiscal years?
Answer 11: The purpose of the supplemental Clean Streams
Initiative funds is not to fund projects at 100 percent of anticipated
reclamation costs. The Clean Streams funds are "challenge grants,"
providing seed money that can be used to attract additional financial
support from other public and private sources. Partially funded
projects will have to compete on their merits with other potential clean
streams projects in a State/Indian tribe for any funds appropriated by
Congress.
Question 12: How con funding be obtained for cleaning up a
mine drainage problem in my community?
Answer 12: State Abandoned Mine Land reclamation programs
identify, set priorities, and make funding decisions for all AML reclama-
tion operations, including Clean Stream projects. In a few states, e.g.,
Tennessee, OSM directly administers a Federal Reclamation Program
and has some limited funds for AML reclamation. The best way to get
a stream considered for funding is to demonstrate to the State reclama-
tion authority that you have a grassroots organization serious about
cleaning up the problem. For example, watershed groups can demon-
strate this commitment by showing that they have broad community
support and have identified other potential funding partners (Federal or
State agencies, foundations, local governments, private contributions,
etc.) Contact your State AML agency for a complete list of its criteria
and stream nomination procedures.
Question 13: I belong to watershed organizations and other
private groups advocating clean streams projects. Will my
organization ever be able to receive Clean Streams funding
directly from OSM?
Answer 13: OSM is authorized to provide funding in the form of
grants and cooperative agreements to eligible States and Indian tribes
only. Each State operates its AML program under State laws, regula-
tions, and policies governing expenditure of funds. So, the distribution
of Clean Streams monies to a construction contractor or consultant,
the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation
Service, a State agency, local government, an individual, a college, or
any other bona fide entity that will perform some aspect of Clean
Streams work is set by the State process. To determine whether your
organization can receive money from the State, contact your State
AML program agency.
Appendix G t
G-6
-------
Question 14: What must be done to assure the long-term
viability of funding for Clean Streams projects?
Answer 14: OSM depends on the Congressional appropriation to
provide its portion of Clean Streams funding. However, this was
never intended to be more than seed money to generate additional
interest and attract other sources of funding. OSM anticipates that
AMD reclamation successes in 1997 will help generate future support
from multiple sources. The best way to guarantee long-term viability
is to establish diverse sources of funding.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON AC5I:
OSM
Washington, DC
Fred W. Fox, ACSI Coordinator (202) 208-2527
Gene Krueger, AML Reclamation Administrator (202) 208-2937
Denver, Colorado
Steve Parsons (303) 844-1461
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Jim Taitt, AMD Program Coordinator (412) 937-2106
Mike Robinson, Chief, Program Support Division (412) 937-2882
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Dave Hamilton, PA ACSI Coordinator (717) 782-2285
Bob Biggi, Field Office Director (717) 782-4036
Maryland
Pete Hartman, MD ACSI Coordinator (301) 724-4860 or
(412) 937-2905
George Rieger, Program Specialist (412) 937-2153
Charleston, West Virginia
Rick Buckley, WV ACSI Coordinator (304) 347-7162 X3024
Roger Calhoun, Field Office Director (304) 347-7162 X3013
Columbus, Ohio
Max Luehrs, Ohio ACSI Coordinator (614) 866-0578
George Rieger, Program Specialist (412) 937-2153
Big Stone Gap, Virginia
Ronnie Vicars, VA ACSI Coordinator (540) 523-0024
Bob Penn, Field Office Director (540) 523-4303
•Appendix G
G-7
-------
Lexington, Kentucky
Dave Beam, KY ACSI Coordinator (606) 233-28%
Bill Kovacic, Held Office Director (606) 233-2894
Knoxville, Tennessee
Willis Gainer, TN ACSI Coordinator (423) 545-4103
Buck Miller, Field Office Director (423) 545-4103
Alton, Illinois
David Best, Mid-Continent ACSI Coordinator (618) 463-6463 X123
Ron Griffin, IL ACSI Coordinator (317) 226-6166 X239
Len Meier, MO ACSI Coordinator (618) 463-6463 X109
Birmingham, Alabama
Jeannie O'Dell, AL ACSI Coordinator (205) 290-7282 X21
Arthur Abbs, Field Office Director (205) 290-7282
Indianapolis, Indiana
Mike Kalagian, IN ACSI Coordinator (317) 226-6166 X234
Ron Griffin, IL ACSI Coordinator (317) 226-6166 X222
Andrew Gilmore, Field Office Director (317) 226-6166
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Ken Haynes, OK, AR ACSI Coordinator (918) 581-6430
Mike Wolfrom, Field Office Director (918) 581-6430
State/Indian Tribe
Alabama
Tom Ventress, Administrator (334) 242-8265
State Programs Division, Department of Industrial Relations
Alaska
Brian McMillen, AML Coordinator (907) 269-8633
Division of Mining & Water Management, Department of Natural
Resources
Appendix G t
Arizona
Douglas K. Martin, Office of State Mine Inspector (602) 542-5971
Arkansas
Floyd Durham, Chief (501) 682-0809
Department of Pollution Control & Ecology, Division of Surface
Mining & Reclamation
Colorado
David Bucknam, Abandoned Mine Program Supervisor (303) 866-3567
Division of Minerals & Geology, Department of Natural Resources
Crow
Hugh Whiteclay, Director, Crow AML Program (406) 638-2894
G-8
-------
Hopi
Ray Tsingine, Program Manager, (520) 734-2441 X632
Illinois
Frank Pisani, Division Manager (217) 782-0588
Division of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Illinois Department of
Natural Resources
Office of Mines & Minerals
Indiana
John Allen, Assistant Director - Restoration (812) 665-2207
Division of Reclamation, Department of Natural Resources
Iowa
Erica Berrier, AML Coordinator (515) 281-5347
Division of Soil Conservation, Department of Agriculture & Land
Stewardship
Kansas
Murray J. Balk, Section Chief (316) 231-8540
Surface Mining Section, Department of Health & Environment
Kentucky
Steve Hohmann, Director (502) 564-2141
Division of Abandoned Lands, Department for Surface Mining &
Enforcement
Louisiana
Anthony J. Duplechin, Jr., Geologist Supervisor-AML (504) 342-5528
Injection & Mining Division, Department of Natural Resources
Maryland
John Eilers, AML Section Chief (301) 689-6104
Maryland Bureau of Mines •
Michigan
Roger Whitener, Supervisor (517) 334-6907
Geological Survey Division, Department of Natural Resources
Missouri
Larry Coen, Chief (573) 751-4041
AML Section, Land Reclamation Program, Department of Natural
Resources
Montana
Vic Andersen, Chief (406) 444-6972
Abandoned Mine Reclamation Bureau, Department of Environmental
Quality
Navajo
Madeline Roanhorse, Director (520) 871-6982
Navajo AML Reclamation Department
• Appendix G
G-9
-------
New Mexico
Bob Evetts, AML Program Manager (505) 827-5981
Mining & Minerals Division, Energy, Minerals, & Natural Resources
Department
North Dakota
Lou Ogaard, AML Division Director (701) 328-4108
North Dakota Public Service Commission
Ohio
John F. Husted, AML Natural Resources Administration
(614) 265-7022
Department of Natural Resources, Division of Reclamation
Oklahoma
Michael L. Kastl, AML Program Director (405) 521-2384
Oklahoma Conservation Commission
Pennsylvania
Ernie Giovannitti, Director (717) 783-2267
Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Department of Environmental
Resources
Texas
Melvin B. Hodgkiss, Director (512) 463-7313
Surface Mining & Reclamation Division, Railroad Commission of
Texas
Utah
Mark Mesch, Chief (801) 538-5306
Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program, Division of Oil, Gas, & Mining
Virginia
Roger L. Williams, AML Manager (540) 523-8208
Division of Mined Land Reclamation, Department of Mines, Minerals,
& Energy
West Virginia
James E. Pitsenbarger, Chief (304) 759-0521
AML & Reclamation Program, Division of Environmental Protection
Wyoming
Stan Barnard, AML Program Administrator (307) 777-6145
Department of Environmental Quality
Appendix G,
G-lO
-------
References
A publication of the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation
Districts. Pennsylvania Resources. 1994. Vol. 5, No. 3.
Barton, C.D., and A.D. Karathanasis. 1996. Renovation of a
Failed Constructed Wetland Treating High Metal Load Acid
Mine Drainage in the Rock Creek Watershed. In 1996
Kentucky Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference Proceedings,
Kentucky Division of Water, September 1996.
Channing L. Bete Company, Inc. 1995. What Everyone Should
Know About Land Reclamation. Channing L. Bete Company,
Inc., South Deerfield, MA.
Channing L. Bete Company, Inc. 1995. What Everyone Should
Know About Coal. Channing L. Bete Company, Inc., South
Deerfield, MA.
Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC). n.d Build-
ing Local Partnerships. Conservation Technology Information
Center, West Lafayette, IN.
CTIC. n.d. Getting to Know Your Local Watershed. Conserva-
tion Technology Information Center, West Lafayette, IN.
Devlin, P.W. 1994. Mill Creek Reborn: A Mining Story. Pennsyl-
vania Resources 5(3):2-3, 1994.
Dick, W.A., J.V. Bonta, F. Haghire, and J.R. Page. 1983. Stream
Water Quality of Two Small Watersheds Affected by Surface
Coal Mining. Journal of Environmental Quality 12(3):351-
358.
Durkin, T.V., and J.G. Herrmann. Focusing on the Problem of
Mining Wastes: An Introduction to Acid Mine Drainage.
Reprint from EPA Seminar Publication No. EPA/625/R-95/007,
Managing Environmental Problems at Inactive and Abandoned
Metals Mine Sites. Obtained from Internet:
-------
Haering, K.C., and W.L. Daniels. 1991. Development of New
Technologies for the Utilization of Municipal Sewage Sludge
on Surface Mined Lands. Final Report. Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State University, Department of Crop and Soil
Environmental Sciences, Blacksburg, VA. October 1991.
Heunisch, G.W. 1987. Lime Substitutes for the Treatment of Acid
Mine Drainage. Mining Engineering, pp. 33-36.
Hyman, D.M., J.W. Hawkins, R.L.P. Kleinmann, and G.R. Watzlaf.
1995. The Art and Science of Mine Drainage Prediction
(paper). Attachment to letter from William J. Kovacic, Field
Office Director, OSM Lexington Office, to Carl Campbell,
Commissioner, Kentucky Dept. for Surface Mining, Frankfort,
KY, November 29,1995.
Joost, R.E., R.J. Olsen, and J.H. Jones. 1987. Revegetation and
Minesoil Development of Coal Refuse Amended with Sewage
Sludge and Limestone. Journal of Environmental Quality
16(1)65-68.
Kentucky Division of Water and University of Kentucky Agronomy
Department. 1996. Kentucky Coal Mining Practice Guide-
lines for Water Quality Management. Natural Resources and
Environmental Protection Cabinet, Commonwealth of Kentucky.
March.
Management Institute for Environment and Business. n.d. Environ-
mental Partnerships: A Field Guide for Nonprofit Organiza-
tions and Community Interests. Available from the Manage-
ment Institute for Environment and Business at (202) 833-6556.
Mancuso, A. 1992. How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation. Nolo
Press, Berkeley, CA.
Maryland Department of the Environment 1996. MDE Receives
Federal Grants for Two Acid Mine Remediation Projects in
Garrett County. Press release MDE No. 069-96, October 24,
1996.
Massachusetts Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Environmental
Law Enforcement. 1991. Adopt-a-Stream Workbook. Massa-
chusetts Riverways Program.
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. 1995. Watershed
Management Planning and Managing a Successful Project
to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution. -North Carolina State
University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. May.
References t
References - 2
-------
Office of Surface Mining, Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative.
n.d. Appalachian Clean Streams Initative: A Plan to Clean
Up Streams Polluted by Acid Drainage. Office of Surface
Mining, Washington, DC.
Pennsylvania Coal Association. 1995. Pennsylvania Coal Data
1995. Pennsylvania Coal Association, Harrisburg, PA.
PA DEP, Bureau of Mining and Reclamation. 1995. Information
About the Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund.
PA DEP. 1996. Pennsylvania's Abandoned Mines: Problems
and Solutions. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection, Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Wilkes-
Barre, PA. March. Obtained from Internet:
.
PA DEP. 1996. Pennsylvania's Comprehensive Plan for
Abandoned Mine Reclamation. Draft. Pennsylvania Depart-
ment of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Abandoned Mine
Reclamation, Wilkes Barre, PA. August Obtained from
Internet: .
PA DEP. 1996. Ten Percent Set Aside for Acid Mine Drainage
Abatement. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection Fact Sheet Pennsylvania Department of Environ-
mental Protection, Harrisburg, PA.
PA DEP. 1996. Toby Creek Watershed Association Hosts
Clean-Up Open House. DEP Update, October 25, 1996.
PA DER, Bureau of Water Quality Management 1994. Water
Quality Assessment 305(b) Report. Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA.
Pennsylvania Environmental Council. 19%. REG/NEG Update.
FORUM 25(1), May, 1996.
Rainford, S.T. The Oven Run Watershed Project: How Effective
Coordination Can Work. Pennsylvania Resources 5(3):9.
Robertson GeoConsultants, Inc. 1996. Constructed Wetlands for
Treatment of Mine Drainage: Introduction, Coal-Generated
CMD, Natural Neutralisation of an Acidic Mine Discharge
by a Small Wetland. October, 1996. Obtained from Internet:
.
References - 3
i References
-------
Squillace, M. 1990. The Strip Mining Handbook: A Coalfield
Citizens' Guide to Using the Law to Fight Back Against the
Ravages of Strip Mining and Underground Mining. Environ-
mental Policy Institute and Friends of the Earth, Washington, DC.
Stoneycreek-Conemaugh River Improvement Project (SCRIP).
Passive Treatment Technologies. Obtained from Internet:
.
Terrene Institute. 1991. Organizing Lake Users: A Practical
Guide. Terrene Institute, Washington, DC.
Terrene Institute. 1992. Federal and State Cooperative Effort to
Reduce Acid Mine Drainage in the Middle Fork River
Watershed, Terrene Institute, Washington, DC. April.
Terrene Institute. 1993. Clean Water in Your Watershed: A
Citizen's Guide to Watershed Protection, Terrene Institute,
Washington, DC.
Terrene Institute. 1996. A Watershed Approach to Urban Runoff:
Handbook for Decisionmakers. Produced in cooperation with
USEPA Region 5. Terrene Institute, Washington, DC. March.
Terrene Institute. 1995. New Acid Mine Drainage Clean-up Plant
Opens in Pennsylvania. Nonpoint Source News-Notes. March/
April 1995, Issue No. 40. Terrene Institute, Washington, DC.
The Keystone Center. 1996. The Keystone National Policy
Dialogue on Ecosystem Management. Final Report. The
Keystone Center, Colorado. October, 1996.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1993. Oven Run: Resource Plan
and Environmental Assessment. U.S. Department of Agricul-
ture, Soil Conservation Service. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania July
1993.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclama-
tion and Enforcement. 1995. An Overview of Factors to
Consider in the Evaluation of Potential Hydrologic Impacts
of Underground Mines, Including the Potential for Acid
Mine Drainage. Attachment to letter from the Acting Chief,
Program Support Division, Eastern Support Center, Pittsburgh,
PA, to Director, Lexington Field Office. March 27,1995.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclama-
tion and Enforcement. 1995. Appalachian Clean Streams
Initiative: A plan to clean up streams polluted by acid
drainage. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC.
References i
References - 4
-------
U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclama-
tion and Enforcement 1996. Monday Creek Clean-Up
Project Announced. News media advisory obtained from
Internet: . October 22,
19%.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclama-
tion and Enforcement 1996. Surface Mining Director
Announces $325,000 Acid Mine Drainage Clean-Up in Elk
County. News media advisory obtained from Internet . October 23,1996.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclama-
tion and Enforcement 1996. Surface Mining Director
Announces $325,000 For Quemahoning Creek Acid Mine
Drainage Clean-Up, Somerset County. News media advisory
obtained from Internet: .
October 23,19%.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclama-
tion and Enforcement 1995. Abandoned Mine Land Pro-
gram Overview. Obtained from Internet: . June 30,1995.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines. 1994. Passive
Treatment of Coal Mine Drainage. Information Circular 9389.
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey. On-Line
Discussion Groups. USGS Mine Drainage Newsletter.
Obtained from Internet: .
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey. 1995.
OSM Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative -Update. USGS
Mine Drainage Newsletter, No. 4, December 1995. Obtained
from Internet: .
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1991. The
Watershed Protection Approach (booklet). EPA/503/9-92/002.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water.
December 1991.
USEPA. 1994. Streamwalk Manual. EPA 910-B-94-002. U.S.
EPA, Region 10.
References - 5
References
-------
USEPA. 1994. Environmental Planning for Small Communities:
A Guide for Local Decision-Mafcers.EPA/625/R-94/009. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and
Development, Office of Regional Operations and State/Local
Relations. September 1994.
USEPA. 1994. Partnership Tackles Acid Mine Drainage;
Section 319 Success Stories. Office of Water, 841-S-94-004.
November 1994.
USEPA. n.d. The Volunteer Monitoring Guidance on Stream
Surveys (Draft).
USEPA. 1995. Cleaning Up Contaminated Sediment: A Citizen's
Guide. U.S. EPA/GLNPO. January 1995.
USEPA, Region 3, and U.S. Department of the Interior. 1995.
Statement of Mutual Intent Strategic Plan for Restoration
and Protection of Streams and Watersheds Polluted by Acid
Mine Drainage from Abandoned Coal Mines: 1995 Progress
Report. USEPA Region 3, Philadelphia, PA.
USEPA, Region 3. n.d. Coal Mine Drainage Initiative pamphlet.
USEPA, Region 3, Philadelphia, PA.
USEPA, Region 3. 1995. Nonpoint Source Coal Mine Drainage
Projects: Project Summary List. USEPA, Region 3, Philadel-
phia, PA. May 1995.
USEPA. 1995. Statement of Mutual Intent Strategic Plan for the
Protection of Streams and Watersheds Polluted by Acid Mine
Drainage from Abandoned Coal Mines. USEPA and U.S.
Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining. Produced
by GS A Mid-Atlantic Region Duplicating Plant November
1995.
USEPA. and the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and
Rivers. n.d. AMD: A Citizen's Introduction to Restoring and
Protecting Streams and Watersheds in the Appalachian
Region.
USEPA. 1995. Cleaning Up Contaminated Sediment: A Citizen's
Guide. Prepared for USEPA, Great Lakes National Program
Office, by the Lake Michigan Federation. January 1995.
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. 1996. State
Receives $975,000 for Acid Mine Drainage Work. In DEPth
3(12), December 1996.
References t
References - 6
-------
For more specific information about this Handbook and other
activities under the Statement of Mutual Intent, please contact:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 3
Bernie Sarnoski, Mine Drainage Program Coordinator, (215) 566-5756
Daniel D. Sweeney, Mine Drainage Program, (215) 566-5731
Hank Zygmunt, Assistant Associate Director, Office of Watersheds, (215) 566-5750
Katie Attwood, Office of Watersheds, (215) 566-5741
Office of Surface Mining (OSM)
Fred Fox, Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative Coordinator, (202) 208-2527
Mike Robinson, Appalachian Regional Coordinating Center, (412) 937-2882
James M. Taitt, ARCC, ACSI Coordinator, (412) 937-2106
Jim Spotts, ACSI Clean Streams Clearinghouse, (412) 937-2873
Other Federal Agencies
Betty Barton, EPA Region IV, (404) 562-9381
Bob Hahn, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, (513) 684-2907
Karen Hollaway, Appalachian Regional Commission, (202) 884—7761
Chuck Cravotta, United States Geological Survey, (717) 730-6963
Kent Schreiber, National Biological Service, (304) 725-8461
Bob Kleinman, U.S. Department of Energy, (412) 892-6555
State Agencies
Greg Adolfson, WV Division of Environmental Protection, (304) 759-0512
Harry Paine, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, (614) 265-1076
Tony Abar, MD Department of Environmental Resources, (410) 974-3874
Ernie Giovannitti, PA Department of Environmental Protection, (717) 787-5103
Les Vincent, VA Division of Mine Land Reclamation, (703) 523-8178
Greg Upham, TN Department of Environmental Protection, (615) 360-0336
Non-government Groups
Paul Ziemkiewicz, National Mined Land Reclamation Center, (304) 293-2867
-------
.
Region 111 ^.^..
Centor (3PM1.?.;
841 Chestnut £
Philadelphia, Pn
------- |