EPAX 906R82103
8604-0064
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RECLAMATION OF TOXIC MINE WASTE
UTILIZING SEWAGE SLUDGE
CONTRARY CREEK DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
ADDENDUM REPORT
by
Kenneth R. Hinkle
Virginia State Water Control Board
Bridgewater, Virginia 22812
Grant No. S-803801
Project Officer
Ronald D. Hill
Solid and Hazardous Waste Research Division
Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
MUNICIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
CINCINNATI, OHIO 45268
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DISCLAIMER
The information in this document has been funded wholly or in part by
the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement
number S-803801 to the Virginia State Water Control Board. It has been
subject to the Agency's peer and administrative review, and it has been
approved for publication as an EPA document. Mention of trade names or
commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for
use.
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FOREWORD
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was created because of increasing
public and government concern about the dangers of pollution to the health and
welfare of the American people. Noxious air, foul water, and spoiled land
are tragic testimonies to the deterioration of our natural environment. The
complexity of that environment and the interplay of its components require a
concentrated and integrated attack on the problem.
Research and development is that necessary first step in the problem
solution, and it involves defining the problem, measuring its impact, and
searching for solutions. The Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory
develops new and improved technology and systems to prevent, treat, and
manage wastewater and solid and hazardous waste pollutant discharges from
municipal and community sources, to preserve and treat public drinking water
supplies, and to minimize the adverse economic, social, health, and aesthetic
effects of pollution. This publication is one of the products of that re-
search and is a most vital communications link between the researcher and
the user community.
Land disturbed by man's activities can create many environmental problems.
This report describes a project in which one of man's waste, sewage sludge, was
utilized to reclaim land disturbed by mining. Sludge, with the assistance of
limestone and fertilizer, was successful in establishing vegetation and con-
trolling erosion on mine waste dumps that had been barren for over 50 years.
Francis T. Mayo
Director
Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory
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ABSTRACT
Three abandoned pyrite mines in Louisa County, Virginia that had been
inactive since the early 1920's contained approximately 12 hectares virtually
barren of any vegetation. The toxic nature of the mine waste resulted in the
continuous leaching of acid and heavy metals into a small stream known as
Contrary Creek rendering it essentially void of aquatic life. The severe acid
mine drainage problem along this stream and associated fish kills downstream
had been recognized for years. The Virginia State Water Control Board was
prompted to seek a solution to the problem in 1968 when plans were announced
to construct a reservoir as a source of cooling water for a nuclear power
plant on the North Anna River into which Contrary Creek drained.
Two of the mine sites comprising about 8 hectares were reclaimed with
funds from a demonstration grant from the United States Environmental Pro-
tection Agency with the Virginia State Water Control Board contributing matching
funds through in-kind services and the Soil Conservation Service providing
technical assistance. The third mine site was reclaimed by a mining firm.
Reclamation began in 1976 and consisted of regrading mine spoils, constructing
diversions, applying soil amendments including wastewater sludge, lime,
fertilizer and seeding. The purpose of the reclamation was to reduce the
acid mine drainage into Contrary Creek and stabilize the mine waste to minimize
erosion.
Severe droughts in 1976 and 1977 and the highly toxic nature of the mine
waste necessitated a six-year maintenance program involving application of
soil amendments and reseeding to establish vegetation. The first significant
progress did not occur until 1978-79. Abnormally low precipitation in 1980-81
continued to encumber the project. Development of a viable soil layer was a
slow and tedious process, but by the beginning of the 1983 growing season
about 90 percent of the reclaimed areas appeared to have established a more
or less permanent cover. Ky-31 fescue grass was the most successful planting
with weeping lovegrass exhibiting a tolerance for drought. The use of sludge
was the most essential factor in promoting vegetation.
Results of a seven-year monitoring program indicated little overall
improvement in the water quality of Contrary Creek in terms of pH and acidity.
There did appear to be a pronounced trend in the reduction of heavy metals,
especially when periods of similar stream flow levels are compared under
prereclamation and postreeTarnation conditions. Further improvement is expected
as a more productive soil cover establishes, but acid mine drainage will
continue to leach from the toxic wastes beneath the stream banks. It will
likely require several more years to realize any overall improvement. Five
IV
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years of monitoring of the Contrary Creek arm of Lake Anna showed acid mine
drainage to have a pronounced influence for a short distance out into the
reservoir but apparently insignificant effect elsewhere in the lake. Semi-
annual biologic surveys until early 1982 revealed negligible improvement
in the biota of Contrary Creek to date.
Average cost of reclamation including all maintenance for the two mine
sites funded from the demonstration grant was approximately $15,000 per
hectare.
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CONTENTS
Foreword iii
Abstract iv
Figures viii
Tables ix
Acknowledgements x
Introduction 1
Conclusions 1
Recommendations 4
Background 5
Reclamation and Maintenance 5
Maintenance Subsequent to 1980 11
1981 11
1982 14
Vegetative Progress 14
1981 14
1982 18
Soil Analyses 18
Water Quality 20
Monitoring 24
Results 24
Conclusions 28
Recommendations 31
Biologic Studies 31
Costs 33
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CONTENTS (continued)
References 34
Appendices
A. Water Quality at Stream Stations 35
B. Results of October 1981 Cursory Biologic Survey 42
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FIGURES
No. Page
1 Location of project 2
2 Various work areas of Sulphur Site 8
3 Sulphur Site before reclamation in 1974 16
4 Sulphur Site in 1982 17
5 Sources of acid mine drainage into Contrary Creek 23
6 Contrary Creek monitoring stations 25
7 Average annual concentrations and loads of zinc 29
and copper at MS-2, MS-3 and MS-4
8 Contrary Creek biologic stations 32
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TABLES
No. Page
1 Average Water Quality Analyses of Contrary Creek 6
Prior to Reclamation
2 Characteristics of Sulphur Site 9
3 Average Monthly Precipitation at Louisa Weather 10
Station - 1941 - 1979
4 Monthly Precipitation at Louisa Weather 10
Station 1975 - 1982
5 Monthly Precipitation at Contrary Creek 10
Rain Gage - 1980 - 1982
6 Summary of Lime Application Rates 12
7 Summary of Fertilizer Types and Application Rates 12
8 Summary of Sludge Application 13
9 Composition of Sludge Used at Contrary Creek 13
10 Typical Seeding Formula Used at Contrary Creek 13
11 Maintenance Costs - 1981 15
12 Maintenance Costs - 1982 15
13 Soil Data - pH and Nutrient Availability in Ibs/ac 19
14 Soil Data - pH and Metals on Dry Weight Basis 21
15 Average Annual Concentrations by Water Year at 26
Stream Stations
16 Average Annual Flow and Loads by Water Year at 27
MS-1, MS-2, MS-3, and MS-4
17 Comparison of Average Concentrations and Loads at 30
MS-3 and MS-4 During the Third Quarters of Water
Years 1977 and 1981
ix
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The State Water Control Board is most grateful for the assistance and
advice provided by the Soil Conservation Service of the United States Depart-
ment of Agriculture throughout the life of the project. Special thanks are
extended to Lowry Abell and Jack Warren of Louisa County Field Office who
continued to provide on-site assistance with the project maintenance and were
most helpful in making recommendations on soil amendments, seeding and erosion
control.
Ronald D. Hill, Environmental Protection Agency Project Officer, provided
guidance from the inception of the project through all the planning and actual
reclamation work to the completion of the Final Addendum Report.
Richard Ayers of the Division of Ecological Studies of the Virginia
State Water Control Board conducted the biologic studies throughout the
project.
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INTRODUCTION
This report is an addendum to a comprehensive report that was completed
on the Contrary Creek project in 1981.* It summarizes the work described in
the comprehensive report and updates the work that was done subsequent to
1980. The reader is referred to the comprehensive report which will here-
after be referred to as the "Main Report" for details of the entire project
prior to 1981.
The project involved the reclamation of two abandoned pyrite mine sites
along Contrary Creek in Louisa County, Virginia (Fig. 1) under a cooperative
effort of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Soil Conservation
Service (SCS), and Virginia State Water Control Board (SWCB). The objective
of the project was to demonstrate means by which acid mine drainage (AMD)
emanating into Contrary Creek could be abated by reclaiming the mine waste
sites using sewage sludge. The construction work was funded by an EPA
demonstration grant with the SWCB providing matching funds through in-kind
services including project management, monitoring, and documentation. The
SCS agreed to provide technical assistance.
Approximately 8 hectares were reclaimed at two sites known as the
Sulphur and 8oyd Smith Sites (Fig. 1). The Sulphur was the largest and by
far in the worst condition. A third site upstream known as the Arminius
was reclaimed by a mining company (Fig. 1).
CONCLUSIONS
(1) A fair to good vegetative cover had established reasonably well
over about 90 percent of reclaimed mine sites by the beginning of the 1983
growing season. Some highly toxic spots remained on the stream banks, and
several scattered areas with a very thin soil cover were quite vulnerable
to drought. Two dry years in early phases of reclamation severely hampered
the project and abnormally low precipitation in 1980-81 had detrimental
effects.
(2) The repeated application of digested wastewater sludge along with
lime and fertilizer was essential in promoting vegetation. It is doubtful
that a fraction of vegetative success would have been achieved without the
use of sludge.
*Rec1amation of Toxic Mine Waste Utilizing Sewage Sludge - Contrary Creek
Demonstration Project by K. R. Hinkle. EPA Report 600/2-82-061, Cincinnati,
Ohio, August 1982. Available from NTIS - P882-227-521
1
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(3) No health hazards or ill effects to the environment are known to
have resulted from the use of sludge.
(4) Soil analyses indicate a continued overall improvement in the
ability of the soil to support vegetation. However, the viable layer of
soil is limited to a few inches in some places with extremely toxic materials
beneath. A thicker layer of productive soil should gradually build up with
time.
(5) Heavy and repeated application of lime apparently was instrumental
in raising the soil pH. A pronounced pattern that emerged was a direct
relationship between potash deficiency and difficult areas to vegetate.
(6) The reduction of erosion with concomitant decrease in surface
runoff of AMD was one of the first achievements realized in the reclamation
program.
(7) Ky-31 fescue proved to be the most successful planting over the
long term. Weeping lovegrass exhibited a tolerance for hot dry weather and
was essential in establishing a grass mat. Legumes did not show appreciable
success. Numerous volunteer plants began to appear and aspen trees began
to invade after three to four years of reclamation. Early attempts at
planting pine seedlings had very limited success.
(8) There appeared to be little overall improvement in the water quality
of Contrary Creek six years after reclamation began. There did seem to be a
trend toward reduction in heavy metals, but pH, acidity, and sulfate remained
at about the same levels. Extreme fluctuations in flow levels over the course
of the regular monitoring program had pronounced impact upon the data generated.
(9) The Sulphur Site remains the major contributor of AMD along Contrary
Creek, but certain metals appear peculiar to each mine site. Water quality
tends to deteriorate downstream as Contrary Creek passes each mine site.
(10) The principal causes of AMD still affecting the stream are sudden
flushouts of oxidation products from the stream bed, especially the down-
stream reach below the Sulphur Site, and from stream banks when rainstorms
occur after prolonged dry periods. AMD continues to seep from the banks be-
tween storms.
(11) Biologic studies have shown no significant improvements in the
ability of the AMD affected part of Contrary Creek to support a healthy and
diverse macroinvertebrate community since reclamation began. Since sensitive
organisms do inhabit the unaffected tributaries of the stream, there is
potential for benthic life to be restored if the AMD is reduced.
(12) In view of the very toxic nature of the AMD entering Contrary
Creek, it will probably require several more years to realize overall improve-
ment in the water quality.
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(13) The Contrary Creek arm of Lake Anna Immediately below the mouth of
the stream is affected by AMD, but the impact upon the main body of the lake
appears negligible.
(14) Including initial construction and all subsequent maintenance,
approximately 515,000 per hectare was spent on actual reclamation work.
RECOMMENDATIONS
(1) A project of this type will in all probability require several years
of intense maintenance to assure permanent survival of vegetation. Regular
inspections are necessary to determine maintenance needs including reseeding
of problem areas and placement of erosion controls. Soil tests should be
conducted at least annually to evaluate progress and to determine soil
additives needed. Fall seeding is generally more successful than spring
seeding because of the risk of drought during the summer months. Close
surveillance should be made of the reclamation sites for 5 to 10 years to
observe progress and any evidence of damage that may reverse the project
effort.
(2) Whenever feasible, wastewater sludge should be used in the recla-
mation of lands severely affected by mine wastes. The positive effects that
sludge has in promoting vegetative growth on highly toxic areas have been
well demonstrated in this project. Large urban areas that generate huge
volumes of sludge and have problems obtaining disposal sites are the best
sources to use. If work schedules permit and the terrain is favorable, it
is desirable to have sludge dumped directly upon application areas rather
than stockpiled nearby because of the extra handling involved. On mine
sites such as the one studied, potash levels should be evaluated for
deficiencies.
(3) Water quality monitoring of the regular stream stations and key
tributaries should continue on a limited basis. The monitoring station
below the Sulphur Site should be retained as a permanent flow gaging station.
Biologic studies should continue biennially. All monitoring data should
be evaluated for long-term changes.
(4) The downstream reach of Contrary Creek between the Sulphur Site
and Lake Anna would be the area to concentrate upon, in the event it would
ever be feasible to do any additional reclamation work.
(5) The vast amount of quantitative and qualitative data generated by
the comprehensive monitoring program in conjunction with this project may
have beneficial uses to other water studies aside from AMD. Few streams of
this small size have likely been monitored so intensely in terms of quality
and flow.
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BACKGROUND
Deep shaft pyrlte mines were worked at all three sites between 1880 and
1923. It was during this period that massive tailing piles were created along
Contrary Creek resulting in a severe AMD problem which left the stream practi-
cally devoid of aquatic life. With the exception of trial plantings by the
SCS and the Virginia Division of Forestry in the 1950's and 1960's, the mine
waste sites remained essentially in this condition until the reclamation
project began in 1976.
The project was prompted by the construction of a reservoir (Lake Anna)
for a nuclear power plant downstream from Contrary Creek (Fig. 1). It was
feared that the continued influx of AMD which included heavy metals would
result in a buildup of contaminants in the new reservoir.
The SWCB had done some preliminary stream sampling of Contrary Creek in
the early 1970's which confirmed the severity of the AMD problem and identified
the heavy metals present. Prior to reclamation, the SWCB conducted more in-
tensive water quality studies to determine prevailing conditions. Table 1
shows average concentrations of approximately 25 sample collections along
Contrary Creek in 1974 and 1975. These sampling points were established
as regular monitoring stations when the full-scale monitoring program began
in October 1975. The Main Report should be consulted for detailed water
quality data collected from 1975 until 1980.
Prereclamation biologic studies by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and
State University (VPI 4 SU) had also confirmed the severe impact of AMD on
the aquatic life of Contrary Creek. Biologic surveys were part of the SWCB
monitoring program.
The SWCB had decided to apply for- an EPA grant under Section 107 of
PL 92-500 in 1973. An engineering firm was hired to do a feasibility study
on the best means of reclaiming the mine waste areas and to make monitoring
recommendations. Initially all three mine sites were considered in the grant
proposal. In the midst of efforts to obtain a grant, Callahan Mining
Corporation advised the SWCB that in connection with their mineral exploration
in the area, they would assume responsibility for reclaiming the Arminius
Site. Thus, the grant request involved only the Sulphur and Boyd Smith Sites.
The Sulphur Site is owned by Glatfelter Pulp Wood Company and the Boyd Smith
Site is privately owned. Deeds of easement were executed with the property
owners concurrent with the grant application.
RECLAMATION AND MAINTENANCE
An EPA grant was awarded to the SWCB in 1975 to reclaim the Sulphur and
Boyd Smith Sites. The provision of the grant was for 60 percent Federal
funding to cover contractual services with the Commonwealth of Virginia
providing 40 percent matching funds through in-kind services. The SCS prepared
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plans and specifications for the reclamation work, provided an on-site
inspector during the construction work, and continued to lend technical
expertise and assistance throughout the project.
A contract was awarded to do the reclamation work after sealed bids had
been submitted. Work began in April 1976 and consisted essentially of (1)
clearing debris, stumps, and brush; (2) regrading and smoothing the mine
wastes; (3) constructing diversions; (4) excavating the stream channels;
(5) stabilizing stream banks with riprap; (6) applying sewage sludge, lime,
and fertilizer as soil amendments; and (7) seeding and mulching.
The utilization of sewage sludge is a fairly unique characteristic of
this project. Few reclamation projects have used sludge on the scale that
was done at Contrary Creek. All sludge used was trucked from the Blue Plains
Sewage Treatment Plant in Washington, D.C., a round-trip of about 180 miles.
The plant generates approximately 275 tonnes of anaerobically digested sludge
daily which is concentrated to approximately 20 percent solids. Because of
the high cost of sludge disposal in the Washington, O.C. area, the District
agreed to deliver the sludge free of charge and continued to do so for the
subsequent maintenance. On the basis of cost estimates in the 1974 feasi-
bility study for hauling sludge, this resulted in a savings to the project
of approximately $100,000.
For the purposes of this project, the Sulphur Site was divided into work
areas as depicted in Fig. 2. Approximately 6 ha (15 ac) were reclaimed at
this site where massive tailing piles stood along the banks of Contrary Creek.
A description of prereclamation conditions and brief summaries of the remedial
work done are presented in Table 2.
Conditions at the Boyd Smith Site were considerably less severe than at
the Sulphur Site. About 2 ha (5 ac) were covered with 1 to 2 m (3 to 7 ft.) of
tailings which choked a tributary of Contrary Creek. Reclamation here
essentially consisted of smoothing for incorporation of the soil amendments
and riprapping part of the tributary.
All reclamation work including seeding was completed by early July 1976,
but the late seeding coupled with meager rainfall the remainder of the summer
resulted in sparse germination. A complete reseeding was done the following
spring, but unfortunately one of the worst droughts of the century followed.
This not only negated the spring seeding but destroyed some of the small
patches of vegetation from the original seeding. See Tables 3-5 for pre-
cipitation records in the project area.
The year of 1977 was the beginning of a long-term maintenance program
which continued until 1982. The original grant period to cover the reclamation
of the Sulphur and Boyd Smith Sites was for three years. However, the nature
of the problem involving extreme toxicity of the mine tailings and the severe
AMD combined with the recurrent droughts necessitated extending the grant
period to a total of seven years. This was possible because initial reclamation
work had been done for considerably less cost than estimated.
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TABLE 2. CHARACTERISTICS OF SULPHUR SITE
work Area
Sulphur East
Upstream Flat
Large Area
Size (ha)
0.55
2.20
Tipple Area
North End
0.75
0.85
Conditions
Flood plain area along creek. Used to
deposit mine waste dredged fn» creek
when channel was cleaned and straightened.
Denuded mine waste disposal area with
numerous piles of waste. Poor surface
drainage. R111 and gully erosion evident,
collapsed mine shaft. Reclamation work
included grading to gentle slope (S.5M
installation of diversion ditch, and
filling of shaft.
Very steep slope covered with siine waste
below tipple ruins. Reclamation work:
installation of diversion ditch and
small amount of grading.
Mine waste disposal area with one large
pile of waste. Reclamation work: levelling
and grading of waste, improvement of
tributary channel and riprap.
Sulphur West
Tai 1 ing Area
1.15
Tr-1
0.41
largt tailing area retained by cribbing
from creek. Rose about 9 meters (30 feet)
above stream bed. Several large piles
of waste severely eroded. Reclamation:
grading of area, riprapping along creek,
diversion ditch along creek.
Flood plain area adjacent to creek and
tributary. Reclamation: grading and
riprapping of tributary.
Tc convert hectares (ha) to acres (ac) multiply by 2.471
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TABLE 3. AVERAGE MONTHLY PRECIPITATION AT LOUISA
WEATHER STATION - 1941 - 1979 (cm)a
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Seot Oct NOV. Dec Total
7.8 7.3 9.7 7.5 9.2 9.6 11.7 11.6 3.4 8.0 3.0 9.2 108. a
TABLE 4. MONTHLY PRECIPITATION AT LOUISA WEATHER
STATION 1975 - 1982 (cm)*
Year
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
Jan
8.4
9.3
4.3
21.7
14.1
11.5
0.3
7.0
Feb
5.9
3.9
1.0
0.7
13.0
2.7
7.8
12.7
Mar
16.4
7.2
6.2
10.3
9.6
9.7
3.4
10.1
Aor
4.5
-4.1
4.6
9.3
8.5
5.3
5.4
7.4
May
8.5
8.2
3.6
12.1
8.7
7.9
10.3
5.0
June
26.7
11.6
3.7
14.6
10.0
1.4
5.4
12.8
July
20.2
6.3
5.2
13.7
2.3
8.4
16.4
7.5
Aug
7.8
10.9
5.3
21.0
12.7
11.0
9.1
11.0
Seot
24.0
10.7
5.2
6. a
19.7
2.2
7.0
10.1
Oct
4.3
22.3
11.5
2.9
13.9
3.0
9.7
NOV
5.1
3.7
14.7
6.5
8.2
6.4
1.8
Dec
9.9
4.8
12.6
9.2
2.1
1.0
9.1
Total
142.3
103. i
77.9
1 11 . 1
122.3
75.5
85.5
TABLE 5. MONTHLY PRECIPITATION AT CONTRARY CREEK
RAIN GAGE - 1980 - 1982 (cm)a
Year
1980
1981
1982
Jan
11.7
0.2
5.3
Feb
1.9
5.S
Mar
10.9
1.7
8.5
Aor
4.7
5.0
5.5
May
8.6
8.2
5.3
June
0.3
4.1
Julv
7.7
13.1
4.1
Aua
17.3
5.7
10.7
Seot
2.2
5.1
Oct
3.3
10.7
Nov Dec
6.2 0.5
0.9 9.6
aTo convert centimeters to inches multiply by 0.394
b!ncomolete records are available where no measurements appear
10
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Maintenance consisted primarily of spring and fall seeding with additional
applications of sludge, lime, and fertilizer. Lime and fertilizer application
rates were determined on the basis of periodic soil analyses which will be
discussed further elsewhere in this report. Summaries of lime and fertilizer
application rates are shown in Tables 6 and 7, respectively. Additional
sludge was incorporated in the more difficult areas to vegetate as needed.
A summary of the sludge application rates appears in Table 8, and sludge
composition 1s presented in Table 9.
Maintenance also included placing several additional sections of riprap
along the channel of Contrary Creek and in some drainageways as well as
periodic staking of straw bales for added erosion control. Irrigation water
from a nearby beaver pond was applied to portions of the Sulphur Site during
dry periods from 1978 to 1980.
The most successful planting was Ky-31 fescue grass which was the mainstay
of the vegetation. Weeping lovegrass proved to be very drought tolerant and
made its best showing during the hot summer months when the Ky-31 became
dormant. Korean and sericea lespedeza were also used in the seed formula
but showed only limited success. Various types of small grains were used for
nurse crops. Typical seedings are shown in Table 10.
Both the Sulphur and Boyd Smith Sites were planted with pine seedlings
during the first years of reclamation, but hardly any survived the droughts.
Glatfelter Pulp Wood Company has continued trial plantings of loblolly pines
at the Sulphur Site and may eventually try another full-scale planting.
Numerous varieties of volunteer weeds and some trees began to invade the
reclaimed areas around 1978.
At the Arminius Site, the mine area upstream from Sulphur and Boyd Smith,
a similar reclamation and maintenance program was carried out until 1982 by a
private consultant for Callahan Mining Corporation. Sludge from the Blue
Plains STP was also used at this site where around 3 ha (7 ac) were reclaimed.
MAINTENANCE SUBSEQUENT TO 1980
This section gives details of the maintenance after 1980. For complete
details on the maintenance prior to 1981, the reader is referred to the Main
Report.
1981
The only maintenance done in 1981 was bushhoging of the Sulphur Site and
placing a new section of riprap along the main channel of Contrary Creek at
the Sulphur Site. The bushhog work was done in August to remove tall weeds
and promote growth of the grass cover. Care was taken to preserve young trees,
The riprap work consisted of placing a 250-ft. section of stone along the east
side of the stream channel where bank erosion was starting to cut into the
11
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TABLE 6. SUMMARY OF LIME. APPLICATION RATES3 (t/ha)b
1975 1977
1978
1979
1980
1982
Soring Fail Spring Fall Spring FaTl Soring
8.9 13.4-31.2 22.3 11.1-33.4 4.5-17.3 3.9-22.3 8.9 8.9 8.9
aA range of application rates indicates that the lower rate was appi'ed to all areas and
the upper rate was the maximum applied to areas.
bTo convert t/ha to tons/ac multiply by 0.449.
TABLE 7. SUMMARY OF FERTILIZER TYPES AND APPLICATION RATES (Kg/ha)a
1976
1977
1979
10-10-10
1121
38-0-C
448
Sori nq Fal 1
10-10-10 38-0-0 6-6-12 6-Q-12
561 448 1121 1121
1980
Soring Fal 1
5-0-12 6-6-1.2
1121 1121
198J
Soring
5-10-10
1121
aTo convert Kg/ha to Ibs/ac multiply by 0.892
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TABLE 8. SUMMARY OF SLUDGE APPLICATION3
Total t Avg. % Total t Total ha t/ha tons/ac
Year (wet) Solids (dry) Sludged (dry) (dry)
1976 7257 22 1596 6.6 200-260 90-116
1977 1769 19.9 352 1.6 220 99
1978 544 20.3 110 0.8 136 62
1979 308 19.5 60 0.7 82 37
TOTAL WT5 2TT8~
aTo convert tonnes/ha to tons/ac, multiply by 0.449
TABLE 9. COMPOSITION OF SLUDGE USED AT CONTRARY CREEK (ppm - dry weight)
£H'Cu Zn £b Hg_ CdCrN1_
SWCB Data^a)
1976 6.5 785 2529 550 5.1 17.0 659 29
Blue Plains^
STP Data
1976-79 6.1 678 1604 477 3.8 14.9 717 42
Average of 40 daily composite samples.
^ 'Average of monthly composite samples.
TABLE 10. TYPICAL SEEDING3
FORMULA USED AT CONTRARY CREEK
Species Kg/ha
Tall"Fescue (Ky-31) ~67T3
Weeping Lovegrass 2.2
Korean Lespedeza 11.2
aTo convert Kg/ha to Ibs/ac, multiply by 0.892
13
-------
Upstream Flat. Stone was placed according to the same specifications described
in the Main Report for the original reclamation work. Material dredged from the
stream channel was used as bedding. Table 11 shows costs of the 1982 mainte-
nance.
1982
Since the grant period was to end in July 1982, it was decided that a
final lime and fertilizer application would be given to the Boyd Smith and
Sulphur Sites in the spring of 1982. Prior to liming and fertilizing, the
stream banks and scattered bare areas were hand seeded in late March. Ky-31
fescue and weeping lovegrass were sown at the rate of 67.3 kg/ha (60 Ibs/ac)
and 2.2 kg/ha (2 Ibs/ac), respectively.
In May all of the Sulphur Site and the north side of the Boyd Smith
Site were limed at the rate of 8.9 t/ha (4 tons/ac) and had 5-10-10 fertilizer
applied at the rate of 1121 kg/ha (1,000 Ibs/ac). Straw bales were staked in
erosion-prone areas. A summary of the 1982 maintenance costs is presented in
Table 12. Glatfelter Pulp Wood Company planted 3500 loblolly pines at Sulphur
as their effort continued to establish a tree crop.
Another aerial survey consisting of stereo coverage in black and white,
color and infrared along with oblique slides was done of the entire project
area by the Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation (VDH&T). This
was the fourth aerial survey of the project, including a 1974 prereclamation
flight. Figs. 3 and 4 compare prereclamation and postreclamation aerials
of the Sulphur Site.
VEGETATIVE PROGRESS
1981
After an unusually dry winter, several heavy rains in the late spring
and early summer resulted in some of the best growth to date. Although total
precipitation for the year was considerably below normal (see Tables, 3, 4, 5),
there was a general improvement in vegetative cover at both the Sulphur and
Boyd Smith Sites because rain came during crucial parts of the growing season.
Notable areas of improvement were the Tipple Area and the Large Area of
Sulphur East. Ky-31 continued to be the most successful planting and the
weeping lovegrass made its usual good showing in mid-summer. Aspen trees
continued to invade the Large Area of Sulphur East. A few bare spots re-
mained on some apparently highly toxic areas of the Tailing Area of Sulphur
West.
The Boyd Smith Site continued to build a stable soil layer and develop
an excellent grass mat over virtually all of the reclaimed areas except along
portions of the tributary dividing the site.
14
-------
TABLE 11. MAINTENANCE COSTS - 1981
Riprap
109.85 tons @ SlO.OO/ton ] $1098.50
10 hours of loader time @ $40.00/hr. ' 400.00
Subtotal S1498.50
Bushhog work $190.00
Grand Total $1688.50
TABLE 12. MAINTENANCE COSTS - 1982
59.45 tons lime @ $22.50/tor, $1337.63
8 tons fertilizer @ 5130.00/ton 1040.00
35 straw bales @ $3.00/bale 105.00
Subtotal $2482.63
60 Ibs. tall fescue @ $0.60/lb. $36.00
2 Ibs. weeping lovegrass @ $5.00/lb. 10.00
4 hrs. labor @ $6.00/hr. 24.00
Subtotal $7OO
Grand Total $2552.63
15
-------
16
-------
17
-------
1982
This year was probably the best overall growing season since the
reclamation project began. Abundant rain throughout much of the spring and
summer enhanced vegetative cover over both reclamation sites. The plantings
exhibited good growth and numerous species of volunteers flourished. Some
new varieties also began to appear.
The most decided improvement was along the bank of Contrary Creek
adjacent to the Tailing Area of Sulphur West which has always been the
most difficult area for grass to germinate and establish. This area
appeared to benefit significantly from the spring seeding and had better .;
than a 50 percent cover by fall. High toxicity still left a few isolated
spots of the Tailing Area bare. Tr-1 has become choked with several
varieties of shrubs and small trees which is probably one of the more
encouraging results of the reclamation effort. (See Figs. 3 and 4)
Growth increased over the Boyd Smith Site with notable improvement
along the tributary where grasses and seedlings continued to encroach
upstream. This site appears well on its way to establishing permanent
cover.
SOIL ANALYSES
The SCS and SWCB have continued to collect composite soil samples
annually over the various work areas of the project. The same sampling
procedures and analytical methods were used as described in the Main Report
for the earlier soil studies. The samples collected by the SCS were tested
for nutrient availability to determine lime and fertilizer requirements.
Those collected by the SWCB were analyzed for pH and water-extractable
heavy metals.
The 1980-82 nutrient availability for the various work areas .compared
with prereclamation conditions is shown in Table 13. Note that the pre-
reclamation tests were for just one composite sample from each Sulphur
West and Sulphur East. It can be seen that dramatic increases in the
nutrient availability were realized after the reclamation began. Calcium
(CaO) and Magnesium (Mgo) improved rapidly and appear to have stabilized.
Phosphate (PzOs) and potash (KgO) results have been somewhat erratic but
there has been an overall increase in availability.
As related in the Main Report, there appears to be a distinct correlation
between potash deficiency and difficult areas to vegetate. Several areas
appeared to show a direct relationship between increase in potash availability
and marked improvement in grass cover, e.g., the Tipple Area and Tr-1 of the
Sulphur Site. The abrupt rise in phosphate noted in July 1981 and the sudden
drop in February 1982 is puzzling. However, there does not appear to be as
pronounced a relationship between phosphate and plant growth as is the case
with potash.
18
-------
TABLE 13. SOIL DATA - pH AND
NUTRIENT AVAILABILITY IN LBS/AC3
Area
SULPHUR WEST
Tailing Area
Grassed
Bare
Tr-1
SULPHUR EAST
Large Area
Tipple Area
Upstream Flat
North End
30YD SMITH
Date
11-75
8-80
7-81
2-82
8-80
2-82
8-80
7-81
2-82
11-75
8-80
7-81
2-82
8-80
7-81
2-82
8-80
7-81
2-82
- 8-80
7-81
2-82
11-75
8-80
7-81
2-82
£H
2.4
6.1
3.0
6.9
3.1
6.4
6.2
3.0
5.9
2.2
6.6
4.8
6.9
5.7
3.8
7.0
6.3
4.4
6.7
6.0
3.5
5.8
3.1
6.2
6.5
5.5
P^
(L-)
32 (M-)
275 (VH)
26 (M-)
275 (VH)
16 (L)
128 (H)
275 (VH)
25 (L+)
(L-)
32 (M-)
215 (H+)
50 (M)
209 (H+)
275 (VH)
30 (M-)
60 (M)
275 (VH)
21 (L+)
32 (M-)
275 (VH)
8 (L)
(L-)
128 (H+)
53 (M)
112 (H-)
K?0
(L-)
124 (M)
4 (L-)
101 (M-)
38 (L)
7 (L-)
275 (H)
7 (L-)
91 (M-)
(L-)
124 (M)
67 (L+)
198 (M+)
110 (M-)
30 (L)
175 (M)
186 (M+)
121 (M-)
136 (M)
41 (L)
11 (L-)
4 (L-)
(L-)
275 (H)
358 (H+)
162 (M)
CaO
L-
VH
VH
VH
V.H
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
L-
VH
VH
VH
Mgo
H
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
VH
H+
VH
VH
VH
VH - Very High, H - High, M - Medium, L - Low
Analyzed by the Cooperative Extension Service at Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia
19
-------
Table 14 presents pH and metal analyses that have been conducted from
the various work areas over the duration of the project. It 1s apparent
that significant improvement in soil conditions has been achieved over the
years since reclamation began in 1976. pH levels have been raised and heavy
metal concentrations lowered. The soil in some places such as the Large
Area of Sulphur East and the Boyd Smith Site showed relatively rapid improve-
ment shortly after reclamation began and appear to have stabilized. Others
like Tr-1 of Sulphur West and the Tipple Area of Sulphur East did not show
marked improvement until after several years of intense efforts.
One of the most difficult areas to realize improvement was the Tailing
Area of Sulphur West where separate soil samples have been collected in
recent years from the grassed and barren areas. Although gains have been
tedious, it appears that pH is slowly rising and that metals are being
lowered in this stubborn area. The application of sludge and lime have
undoubtedly been the major factor in raising the pH and lowering metals
content. It is also likely that the sludge tied up the heavy metals thus
affecting soil changes.
In summary, the soil analyses indicate a continued overall improvement
of the soil cover and its ability to support vegetation. However, the
viable layer of soil is limited to a few inches near the surface while
extremely toxic conditions still exist beneath. Thus, the thin production
soil layer that has been able to develop over most of the reclaimed areas
still remains vulnerable to drought. With continued growth and the
decomposition of vegetative matter each year, a thicker layer of more pro-
ductive soil should gradually build up. Soil analyses should be continued
annually.
WATER QUALITY
The mechanisms by which AMD entered Contrary Creek are shown in Fig. 5.
The major contribution during dry periods was the leaching of AMD by water
percolating through the waste and the leaching of the waste deposited in
the stream bed. A smaller source was AMD flowing from underground workings.
During precipitation events, runoff carried AMD from the waste piles.
The reclamation of the mining waste was expected to reduce the AMD load
in Contrary Creek in several ways:
1. Removal of toxic mining waste from the stream bed at the Sulphur
Site would eliminate this source of AMD.
2. Grading to facilitate rapid runoff and minimize infiltration would
reduce the volume of water leaching the mine waste.
3. Development of a vegetative stabilized cover over the toxic mine
waste would:
a. Eliminate the erosion and rapid transport of mine waste into
the stream.
20
-------
TABLE 14. SOIL DATA pH AND METALS ON DRY WEIGHT BASIS3 (mg/kg)
Area-Date
SULPHUR WEST
Tailing Area
11-75
6-77
3-73
6-78
Grassed
7-81
2-82
Bare
3-79
7-81
2-82
Tr-1
H-76
3-78
3-79
2-80
7-81
2-32
SULPHUR EAST
Large Area
11-76
3-78
3-79
2-80
7-81
2-32
Tiople Area
3-78
6-78
3-79
2-80
7-81
2-82
gH_ Cu_ Fe_
4.1 50 30
3.1 62 34
5.1 0.1 7.3
5.9 1.0 24
4.9 0.2 0.4
7.2 0.3 0.1-
5.6 0.2 0.1
4.5 3.2 7.6
5.7 9. -3 0.1-
5.7 0.5 0.1-
3.7 288 220
3.6 226 340
5.5 0.9 0.2-
5.3 0.6 0.6
7.2 0.7 0.1-
5.6 0.3 0.4
5.5 3.6 4.2
7.3 0.3 6.2
5.9 0.3 3.5
5.2 0.2 0.8
7.4 1.3 0.1
6.4 0.4 0.1
3.2 5.0 80
3.0 28 620
5.9 0.1 0.6
4.7 1.1 4i8
7.3 0.3 0.1-
6.5 0.2 0.1
Pb.
0.2
0.2
0.2-
0.2
0.2
0.1-
0.2
0.2
4.6
2.4
0.002
0.2-
0.4
0.2-
0.2
0.005
0.2
0.6
0.2
0.2
0.2-
0.001
0.2-
0.2
0.2-
M£ Zn.
74 262
17 82
6.8 6.6
3.6 1.5
2.6 3.4
0.1 0.1
0.3 0.02
6.4 28.0
5.3 32.0
0.3 0.1-
1 52 3940
7.4 366
2.9 . 1.6
4.8 17.8
26.0 24.0
1.5 1.3
31.4 18.8
0.5 0.1
1.9 1.2
1.7 3.4
0.1- 0.8
0.6 0.54
0.8 6.2
3.0 24
3.9 2.0
4.6 10.2
0.1- 0.1
0.04 0.25
(continued)
-------
TABLE 14. (continued)
Area-date OH. Cu Fe Pb_ Mn_ Zn.
Uostream Flat
11-76
3-78
7-78
3-79
2-80
7-81
2-82
North End
3-79
2-80
7-31
2-82
BOYO SMITH
11-76
6-78
3-79
2-80
7-81
2-82
7.3
6.7
5.7
5.4
5.5
7.2
6.0
4.9
7.2
6.1
5.4
7.1
5.7
5.0
7.3
6.1
2.0
0.1
1.0
1.9
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.2
0.1
0.5
0.3
0.7
0.3
1.1
1.0
0.7
0.5
..
5.0
5.0
0.6
0.3
0.1-
0.1
0.8
0.4
0.1-
0.1
0.6
1.0
0.2
0.4
0.1-
0.9
^ .
0.2
0.2-
0.2-
0.2-
0.2
0.2-
0.2-
0.2-
0.2
0.2-
„
0.2-
0.011
0.2-
0.2-
0.2-
31.5
6.6
14.4
25.9
12.2
0.1
. 10.0
2.2
7.2
0.1
0.8
30.6
1.6
7.0
6.0
0.9
7.4
54.0
4.0
3.2
150
12.8
3.2
24.0
3.3
0.7
3.2
0.3
19.5
0.8
19.5
12.6
8.3
1 .6
aWater extraction of soluble salts for metals.
These analyses were conducted by the Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory
Services, Richmond, Virginia.
A (-) indicates less than.
22
-------
c
f
0)
o>
«
•T—
fO
•o
O)
•^-
£
X)
•f—
u
I/I
0)
o
23
-------
b. Reduce the water available for leaching of the mine waste as a
result of plant transpiration.
c. Reduce oxygen contact with the pyrite in the mine waste and
thus reduce the formation of AMD by development of a soil cover
with vegetation.
4. The sludge and lime added to the mine waste would neutralize and
treat the AMD previously generated in the mine waste and reduce further
generation.
Monitoring
A regular monitoring program to evaluate the effects of the demonstration
project began prior to reclamation. The program involved semi-monthly sampling
of five stream stations as described below and shown in Fig. 6.
MS-1 - Control station above all mine sites
MS-2 - Below Arminius Site
MS-3 - Below Boyd Smith Site
MS-4 - Below Sulphur Site
MS-5 - Mouth of Contrary Creek just above Lake Anna
Each station except MS-5 was equipped with a continuous flow recorder.
Two sampling stations were also established in the Contrary Creek arm of
Lake Anna (Fig. 6). The lake sampling was terminated in 1980 and the stream
sampling was reduced to once monthly, weather permitting.
The regular monitoring included analyses for pH, acidity, suIfate and
the heavy metals of concern. Quarterly summaries of data collected subse-
quent to water year 1980 can be found in Appendix A. BOD and fecal coliform
analyses were done to determine if the use of wastewater sludge had any
effects on the water. A complete analysis including total solids, specific
conductance, and less common metals was conducted once annually. (See
Appendix A for update.) Other quality monitoring included periodic sampling
of various tributaries draining into Contrary Creek and a special study by
the University of Virginia to pinpoint sources of AMD along the stream and
to determine effects of heavy rainstorms.
Results
Tables 15 and 16, respectively, give summaries by water year of
concentration and load data from the regular stream monitoring program. In
terms of pH, acidity, and sulfate there appears to be little overall change
in the water quality over the course of the monitoring program. There does
24
-------
-------
TABLE 15. AVERAGE ANNUAL CONCENTRATIONS BY WATER YEAR
AT STREAM STATIONS (mg/1)
Water
Station Year
MS-1 1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
MS-2 1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
MS-3 1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
MS-4 1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
\ 1S-5 1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
no*
4S.7
32 '.6
73.9
66.6
50.8
12.3
40.5
54.9
36.3
37.2
82.4
68.2
16.4
48.8
94.3
62.6
140.2
140.5
115.5
31.5
79.7
147.8
94.6
206.5
198.8
153.1
52.7
112.9
OH
6.6
7.2
6.9
6:4
6.6
6.5
6.3
5.4
5.3
5.7
5.9
5.8
5.3
5.7
4.9
5.3
4.9
5.0
5.3
5.0
4.8
3.9
3.8
3.7
3.6
3.8
3.7
3.6
3.4
3.1
3.4
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
Acidity
(CaCO-3)
S
3
9
25
10
15
14
22
39
27
38
29
44
16
21
38
28
41
19
39
31
134
238
160
217
178
211
130
173
322
183
236
216
234
126
SO*
7
10
16
13
11
12
17
93
321
SO
81
166
183
76
131
192
120
116
124
148
142
240
376
224
196
255
250
235
241
4G8
246
178
328
254
151
Cu
0.02
0.02
0.04
0.05'
0.04
0.02
0.06
0.15
0.82
0.14
0.09
0.15
0.11
0.13
0.26
0.30
0.22
0.14
0.23
0.34
0.18
0.95
1.73
1.17
0.79
0.78
0.90
0.97
1.28
3.22
2.11
1.19
1.15
1.85
2.23
Fe
1.1
0.9
1.3
1.6
1.3
1.1
2.0
2.3
3.5
1.6
1.5
1.6
1.4
1.8
3.3
1.7
1.7
1.4
1.5
1.0
1.7
37.3
54.9
31.3
25.5
29.0
32.0
26.3
33.3
58.0
38.6
24.9
27.0
18.3
19.7
Pb
0.02
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.03
0.20
0.02
0.02
0.03
0.03
0.03
0.09
0.05
0.03
0.02
0.02
0.02
0.02
0.07
0.13
0.07
0.07
0.04
0.05
0.05
0.08
0.13
0.07
0.07
0.47
0.07
0.05
Mn
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.8
2.5
0.5
0.7
0.8
1.0
0.7
2.3
3.1
1.5
1.6
1.9
1.3
1.5
2.1
2.5
1.6
1.7
1.9
2.0
1.6
1.9
2.7
1.5
1.7
2.2
1.9
0.3
Zn
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.3
5.9
18.3
4.6
S.O
8.1
9.8
3.9
4.7
5.S
3.7
3.4
3.4
5.5
4.0
4.8
7.9
5.7.
4.3
4.5
7.3
4.5
4.6
3.3
5.6
4.0
4.6
S.I
4.1
a No continuous flow records available for MS-5
26
-------
TABLE 16. AVERAGE ANNUAL FLOW AND LOADS BY WATER YEAR
AT MS-1, MS-2, MS-3, AND MS-4 (kg/d)*
Station
MS-1
MS-2
MS-3
MS-4
Water
Year
1975
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
Flow
d/s)
48.7
32.6
73.9
66.6
50.8
12.3
40.6
54.9
36.3
87.2
82.4
68.2
16.4
48.8
94.3
52.6
140. 2
140.5
115.5
31.5
79.7
147.8
94.6
206.5
198.8
153.1
52.7
112.9
Acidity
(CaCOi)
43
85
63
184
41
17
40
83
82
193
321
96
61
63
137
132
320
617
160
120
201
1130
1080
2421
3186
1543
884
1116
S0«
34
21
66
97
55
10
61
306
311
479
432
400
226
242
830
540
1177
1026
699
396
718
2188
1709
3242
2633
2300
1106
1885
Cu
0.09
0.03
0.30
0.41
0.20
0.02
0.20
0.54
0.58
0.97
0.73
0.51
0.15
0.54
1.8
1.1
2.0
2.0
1.4
1 .1
1.3
3.4
8.8
18.9
11.4
7.7
3.9
9.9
Fe
3.7
2.5
6.1
5.9
5.0
1.3
4.3
8.8
8.2
11.2
9.3
9.6
1.8
5.2
26.0
11.3
21.2
19.3
16.9
2.3
10.5
313
371
493
354
. 281
133
228
?b
0.03
0.04
0.04
0.08
0.03
0.01
0.03
0.10
0.26
0.15
0.20
0.09
0.03
0.06
0.55
0.18
0.36
0.32
0.16
0.05
0.11
0.6
1.0
1.4
1.0
0.4
0.2
0.4
Mn
0.4
0.4
0.9
0.8
0.6
0.1
0.9
2.4
3.2
3.7
3.6
3.0
1.2
2.1
13.4
3.5
15.5
15.1
12.5
4.3
6.7
18.5
14.2
26.2
20.7
17.3
8.7
11.2
Zn
0.3
C.2
1.1
1.9
0.9
0.1
0.9
18.5
24.7
26.5
26.4
23.8
13.5
13.8
30.5
22.0
39.5
32.2
27.5
16.8
19.2
46.0
46.5
87.5
58.5
46.3
35.0
38.5
aNo continuous flow records available at MS-5.
27
-------
seem to be a trend toward reduction 1n heavy inetals. Fig. 7 depicts con-
centrations and loads of copper and zinc at MS-2, MS-3 and MS-4.
Wide fluctuations in flow volumes had considerable effect upon the
concentration and load data recorded. For instance, the extremely low flows
during the dry summer of 1977 (see Table 4) caused sharp increases in
concentrations at all stations. It is noteworthy that the rise in concentra-
tions was less pronounced in 1981 even though annual average flow dropped to
about half that recorded in 1977. This would indicate that there was
apparently some reduction in AMD between 1977 and 1981. Comparing the MS-3
and MS-4 monitoring data for the spring quarters of 1977 and 1981 when the
average quarterly flows were nearly the same, there appears to be a decided
improvement in nearly all water quality parameters except pH (Table 17).
Conclusions
Overall, it is apparent that water quality still deteriorates downstream
past the mine sites with the Sulphur Site the major contributor of AMD.
Certain heavy metals appear peculiar to each mine site. Iron increases
dramatically at the Sulphur Site while the Arminius Site appears to be the
major contributor of zinc. The Boyd Smith Site shows significant increases
in manganese. The project included no abatement measures on the downstream
reach of Contrary Creek between the Sulphur Site (MS-4) and Lake Anna (MS-5).
The reduction of mine waste erosion and overland flow of AMD to the
stream has been accomplished. Since the surface soil now has a higher pH and
lower concentration of heavy metals, the runoff quality is undoubtedly
improved. Thus, the remaining major sources of AMD are the wastes in the
stream bed downstream from the Sulphur Site. Leaching of the mine waste
material from the stream banks and sudden flushouts of AMD by heavy rainstorms
following prolonged dry periods are also still a significant problem.
Because of the long existence of the mine waste banks, we can assume
that they are saturated with pyrite oxidation products - AMD. Thus, even if
all new production of AMD was eliminated, a significant time would be required
to leach the AMD material from the mine waste. The reduction in infiltration
will only extend this time period. The effectiveness of the soil cover in
reducing acid production is surely debatable, and several years will be
required to collect the information needed to make any conclusions based on
stream water quality. The sludge and limestone applied to the mine waste
should neutralize some of the AMD in place. Several years may be required
for this chemical front to move through the mine waste and be reflected in
stream water quality.
Another factor that must be taken into account is the recurrent droughts
that plagued the project, especially in the initial critical stages. The
slow tedious establishment of vegetation in turn seriously delayed the chances
of realizing any early improvement in the water quality.
28
-------
20 i
N
IS -
10 -
5 -
2-0-1
76 77 T8 79 SO 11 JJ
Water Year
u
1.5-
n n n n to
Water Year
c
N
80 -
70
60 -
50 -
40 -
30-»
20
10
20 i
-~- *
.
N-
n 77 78 79 80 « J2
Water Year
I
15 -
10 -
5 -
77 78 79 80 81 82
Water Year
Fig. 7 Average annual concentrations and loads of zinc and copper at MS-2, MS-3 and MS-4
29
-------
TABLE 17. COMPARISON OF AVERAGE CONCENTRATIONS AND LOADS
AT MS-3 AND MS-4 DURING THE THIRD QUARTERS OF WATER YEARS 1977 AND 1981
Station
April - June Qtr.
Avg. Flow (1/s)
pH
MS-3
197?a
36.8
5.8
1981°
36.3
5.7
MS-4
19773
59.8
3.7
,vw,
54.4
3.7
Concentrations (mg/1)
Acidity
S04
Cu
Fe
Pb
Mn
In
Acidity
S04
Cu
Fe
Pb
Mn
Zn
31
153
0.15
1.4
0.032
1.97
4.0
99
486
0.5
4.5
0.10
6.3
12.7
10
106
0.37
1.1
0.017
1.07
2.9
Loads
31
332
1.2
3.4
0.05
3.4
9.1
171
288
1.1
37
0.085
1.8
6.0
(Kg/d)
884
1488
5.7
469
0.4
9.3
31
90
185
0.5
9
0.028
1.3
3.4
423
870
2.4
42
0.1
6.1
16
aBased upon 6 sample collections
bBased upon 3 sample collections
30
-------
So far as can be determined from BOD and fecal coliform analyses, the
extensive use of wastewater sludge at all three mine sites did not affect the
water of Contrary Creek or Lake Anna in any adverse manner nor create any
health hazards. The Contrary Creek arm of Lake Anna is obviously degraded by
AMD as far out as SS-1 in the lake, but the main body of the reservoir appears
to be unaffected. The lake abounds in sport fish, and there have been no
known detrimental effects by AMD on the nuclear power plant which uses the
reservoir for cooling water.
In view of the very toxic nature of the AMD entering Contrary Creek, it
is concluded that improvement in the water quality will be slow. It will
probably require several more years to realize overall improvement.
Recommendations
It is recommended that the regular water quality analyses except BOD and
fecal coliform be continued at the five stream stations on a semi-annual
basis. Periodic analyses should also be conducted from key points in the
tributaries entering Contrary Creek at the reclamation sites. MS-4 should be
retained as a permanent flow gaging station. The vast amount of monitoring
data generated in connection with the project may have potential use for
other water studies aside from AMD studies.
BIOLOGIC STUDIES
As part of the monitoring program, the Division of Ecological Studies
(DES) of the SWCB continued to perform semi-annual benthic surveys of Contrary
Creek through the spring of 1982. Cursory qualitative studies were done in
the fall and quantitative surveys were done in the spring. Refer to Appendix
B for the results of the cursory qualitative survey conducted in October 1981.
The same sampling methods and analytical procedures' were used as described in
the Main Report for earlier studies. The sample stations are shown in Fig. 8.
The recent biologic studies have indicated little change in the aquatic
life in the stream from that found in earlier studies. While sensitive and
facultative organisms remained dominant at the control station above the
affected area, benthics continued to be sparse or non-existent downstream
below the mine sites.
The benthic survey did reveal an increase in the density of some
pollution tolerant organisms in the severely affected downstream reach of
Contrary Creek. A population of bloodworm midges which are very tolerant
has been observed at the downstream station (B-1A) just upstream from Lake
Anna. It is believed that this may be attributed to upstream migration of
these organisms from Lake Anna where they are abundant. This may indicate
a trend of colonization upstream from the lake. It is also speculated that
the alderfly and dragonfly which are predators on the bloodworm midge may
be increasing their abundance in this part of the stream due to the increase
in food supply.
31
-------
32
-------
In summary, there appears to be no significant improvement in the ability
of Contrary Creek to support a healthy diverse macrolnvertebrate community
since the reclamation work was done. Sensitive organisms do inhabit the
unaffected tributaries draining into some of the most acidic reaches of
Contrary Creek. Thus, there is potential for benthic life to be restored
in the main stream if the AMD problem is reduced. It is recommended that
biologic surveys be continued biennially.
COSTS
The original grant agreement between EPA and the SWCB provided for 60
percent Federal funding to cover contractual services with the SWCB providing
matching funds through in-kind services which included administration,
monitoring, and preparation of reports. During the final two years of the
project, the grant was amended to 54:46 Federal-State ratio.
Approximately $121,000 was expended on the construction work and
follow-up maintenance over the seven-year grant period. This was over
$100,000 less than the original estimate for the initial construction work.
One of the major factors in the cost savings was free sludge from the District
of Columbia. Another was the availability of a local contractor to perform
the bulk of the maintenance.
For more details on the costs, the reader is referred to the Main Report.
Total cost of the entire project including Federal and State matching funds
was approximately $327,000.
33
-------
REFERENCES
Hill, R. 0., K. R. Hinkle, M. L. Ape!. Reclamation of Pyritic Waste.
In: Proceedings of the 1982 Symposium on Surface Mining Hydrology,
Sedimentology and Reclamation. University of Kentucky, Lexington,
Kentucky. P. 687-697, 1982.
Hill, R. D., K. R. Hinkle, R. S. Klingensmith. Reclamation of Orphan
Mined Lands with Municipal Sludges - Case Studies. In: Utilization
of Municipal Sewage Effluent and Sludge on Forest and Disturbed Land,
W. £. Sopper and S. N. Kerr, eds. The Pennsylvania State University
Press, University Park, Pennsylvania, 1979.
Hinkle, K. R. Use of Municipal Sludge in the Reclamation of Abandoned
Pyrite Mines in Virginia. In: Utilization of Municipal Wastewater and
Sludge for Land Reclamation and Biomass Production, H. E. Sopper,
E. M. Seaker, and R. K. Bastian, eds. The Pennsylvania State University
Press, University Park, Pennsylvania, 1982.
Hinkle, K. R. Reclamation of Toxic Mine Waste Utilizing Sewage Sludge -
Contrary Creek Demonstration Project. U. S. EPA Report, EPA 600/2-82-061,
Cincinnati, Ohio, 1982.
34
-------
APPENDIX A
WATER QUALITY DATA AT STREAM STATIONS
Concentration values were determined by averaging the monthly sample col-
lection data. Load values were computed by multiplying average concentration
by quarterly averages of daily flows".
35
-------
TABLE A-l SUMMARY OF WATER QUALITY
DATA BY QUARTER AT MS-1
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Flow (1/s)
Water
Year-a
1981
1982
9.1
18.7
17.0
96.6
17.3
43.0
7.9
4.0
6
5
Concentration (mq/1 )
1981
1982
1981
1982
1981
1982
1981
1982
1981
1982
16
7
10
26
0.01
0.12
1.1
2.3
0.008
0.025
33
12
11
16
0.01
0.04
0.8
0.7
0.008
0.007
0
11
9
18
0.01
0.07
1.6
1.8
0.005
0.006
Acidity
11
26
Sulfate
18
a
Coooer
0.05
0.02
Iron
0.7
3.0
Lead
0.007
0.002
13
11
3
42
0
0
0
3
0
0
1 2
OH
.6 6.6
.8 5.7
Load (kq/d)
48
100
16
133
.01 0.01
.19 0.33
.9 1.2
.7 5.8
.01 0.01
.04 0.06
3
6.5
5.3
0
41
3
67
0.01
0.26
2.4
6.7
0.01
0.02
4
6.1
6.3
3
9
12
3
0.03
0.01
0.5
1.0
0.00
0.01
Manganese
1931
1982
1981
1982
0.09
0.42
0.1
0.5
0.09
0.15
0.0
0.2
0.07
0.17
0.1
0.3
0.25
0.11
Zinc
0.2
0.0
0
0
0
0
.1 0.1
.7 1.3
.1 0.0
.8 1.7
0.1
0.6
0.1
1.1
0.2
1.0
0.1
0.0
aWater year begins October 1 and ends Seotember 30. 1st Quarter, Oct. - Dec;
2nd quarter, Jan. - March; 3rd Quarter, Aoril - June; 4th quarter, July - Seot.
36
-------
TABLE A-2 SUMMARY OF WATER QUALITY
DATA BY QUARTER AT MS-2
Quarter
Water
1981
1982
1
13.6
21.2
2
Flow (1/5
22.2
118.9
3
19.
50.
4
3 9.4
1 5.1
T
5.
5.
Concentration (mq/1)
1981
1982
1981
1982
1981
1982
1981
1982
1981
1982
1931
1982
1981
1982
44
22
450
113
0.16
0.20
1.2
3.5
0.033
0.04S
1.19
0.73
8.7
5.9
61
14
73
44
0.11
0.12
1.1
0.8
0.007
0.008
0.53
0.40
13.4
2.7
14
15
69
53
0.
0.
1.
1.
0.
0.
0.
0.
3.
3.
Aciditv
56
11
Sulfate
139
32
Coooer
07 0.08
12 0.06
Iron
3 1.9
8 0.9
Lead
008 0.087
014 0.028
Manganese
21 2.06
61 0.83
Zinc
6 13.3
5 3.8
52
40
529
206
0.
0.
1.
6.
0.
0.
1.
1.
10.
10.
2
PH
4 6.0
2 5.4
Load (fcq/d
122
143
146
452
19 0.22
37 1.23
4 2.2
\ 8.2
04 0.01
09 0.08
4 1.1
3 4.1
2 25.9
,8 27.7
3
6.1
6.1
\
23
65
115
273
0.12
0.52
2.2
7.3
0.01
0.06
0.4
2.6
5.0
15.1
4
3.5
6.2
45
5
113
36
0.06
0.03
1.5
0.4
0.07
0.01
1.7
0.4
10.8
1.7
37
-------
TABLE A-3 SUMMARY OF WATER QUALITY
DATA BY QUARTER AT MS-3
Quarter
Water
Year
1981
1982
!
2 :
3 4
1
Flow (1/s)
24
38
.1
.8
45
182
.0
.4
36
84
.3 20.7
.4 13.0
Concentration (nq/1 )
1981
1982
1981
1982
1981
1982
1981
1982
1981
1982
1981
1982
1981
1982
25
20
205
183
0
0
1
3
0
0
2
2
4
4
.23
.24
.0
.4
.028
.027
.34
.40
.9
.7
88
16
153
58
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
0
10
2
.53
.19
.1
.1
.014
.015
.20
.51
.5
.2
10
63
106
157
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
0
2
2
Acidity •
31
22
Sulfate
128
166
Cooper
.37 0.23
.16 0.12
Iron
.1 0.9
.7 0.7
Lead
.017 0.024
.013 0.014
Manganese
.07 2.38
.99 1.80
Zinc
.9 3.9
.6 6.3
5.0
4.8
2
OH
4.7
5.0
3
5.7
4.1
4
4
4
.4
.9
Load (kg/d)
52
67
427
613
0.5
0.8
2.1
11.4
0.06
0.09
4.9
8.0
10.2
15.8
342
252
595
914
2.1
3.0
4.3
17.3
0.05
0.24
4.7
9.6
40.8
34.7
31
459
332
1159
1.2
1.2
3.4
12.4
0.05
0.09
3.4
7.2
9.1
19.0
55
24
229
186
0
0
1
0
0
0
4
2
7
7
.4
.1
.6
.3
.04
.02
.3
.0
.0
.1
33
-------
TABLE A-4 SUMMARY OF WATER QUALITY
DATA BY QUARTER AT MS-4
Quarter
Water
Year
1981
1982
1
45.0
57.8
2
Flow
67.
246.
3
(1/s)
1 54.
4 120.
a
4 44.2
9 25.6
1
3.
3.
Concentration (mq/1)
1981
1982
1981
1982
1981
1982
1981
1982
1981
1982
1981
1982
1981
1982
234
112
341
224
0.9
0.9
23
26
0.042
O.OS7
2.3
1.8
5.7
4.3
105
103
215
167
0.
1.
17
21
0.
0.
1.
0.
12.
3.
90
113
135
198
7 0.
1 0.
9
25
019 0.
035 0.
4 1.
8 1.
9 3.
7 3.
Acidity
413
185
Sulfate
257
348
Conoer
5 1.5
9 1.0
Iron
79
33
Lead
028 0.125
030 0.048
Manganese
3 3.1
3 2.3
Zinc
i 7.0
8 6.0
910
559
1325
1118
3.
4.
89
130
0.
0.
8.
9.
22
21
2
OH
,5 3.9
,6 3.7
Load (ka/d)
608
2299 1
3
3.9
3.7
423
180
1296 870
3555 2063
5 4.1
5 23.4
93
447
1 0.1
4 0.7
9 8.1
0 17.0
75
79
2.4
9.4
42
251
0.1
0.3
6.1
13.5
16
40
4
3.3
3.2
1596
425
981
800
5.7
2.3
301
76
0.5
0.1
11.8
5.3
27
14
39
-------
TABLE A-5 AVERAGE CONCENTRATIONS BY QUARTER
AT MS-5 (mg/1)a
Water Year
S Quarter gH. Acidity SOa Cj± Fe. Pb. Mn_ Zn.
1981
H— 3.1 306 405 2.3 23 0.071 2.0 5.6
2 4.4 63 - 156 1.3 15 0.041 1.2 17.0
3 3.5 114 217 0.9 14 0.039 1.4 3.7
4 3.0 451 239 2.9 23 0.148 2.9 6.1
1982
2 3.6 101 153 1.1 21 0.037 0.9 3.4
3 4.2 67 185 0.9 17 0.035 1.2 3.2
4 3.0 210 114 6.7 21 0.082 2.5 5.7
aAll values shown for each quarter represent the averages of two analyses with the
exception of three analyses in the first quarter of 1981 and only one analysis for the
fourth quarter of 1982.
40
-------
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41
-------
APPENDIX B
RESULTS OF OCTOBER 1981 CURSORY BIOLOGIC SURVEY
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(flew md lAttruecoxt o* t*t rtimt
NO.
j ACMMlON
RECLAMATION OF TOXIC MINE WASTE UTILIZING SEWAGE SLUDGE-
CONTRARY CREEK DEMONSTRATION PROJECT-ADDENDUM REPORT.
«. »tfl»4AMINQ ORGANIZATION COO*
7. AUTMOHtS)
Kenneth R. Hlnkle
ORGANIZATION «t»O«T NO.
9. MAPORMINQ ORGANIZATION NAM« AMD AQOACU
Virginia State Water Control Board
116 N. Main Street, P.O. Box 268
Bridgewater, Virginia 22813
10. PMOQftAM ILIMtNT NO.
RRDIA
. COWTI
RACT/GAANT NO.
S-803801
12. SPONSORING AG8NCV NAMt ANO AOOACSS
Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory—Cin.,OH
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
11 Tfft <3f RfFCRT ANO PtRlOO COV«H*O
Final Report - 1976-1983
14. SPONSORING AGCNCY COOI
EPA/600/14
IS.
NOTCS
Project Officer: Ronald D. Hill
(513/684-7861)
14. AOSTRACT
Three abandoned pyrite mines in central Virginia that have been inactive since 1923
contained about 12 denuded hectares (ha) and caused severe acid mine drainage (AMD) in
a small stream known as Contrary Creek. The AMD which included heavy metals made the
stream virtually void of aquatic life. The Virginia State Water Control Board (SWCB)
was prompted to seek a solution to this problem when plans were announced in 1968 to
construct a reservoir for a nuclear power plant downstream from Contrary Creek. Two of
the mine sites comprising about 8 ha.were reclaimed with a U.S. Environmental Protec-
tion Agency (EPA) demonstration grant in which the SWCB contributed matching funds
through in-kind services and the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) provided technical
assistance. Reclamation began in 1976 and included the use of sewage sludge as a soil
conditioner. Severe droughts in 1976-77 and 1980-81 and the highly toxic nature of the
mine waste required a continuing maintenance program to establish vegetation. By the
summer of 1983 approximately 90 percent of the reclaimed areas supported a fairly well
establishedjjrass cover.
A comprehensive monitoring program from 1975 to 1982 indicated a trend toward reduction
in heavy metals, but there appeared to be no appreciable improvement in the pH and
acidity problem. More improvement is expected as AMD formation is reduced by the
gradual development of a thicker soil layer and vegetative cover. Biologic surveys
have revealpd negligible improvement in the biota_.
17.
KCY WO BOS ANO DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
0«SCSII»TO«3
SN ENO8O TERMS
c. GOSATt Fieid/Croup
19.
UNCLASSIFIED
21. .NO. 0*
RELEASE TO PUBLIC
20. SECURITY CU>SS i Ttut paft,
UNCLASSIFIED
22.
2220.1 (R««. 4.77) »«cvioui COITION u
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