WATER POLLUTION CONTROL RESEARCH SERIES • 14010 HBQ 09/71
Feasibility Study
Upper Meander Creek
Mine Drainage Abatement Project
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY • RESEARCH AND MONITORING
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WATER POLLUTION CONTROL RESEARCH SERIES
The Water Pollution Control Research Series describes
the results and progress in the control and abatement
of pollution in our Nation's waters. They provide a
central source of information on the research, develop-
ment, and demonstration activities in the Environmental
Protection Agency, through inhouse research and grants
and contracts with Federal, State, and local agencies,
research institutions, and industrial organizations.
Inquires pertaining to Water Pollution Control Research
Reports should be directed to the Head, Project Reports
System, Office of Research and Monitoring, Environmental
Protection Agency, Washington, D. C. 20242
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Feasibility Study
Upper Meander Creek Mine Drainage Abatement Project
by
Stanley Consultants
Cleveland, Ohio
for the
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Project #14-010 HBQ
Contract # 68-01-0063
September 1971
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 - Price 60 cents
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EPA Review Notice
This report has been reviewed by the Office
of Research & Monitoring, EPA, and approved
for publication. Approval does not signify
that the contents necessarily reflect the
views and policies of the Environmental
Protection Agency, nor does mention of
trade names or commerical products
consitute endorsement or recommendation
for use.
ii
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CONTENTS
Page
SYNOPSIS 1
PART I - INTRODUCTION
Scope of Investigation 3
Project Objectives 4
Project Description 5
PART II - JURISDICTION FRAMEWORK
Agency Responsibility 7
Mine Drainage Abatement Authority 8
Water Quality Standards 8
Site Acquisition 9
Water and Mineral Rights 11
Future Pollution Control 11
PART III - INVENTORY AND FORECAST
Physical Conditions 13
Land Use 13
Mining and Reclamation History 15
Water Quality Situation 17
Hydrology and Meteorology 20
Social and Economic Environment 23
Data Adequacy 2k
PART IV - PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING FEATURES
Abatement Project Description 27
Field Survey and Mapping 27
Drainage Improvements 28
Regrading 31
Revegetation 36
Land Use Redevelopment 39
Program Surveillance 41
Emergency Procedures 43
Cost Estimate 43
Cost Comparison 45
PART V - PROJECT EFFECTIVENESS
Demonstration Value 47
Water Quality Improvements 47
Cost Savings 48
Aesthetics, Fish and Wildlife 49
111
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PART VI - IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATION
Project Responsibility
Program Schedule
PART VII - ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
51
51
53
FIGURES
Figure 1 -
Figure 2 -
Figure 3 ~
Figure 4 -
Figure 5 -
Figure 6 -
Figure 7 ~
Figure 8 -
Figure 9 -
Figure 10 -
Fi gure 11 -
Figure 12 -
Figure 13 -
Figure 14 -
Figure 15 -
Figure 16 -
Location Map
Property Ownership
Area Physical Features
Geological Core Section
Land Use Features
Mining History
Water Q_ual i ty Data
Area Cross Section
Neutralization Schematic
Regraded Channel Profile
Grading Plan
Typical Regraded Sections
Typical Regraded Sections
Revegetation Plan
Land Use Redevelopment
Program Schedule
Page
4
10
13
14
15
16
18
21
30
32
33
34
35
40
42
52
TABLES
Table 1 - Water Quality Analyses
Table 2 - Stratton Road Water Quality Analyses
Table 3 - Precipitation Probability Data
Table 4 - Impounded Water Volumes
Table 5 - Backfill Quantities
Table 6 - Soil Analyses
Table 7 - Program Cost Estimate
Table 8 - Cost Comparison
Page
17
20
22
29
36
36
43
45
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SYNOPSIS
The Upper Meander Creek Site in Mahoning County, Ohio, has been exten-
sively surface mined for coal. The area has been graded to a moderately
rolling terrain with the exception of the final cut which created a deeply
incised valley. Required reclamation, including tree plantings, was
completed in 1962. Revegetation of the spoil area has met with only
limited success, leaving the majority of the site generally devoid of
tree and grass cover and subject to rapid runoff and severe erosion.
Water emanating from the study area generally exhibits a pH below 3-0
and a total acidity in excess of 1,000 milligrams per liter.
A mine drainage abatement demonstration project is recommended for the
area to demonstrate effective techniques for mine drainage abatement
and beneficial utilization of a mined area, and also to solve a speci-
fic mine drainage problem. The general features of the recommended pro-
gram include the following steps:
1. Elimination of standing pools of acidic water.
2. Regrading of the final cut to provide positive drainage from
the area.
3- Preparation of a suitable seed bed and planting of acid toler-
ant grasses, plants, and trees.
4. Implementation of beneficial land use features following success-
full reclamation. This phase will be the responsibility of the
agency retaining permanent control of the area and has not been
included as part of the federally-aided demonstration.
A major jurisdictiona1 problem must be solved immediately if an effec-
tive mine drainage demonstration program is to be initiated. The mined
land is presently on private property and transfer to a public agency
must be completed to meet State of Ohio requirements before an application
can be submitted for federal demonstration grant funds. At the present
time there are three public agencies which might be considered for ulti-
mate ownership of the mined property. These are the Ohio Department of
Natural Resources, the Mahoning County Commissioners, and the Mahoning
Valley Sanitary District.
Based upon significant levels of input of equipment time and personnel
services by local agencies, a total estimated cost for the demonstra-
tion project is $270,000. Substantial benefits will accrue to the pro-
ject in the form of direct water treatment cost savings for the Mahoning
Valley Sanitary District and its 275,000 customers. Less tangible but
equally significant improvements in the aquatic environment of Meander
Creek and aesthetic improvements of the mined land and the corridor
along the waterway draining the area will result from the program.
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PART I - INTRODUCTION
Scope of Investigation
This report is a presentation of an evaluation of the feasibility of a
mine drainage control demonstration project for the Upper Meander Creek
site in Mahoning County, Ohio. The specific scope of the investigations
is as follows:
1. Review the history of mining, mine drainage problems, and mine
drainage abatement measures in the study area.
2. Assess the jurisdictional framework through which a mine drain-
age abatement demonstration project may be carried out. Outline
possible designation of responsibility for present and future
pollution abatement practices, site acquisition and funding of
an improvement program.
3- Inventory local physical features, hydrology, water quality,
social and evironmental factors, and other elements influencing
the value of a mine drainage demonstration project in the study
area.
k. Develop preliminary engineering features of a workable mine
drainage abatement program in sufficient detail to permit evalu-
ation of the feasibility of the proposed project.
5- Estimate the effectiveness of the project and delineate possible
beneficial uses for the reclaimed strip mined area upon comple-
tion of the drainage abatement improvements.
6. Determine tangible and intangible benefits of the recommended
program.
7- Develop an outline of scheduling and budgeting to assure ade-
quate administrative control of the proposed project.
8. Recommend facilities and a continuing program for surveillance
of mine drainage from the improved area. Delineate means for
measuring the accomplishments of the demonstration program with
respect to presently envisioned objectives.
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MEANDER
CREEK
RESERVOIR
SCALE IN MILES
Figure 1 - Location Map
Project Objectives
The study area, which is the subject of this mine drainage feasibility
investigation, is located in Mahoning County, Ohio, in the Meander
Creek watershed, as shown in Figure 1. The acidic over-burden present
in the geological structure has resulted in a spoil bank which, although
limited in extent, is extremely toxic in character. Only sparse vegeta-
tion has been established on the spoil material and serious degradation
of the natural water features below the site has developed.
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The two major objectives of the mine drainage abatement program analyzed
herein are:
1. Demonstrate effective techniques for mine drainage abatement
including necessary management aspects and ultimate utilization
of the mined area in a manner which will create a measurable
pub 1i c benefi t.
2. Solve a specific troublesome mine drainage problem and thereby
improve conditions for all downstream water-related activity -
Project Description
The Upper Meander Creek site has been mined entirely by surface tech-
niques. The proposed mine drainage abatement project will demonstrate
means for alleviating problems related to previous mining activity of
this type.
The final cut from the stripping operation has been dammed at several
locations. Resulting pools of water are quite acidic in nature and the
source of an almost continual discharge into the downstream watercourse.
The first phase of the mine drainage abatement project will involve
elimination of the standing bodies of water which are contributory to
the acidic situation. Following this activity, regrading of the spoil
banks will be undertaken to provide positive drainage for the area and to
cover, when possible, concentrations of acid forming materials. Follow-
ing the necessary regrading for drainage control, surface treatment of
the spoil banks will be undertaken. This will include surface grading,
liming, fertilization, planting and seeding as necessary to retain the
precipitation on the land, create a new soil layer, improve the aesthe-
tics of the area, and provide for more beneficial utilization of the
site. The final phase in the long-range program will involve addition
of recreational and other public use features to the area to demonstrate
and enhance the possible public benefits of a complete mine drainage
abatement and reclamation effort.
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PART II - JURISDICTION FRAMEWORK
Agency Responsibility
At the present time all of the previously mined area in the study region
is on private property. As such, there has been no concerted local effort
to make improvements for the purpose of abating acid mine drainage. How-
ever, there are three public agencies which have been considered for
possible ultimate ownership of the mined property. These agencies are
listed below along with a discussion of the reasons for considering this
form of public ownership, and apparent disadvantages accruing to each
agency.
1. State of Ohio. The majority of the public land in the State
of Ohio is under the control of state agencies, principally
the Department of Natural Resources. Therefore, it is logical
to consider transfer of ownership of the Upper Meander Creek
mined area to the State Department of Natural Resources. Ad-
ministratively, a structure is available which could provide
the operational resources to encourage public utilization.
Practically, however, the mined tract is too small to be econ-
omically managed as a state area. Utilization would be almost
exclusively by persons living in the immediate vicinity. The
site is not well suited for development as an intensive use
facility and the man-days of recreational activity which would
accrue to a wilderness type development would not justify the
expense in maintenance and administration of the project area
with state forces.
2. Mahoning County Commissioners. A more reasonable arrangement
for management of the area would be through the county govern-
ment. Present operating departments have the expertise and
equipment necessary for development and maintenance of facil-
ities. The size of the area is reasonable for a county park
development. The county agency would therefore appear to be
the logical organization for further consideration for ulti-
mate ownership and development of the mined area. At the
present time, however, Mahoning County does not have an
organized park district.
3. Mahoning Valley Sanitary District. This agency utilizes
Meander Creek Reservoir as a source of raw water for a treat-
ment plant and transmission system which serves Youngstown,
Niles, and surrounding areas. Acidic runoff from the mined
land enters the reservoir and adds to the cost of water treat-
ment. Certain public benefits would therefore result if the
Mahoning Valley Sanitary District would obtain ownership of
the property as a means of preserving the integrity of water
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entering Meander Creek Reservoir. The principal disadvantage to
ownership by this agency is that there is no incentive to im-
prove the property for public utilization; therefore, except
for water quality improvements, little public benefit is likely
to be derived from Sanitary District ownership of the property.
Mine Drainage Abatement Authority
Regardless of the public agency which ultimately retains ownership of
the strip-mined area, it is reasonable to expect the State Department
of Natural Resources to apply for and administer a mine drainage demon-
stration grant and to assume responsibility for the proper conduct of
the construction and development program.
The State of Ohio Department of Natural Resources, through the Director,
pursuant to Sections 1501.01; 1501.011; 1501.02; and 1501.021 of the
Ohio Revised Code may enter into cooperative or contractural arrangements
with the United States or any agency or department thereof for the accom-
plishment of the purposes for which the department was created. Senate
Bill No. 13 (19^*9) created the Department of Natural Resources "...to
formulate and put into execution a long-term comprehensive plan and pro-
gram for the development and wide use of the natural resources of the
State to the end that health, happiness, and wholesome enjoyment of life
of the people of Ohio may be further encouraged; that increased recrea-
tional opportunities and advantages be made available to the people of
Ohio and visitors; that industry, agriculture, employment, investment
and other economic interests may be assisted and encouraged...."
Water Quality Standards
The Water Pollution Control Board of the State of Ohio adopted Water
Quality Standards on October 13, 1970, for the Mahoning River and tri-
butaries which includes the stream originating in the study area. The
use classifications applicable to the Meander Creek and other tribu-
taries in the immediate vicinity of the site include:
Recreation
Public water supply
Aquatic 1ife A
Industrial water supply
Agricultural use and stock watering
The adopted criteria contain certain minimum conditions that are appli-
cable to all waters at all places and at all times. These conditions
state that the waters shall be:
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1. Free from substances attributable to municipal, industrial or
other discharges, or agricultural practices that will settle
to form putrescent or otherwise objectionable sludge deposits.
2. Free from floating debris, oil, scum, and other floating
materials attributable to municipal, industrial or other
discharges, or agricultural practices in amounts sufficient
to be unsightly or deleterious.
3- Free from materials attributable to municipal, industrial or
other discharges, or agricultural practices producing color,
odor or other conditions in such degree as to create a nuisance.
k. Free from substances attributable to municipal, industrial or
other discharges, or agricultural practices in concentrations
or combinations which are toxic or harmful to human, animal,
plant, or aquatic life.
In addition to the foregoing minimum conditions, certain specific
criteria have been adopted for each water use classification. Most of
these are not applicable to the proposed mine drainage project. Those
which are a consideration in the program are summarized as follows:
1. Water which is used as a source of public supply should not
exhibit dissolved solids concentrations exceeding 500 mg/1 as
a monthly average nor 750 mg/1 at any time.
2. To meet Aquatic Life A requirements, pH values should not be
below 6.0 nor above 8.5 except that daily fluctuations outside
of the specified range which are correlated with photosynthetic
activity may be tolerated.
Si te Acqui s i tion
Recent ownership of all property in the square mile containing the
tracts disturbed by the previous mining activity is shown in Figure 2.
The extent of the mining on the affected parcels of property is also
generally indicated in the figure.
A lawsuit has been brought against the present owners of the strip
mined property by the City of Youngstown, Ohio, and the Mahoning Valley
Sanitary District, claiming damages as a result of increased water treat-
ment costs due to the acid mine drainage originating at the site.
Although no firm commitments have been reached, attempts are being made
to arrive at a settlement which would involve transfer of the property
to public ownership as a condition of settlement of the pending lawsuit.
For the purposes of this report, it has been assumed that a satisfactory
agreement will be reached and property ownership will reside with a
public agency.
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I
BOO
SCALE IN FEET
1000
J
J
WESTERN RESERVE ROAD
KEY TO OWNERSHIP
ir
I. C.H. LUTZENBERGER
2. C.H. LUTZENBERGER
3. OAKLEY BATES
U. G.N. GREENAMYER
5. JAMES C. CAMPBELL
6. W.W. S B.J. GREENAMYER
7. WILLIAM H. BAIRD
8. J. 5 E.L. LATRONICA
CANFIELD SPORT CONV. CLUB INC.
9. D. BAIRD
10. G.W. S D. REICHART
II. A.J. S L.E. BEESON
12. G.W. 5 D. REICHART
13.
in.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21 .
22.
23.
ELIAS DAVID & SHEBAN
BROWNLEE WOODS ROD
INC.
R. BRICKER
HAZEL M. BECK
E.F.S D.A. DOYLE
RAY M. BECK
K.T. S M.M. AUGUST
M. 5 L. BOBACK
H.M. BECK
RAY M. BECK
RAY M. BECK
5 GUN CLUB
Figure 2 - Property Ownership
Recommended property acquisition for the demonstration program includes
Tract 13 and approximately the north two-thirds of Tract 5 as shown in
Figure 2. An easement may also be required to provide for limited
grading at the southeast corner of Tract 3.
10
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Water and Mineral Rights
It is anticipated that any agreement reached regarding transfer of
property ownership would also entail a concurrent transfer of all water
and mineral rights associated with the property.
Future Pollution Control
The study area is located at a high point in the watershed. Although
drainage originates at the site, there is no upstream area contributing
surface water flow into and through the mined property.
It is anticipated that virtually the entire mined area will be trans-
ferred to public ownership. As previously stated, all water and mineral
rights will be transferred along with the title to the property. There-
fore, full control of the mined portion of watershed will reside with
the public agency and assurance can be given that the project area will
not be adversely affected by the influx of acid or other mine water
pollution from nearby sources.
Considerable state and local concern has been expressed over possible
adverse environmental effects of strip mining. State permits must be
obtained for any proposed new coal mining operation; the state thus can
exert control over potential water pollution. Local interests also
have a bearing on the permit procedure as illustrated by a recent action
in the Meander Creek watershed in which a proposal to open a new strip
mine was argued through the courts. The ultimate ruling was in favor of
the coal company, however, because of mineral rights difficulties, mining
was never initiated. The state policies and local awareness and concern
provide a significant level of control over possible future water pollution
s i tuations .
A monitoring and maintenance program will be included as a part of
remedial measures in the study area as a further water quality safeguard
and to provide warning of any increase in acid discharge.
11
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PART III - INVENTORY AND FORECAST
Physical Conditions
Figure 3 is a base map illustrating many of the significant physical
features of the study area. This map has been prepared from U. S.
Geological Survey, 7 1/2 minute topographic maps and supplemented
with further information from numerous other sources.
DIEHL LAKE
SECTION NUMBER
STUDY AREA
WATERSHED BOUNDARY
POOL IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
Figure 3 - Area Physical Features
i n
The
Goshen township, Mahoning County, Ohio.
The study area is located iu ui_o i id i n-*wi 10111 ^, rianwiiiii^ ouui i L y , UMI^
surface mining activity which has resulted in objectional acid
-vxirt« f* f*.n -P I rs f-\ r\ -I-/-V 4-\-\f\ r>/-^V'f"l-»l»laf+- ^-Ml-i*--l-y~i*« rt-F C t~\ f* 4- T *~*r
urtace mining activity wnicn nas resulted in oojectionai acid
drainage has been confined to the northwest quarter of Section
he northeast quarter of Section 3, Township 17 North, Range k
13
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West. Western Reserve Road runs along the north edge of the mined
land and Stratton Road bisects Section 2 and forms the eastern boundary
for the site.
The entire study area is within the Meander Creek drainage basin. The
watershed boundary for the strip mined land is shown in Figure 3-
Virtually all drainage from the area flows east, parallel to Western
Reserve Road and joins with the main stem of Meander Creek approxi-
mately one-half mile east of Stratton Road.
A series of pools of water remain impounded in the final cut. Identi-
fication numbers have been assigned to these pools and are shown in
Figure 3. These numbers are used throughout the balance of this
report.
There are no known gas, oil, or water wells in the immediate vicinity
of the mined land. Detailed soil investigations were not undertaken
prior to mining or, if taken, were not recorded. Borings were not
authorized as part of the current feasibility study. As a result, only
a limited amount of subsurface information is available. Figure k
illustrates a core drilling taken
near Western Reserve Road in the
vicinity of Pools 3 and 4. As
shown, at this point about A2 feet
of overburden covered the top of
the coal seam. This drilling was
done for the Mahoning Valley Sani-
tary District who also had analyses
made of the pyritic sulphur content
at various depths in the shale and
sandstone formation immediately
above the coal. The sulphur con-
tent increases with depth and un-
doubtedly is a factor in the pro-
duction in acid mine drainage.
Land Use
GROUND SURFACE
I—
LL
LL
LL
=t
0*
LL
-a
or:
LL
LLj
LL.
CO
CX|
'TOPSOIL & CLAY-
SANDSTONE
28" COAL
c\
v — 8" FIRE CLAY
1
fi
9 '
y
-^
J--
Y
PYRITIC SULFUR
(CONTENT, /o)
n nfi
I. 51
6.^7
Within the Meander Creek watershed,
existing land use is primarily
agricultural with scattered rural
residential developments. Figure
5 illustrates significant land use
features. As shown, industrial
operations in the watershed consist
of a limited number of small mining
operations. Recreation facilities
in the watershed include three pri-
conservation and gun clubs, two camps, a small park, and
Of note is the fact that the property of both conservation
clubs directly adjoins the tracts that will be improved by the proposed
mine drainage abatement demonstration program.
Figure k - Geological
Core Section
vate lakes, two
a golf course.
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» ' E J[™-."- „'' ,.j, *'k o o K |F i E L. ?
MVSD RESERVED ^L^.
LAND t&r^'
l^"Ji . ~'3*»«JL-X".,
^L^^TJ
SPONDEROSA'
SCALE IN MILES
Figure 5 ~ Land Use Features
Mining and Reclamation History
Surface mining operations were begun in the study area in the early
19^0's, before legislation relating to reclamation of strip-mined land
was enacted. C & M Mining Company was the first operator in the area
affecting approximately 18.1 acres. Sheban Mining Company stripped a
total of 21.7 acres between 1950 and 1956. Fairfield Coal Company was
the third and final operator on the site affecting a total acreage of
67 acres during the five-year period from 1956 to I960. Figure 6
illustrates the areas stripped by each of the three mining companies.
15
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LEGEND
C.& M. MINING COMPANY
I9U2 - I 9U3
SHEBAN MINING
COMPANY 1950 - 1956
FAIRFI1ELD COAL
COMPANY-|956 - I960
Figure 6 Mining History
The Middle Kittanning (No. 6) coal seam was the geological formation
mined. The coal layer was 26 to 28 inches thick and was characterized
by a vein of clay four to six inches above the bottom of the coal, thus
giving the impression of a false bottom. No accurate data was recorded
relative to the elevation of the coal seam; however, discussions with
Fairfield Coal Company personnel and others familiar with the mini-ng
operation indicated a general dip to the southeast of five feet per mile
with some irregularities noted.
The mined area has been graded to a moderately rolling terrain with
the exception of the final cut which generally conforms to the same
cross-section which existed when mining operations ceased. In 19&1,
16
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five earthen dams were constructed by Fairfield Coal Company in an
attempt to control acid drainage. Reclamation, including necessary
tree plantings, was completed in 1962 with all legal requirements
having been satisfied. Revegetation of the spoil area has met with
only limited success, leaving the majority of the site generally
devoid of tree and grass cover and subject to rapid run-off and severe
erosion. A small area at the west end of the site has been reclaimed
for agricultural purposes with a reasonable degree of success.
Water Quality Situation
A series of ten water samples were collected on April 23, 1971, for
analysis of chemical constituents. Sample locations are shown on Figure
7 and analytical results presented in Table 1. Flow rates were deter-
mined for each sample collected from a flowing stream utilizing a port-
able V-notch wei r.
TABLE 1
WATER QUALITY ANALYSES
Sample No. Flow
gpm
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Total
Soli ds
mg/1
Conductivi ty
mi cromhos
I ron
mg/1
Acidi ty
mg/1
64
61
100
—
3.1
—
24
1.8
8
—
5,544
5,970
5,620
3,076
6,624
5,138
5,550
8,114
4,625
4,559
2.8
2.9
2.9
2.9
2.8
3-0
2.9
3-0
3.1
3-2
,100
,900
,200
,850
,200
,000
,900
,700
,500
2,500
5.2 1
2.1
13-4
14.8
4.3
2.0
8.6
12.8
10.4
12.8
,080
,180
,160
400
940
,040
,420
,920
,080
,100
Sample 1 was collected at Stratton Road and represents the composite
of all drainage originating in the mined area. As shown in the table,
the pH of the water was 2.8 and the total acidity (to the phenol-
phthalein end point) was 1,080 mg/1. The measured flow was 64 gallons
per minute or a rate of 92,000 gallons per day.
Sample 2 was collected at the west or inlet end of the long narrow
pool (No. 2) which parallels Western Reserve Road. This pool was
apparently created as a surge lagoon to contain or buffer drainage
originating in the area during the active mining operation. The
measured flow rate was approximately the same as at Point 1 and the
acidity was 100 mg/1 greater.
17
-------
oo
-POINT NO. 10
(1100)
POINT NO. I
(1080)-
POINT NO. 2 12
3) (1180)
LEGEND
• WATER QUALITY SAMPLING POINT
(1080) SAMPLE ACIDITY, mg/l
(?) POOL NUMBER
SCALE IN FEET
Figure 7 - Water Quality Data
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Sample 3 was taken at the dam of Pool 1. Measured flow at this point
was 100 gallons per minute with acidity of 1,160 mg/1. The apparent
loss of water between Point 3 and Points 1 and 2 is difficult to ex-
plain. Gaging errors might be suspected, except that these results
are confirmed by a similar series of measurements by other investigators
approximately one year ago. A loss of water was noted between the same
two points and in about the same order-of-magnitude. Soil borings to
evaluate subsurface conditions and to verify elevation of the ground-
water table were not within the scope of the investigations. However,
it is apparent that soil formations and groundwater levels are such
that a portion of the discharge from Pool 1 is percolating downward into
the underground water system.
Discharge from Pool k, the very small pond immediately west of the
entrance road into the mined area, is characterized by Sample 5-
There was no visible flow or seepage into No. k from the larger pool
to the west from which Sample No. k was collected. This latter pool
(No. 5) was created by the earliest mining activity in the area and
has, therefore, experienced over 20 years of natural weathering of
the tributary area. This has resulted in an acidity of kOO mg/1,
which is the best water quality of any of the pools on the site.
Sample 6 was taken from the extreme south end of Pool 1 and exhibited
an acidity of 1,040 mg/1. This is only slightly less than was measured
at the outlet of the pool.
Sample 8 represents the stream feeding the west arm of Pool 1. A
flow of 2k gallons per minute was recorded and the acidity of 1,420
mg/1 was somewhat higher than the 1,160 mg/1 measured at Point 3- This
indicates that the additional water entering the large pond, probably
from underground sources, is of better quality than that entering in
the surface stream flowing down the old final cut pit.
Small flows were measured at sample Points 8 and 9 (1.8 and 8 gpm,
respectively). Flow from the north at Point 8 exhibited the highest
acidity of any of the samples, 1,920 mg/1, but was extremely small in
volume. Sample .10 was taken from the west end of Pool 7- Acidity at
this point was essentially the same as in the stream leaving the pool.
Using the acid flow rate in pounds per unit of time at Stratton Road
as a base, approximately 5 percent of the base flow is represented by
the sample at Point 8 and another 10 percent by the sample at Point 9-
The acid flow rate at Point 7 is approximately 50 percent of the base
figure, indicating that there is a significant acid pick-up through
the stream channel between Point 7 and Points 8 and 9. This can be
partially attributed to the considerable amount of coal refuse lying
exposed along the stream channel.
The Mahoning Valley Sanitary District has been routinely sampling the
water quality at Stratton Road for several years. Results of tests col-
lected over the time span of a recent year are shown in Table 2.
19
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TABLE 2
STRATTON ROAD
WATER QUALITY ANALYSES
Date jpji Acidity COD
mg/1 mg/1
April, 1970 3.2 1 ,110 13-8
May, 1970 3-0 270 1.2
June, 1970 2.8 150 3-3
July, 1970 2.8 1 ,330 7.4
August, 1970 2.9 3,820 8.0
September, 1970 2.8 1,240 6.1
October, 1970 2.8 1,380 3.8
November, 1970 3-1 1,020 25-7
December, 1970 3-2 1,090 36.6
January, 1971 3-2 970 23.6
February, 1971 3-4 720 29-3
March, 1971 3.4 530 16.8
April , 1971 3-3 980 33-2
Review of the data indicates a considerable range of values. For the
most part, however, acidity was in the 1,000-1,400 mg/1 range. On this
basis, it can be concluded that the series of samples presented in Table
1 represents reasonably typical conditions.
Hydrology and Meteorology
Hydrology, particularly as related to the underground flow of water, is
one of the most important considerations dealing with mine drainage and
possible abatement measures in the Upper Meander Creek area. The re-
cent hydrologic history of the mined land is difficult to assess from
available records. Verbal accounts persist regarding artesian flow
from boreholes drilled prior to initiation of mining in the area. These
accounts are not substantiated by written or photographic records and the
occurrence of artesian flow is difficult to relate to the specific
geology of the region.
Figure 8 presents a cross-section cut diagonally across the strip mined
area and intersecting Stratton Road, Western Reserve Road and Meander
Creek. As shown in the figure, the flow line of Meander Creek is at an
elevation of approximately 1167. Pool No. 1 in the stripped area pre-
sently exhibits a water surface of 1180.5; the elevation of the bottom
of the pond is approximately 1160. To the north, Pool No. 5 has a water
surface elevation of 1185.5 and a bottom elevation of about 1180. Con-
tinuing to the northwest along the line of the cross-section, the ground
slopes downward from Western Reserve Road to the West Branch Meander
Creek.
20
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5+00 120 + 00 125 + 00 130 + 00 135 + 00
SECTION *
Figure 8 - Area Cross Section
It would appear that prior to mining in the area, there was probably
very little discharge of water from the site except during precipita-
tion events. The normal groundwater table was intercepted by Meander
Creek and West Branch Meander Creek, and thus stabilized at an eleva-
tion well below the ground surface. As a result of the mining in the
area, the groundwater table was intercepted and a convenient channel
provided for release of the water. Continuation of this net flow from
the strip mined area contributes significantly to the mine drainage
problem which exists today.
21
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The previously described water sampling and gaging program conducted
by Stanley Consultants yielded a discharge from the entire area as
measured at Stratton Road of approximately 64 gallons per minute.
With a tributary drainage area of 143 acres, this discharge corres-
ponds to a yield of 0.6k cubic feet per second per square mile. Com-
paring this value with long-term records for Meander Creek at Ohlstown
prior to any regulation or diversion of the stream, a median discharge
of 0.16 cfs per square mile has been recorded and an average discharge
of 0.92 cfs per square mile is noted. The drainage area for the gaging
station is 77-2 square miles. This data has been taken from the "Water
Inventory of the Mahoning and Grand River Basins and Adjacent Areas in
Ohio" Inventory Report No. 16 of the Ohio Department of Natural Re-
sources Division of Water.
On the basis of the foregoing comparison, the flow as measured at
Stratton Road does not appear to be unreasonable or even excessively
high. More definitive conclusions with regard to the water yield of
the mined area cannot be drawn without extensive long-term collection
of flow data.
Precipitation records are not available for the specific strip mined
property. Table 1 is a presentation of precipitation probability data
for Canfield, Ohio, which is approximately 8 miles northeast of the
site. This data is taken from the Ohio Agricultural Research and De-
velopment Center, Research Bulletin 1017, March, 1969, "Monthly and
Annual Precipitation Probabilities for Selected Locations in Ohio."
TABLE 3
Precipitation Probability Data
Precipitation With Probability Equal or Less Than
.10 .20 .30 .40 .50 .60 .70 .80
.90
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
Jun .
Jul .
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
.95
.87
1.52
1.51
1.41
1.91
1.78 :
1.20
• 90
.67
1.09
.93
.29
.12
.88
.92
.92
2.37
>.27
.62
.29
.04
.44
.23
1.58
1.34
2.18
2.27
2.36
2.76
2.68
1.98
1.63
1.38
1.74
1.48
1.86
1.54
2.46
2.59
2.79
3.12
3.06
2.32
1-97
1.74
2.02
1-73
2.16
1.75
2.74
2.92
3.23
3.48
3.46
2.68
2.33
2.12
2.31
1.98
2.48
1.97
3.03
3.27
3.72
3.87
3.88
3.07
2.73
2.56
2.63
2.25
2.86
2.24
3-38
3.68
4.30
4.32
4.38
3.53
3.20
3.09
3.00
2.58
3.35
2.57
3.81
4.20
5.04
4.88
5.00
4.12
3.82
3.79
3.48
4.11
3.00
4.47
4.99
6.21
5.74
5.96
5.04
4.80
4.91
4.21
2.99 3-62
Annual 27.99 29-94 31.40 32.69 33-92 35.19 36.58 38.25 40.65
22
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The precipitation data, as indicated, is typical for north central
Ohio. Of significance is the fact that in a normal year, over 53
percent of the annual precipitation occurs between April and October.
This is the season during which vegetative cover on the strip mined
area would be most beneficial for reducing the runoff and also corres-
ponds with the period when downstream uses are most adversely affected
by mine drainage.
Social and Economic Environment
Acid mine drainage has been a major source of pollution to Meander
Creek and Meander Creek Reservoir for over 20 years. In September,
1963, the first major fish kill in Meander Creek was reported. The
Ohio Division of Wildlife estimated that approximately 6,650 fish of
various species were destroyed by acid pollution, reportedly from the
study area.
The release of acid water has also had an adverse effect on several
small recreational lakes in the vicinity. Ponderosa Lake, formerly
Dunn Eden Lake, depends on Meander Creek for water to maintain adequate
lake levels. Each recent year, Ponderosa Lake has been drained con-
currently with the release of acid water from the mined area. This
procedure allows the acid to pass rapidly through the lake with a mini-
mum of damage. After the slug of contaminated water is past, Ponderosa
Lake is allowed to refill with better water. This yearly drainage
operation has caused the owner of Ponderosa Park considerable expense
and inconvenience, but has been necessary to ensure adequate water
quality for swimming and fishing throughout the summer recreation sea-
son. Recently, the lake has been completely restocked each year at the
owner's expense.
A major flood occurred in June, 1970, when the large dam at the strip
mine area burst, and an estimated 20 million gallons of acid water was
released. Area residents indicate that the 1970 flood, although the
most severe, was the third such occurrence in three years.
Ponderosa Lake was forced to release water to prevent dam failure. The
1970 flood essentially put Ponderosa out of business for fishing and
swimming during the remainder of the recreation season.
Damage was widespread affecting not only Ponderosa Lake, but Diehl
Lake and a small private lake immediately adjacent to the study area.
Flood water reportedly running two feet deep forced the temporary
closure of Western Reserve Road. The owners of the small private lake
reported $1,000 damage to their driveway as well as pollution of their
lake.
Diehl Lake, north of the study area, is located on West Branch Meander
Creek and is not normally affected by drainage from the site unless the
23
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water gets out of control and crosses Western Reserve Road. In 1970,
property owners around Diehl Lake reported property damage as a result
of the flood and expressed concern for their recently stocked lake.
Meander Creek Reservoir, operated by Mahoning Valley Sanitary District,
is the primary water supply source for the Youngstown metropolitan
area. The District provides water to Youngstown and Niles, which in
turn supply potable water to approximately one-third of the rural por-
tion of Mahoning County and two townships in Trumbull County, for a total
present service population of approximately 275,000 people. Acid con-
taminated water entering Meander Creek Reservoir from the mined area
increases the cost of water treatment for acidity and hardness. A six
percent water rate increase has recently been initiated by MVSD for
the entire distribution service area. Approximately one-quarter of
this rate hike has been attributed to increased water treatment costs.
Acid mine water from the study area has serious environmental implica-
tions. Naturally occurring aquatic life along the twelve miles of
Meander Creek from the mined site to the reservoir has been adversely
affected or entirely destroyed due to the high acidity of the water.
Wildlife cover along the creek has been stunted or eliminated by the
action of the acid. Local conservationists and hunters have noticed a
marked decline in wildlife habitat and a corresponding reduction in
wildlife along Meander Creek. The continued pollution and degradation
of Meander Creek with acid mine water is not consistent with state and
federal goals of improving and preserving water quality in natural
waterways.
Local, state, and federal officials have been searching for a solution
to this particular mine drainage problem since 1963. Several solutions
including a sanitary landfill development have been proposed, but no-
thing has materialized. Two previous applications for federal demon-
stration improvement projects have been rejected due to the expense
involved.
The proposed demonstration project will alleviate many of the water qua-
lity problems resulting from drainage from the site. Improved water
quality will eventually restore the Meander Creek environment to the
quality level necessary to sustain aquatic and plant life.
Data Adequacy
Available information on water quality and hydrology related to the
study area is somewhat sketchy. Sufficient data is available, however,
to define the order-of-magnitude of the problem and to establish a
base against which improvements can be measured.
Additional specific water resource data would be helpful, but is not
absolutely necessary for the proper design of a remedial program. Ade-
quate judgments can be made regarding the type of improvements to be
-------
undertaken; it is more important to move ahead with the implementation
of a program than to expend further time and effort in refining the ba-
si c data inventory.
25
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PART IV - PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING FEATURES
Abatement Project Description
The mine drainage problems resulting from previous mining of the study
area are typical of those resulting from surface mining for coal in
regions characterized by acidic overburden materials. The low pH and
high salt content of the spoil banks has Inhibited plant growth. As a
result, there is little or no ground cover to retain surface runoff and
curtail erosion. The proposed mine drainage demonstration program is
designed to break the cycle of erosion, acid formation, inhibition of
plant growth and further erosion. Provisions will be outlined for re-
turning the presently unproductive land back into an asset to the region.
A multi-phase demonstration program has been developed. The four steps
required to fully implement the mine drainage abatement and reclamation
features are as follows:
1. Elimination of standing pools of acidic water which are con-
tributing to the pollution of Meander Creek.
2. Regrading of the final cut to provide positive drainage from
the area, to reduce the rate of discharge of water from the
groundwater table, and to provide surface conditions amenable
to establishment of ground cover.
3. Preparation of a suitable seed bed and planting of acid toler-
ant grasses, plants, and trees to reduce runoff and create a
more usable and appealing area.
4. Construction of recreational features. Ultimate land use
development is beyond the scope of the program required for
mine drainage abatement. A typical plan has been prepared,
however, which illustrates possible public utilization bene-
fits which may result from the mine drainage abatement program.
Field Survey and Mapping
Available information has been utilized to the fullest possible extent
in analysis of the mine drainage problem and in the development of a
workable abatement program. U. S. Geological Survey maps and field
surveys by the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District have provided much of
the required basic information.
In addition, however, detailed maps were developed specifically for
this project. Utilizing aerial photography and related mapping tech-
niques, contour maps with a horizontal scale of one inch to 100 feet,
and a contour interval of two feet have been prepared. Coverage in-
cludes all of the final cut—highwall area and sufficient width on
27
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either side of the final cut to permit analysis of drainage patterns and
the topography influencing area regrading.
A series of soundings were taken to determine the depth of water in
the impoundments and to estimate the quantity of silt and muck which
has been deposited at the bottom of the pools. Copies of the contour
maps and depth soundings are on file with EPA.
Drainage Improvements
The water presently impounded throughout the study area can be imme-
diately recognized as a potential threat to downstream water uses.
Characteristics of the water have previously been discussed. As a
long-term mine drainage abatement measure, it appears desirable that the
majority of the impounded water be treated and released, and positive drain-
age provided for the area. It is proposed that all of the pools except Nos,
2 and 5 be drained and filled. Pool 2 did not result from the excava-
tion of the coal seam but was instead created for the purpose of provid-
ing capacity for handling surges of water during the active mining
period. The water quality analyses previously presented do not indicate
any net increase in acid concentrations through Pool 2. This pool can
therefore be retained to provide a water feature in the ultimate devel-
opment of the property and to provide a surge basin for partial sediment
and acid control, particularly during the period immediately following
the proposed grading and planting.
Pool 5 remains from the first mining activity in the area. Over twenty
years of natural leaching have thus removed many of the acid forming
salts from the tributory drainage area. The present acidity in the pool
is about 400 mg/1, contrasted to the 1,000 mg/1 or more which is found
in the rest of the pools throughout the study area. Some revegetation
has occurred in the area around Pool 5. Due to the relatively good
quality of water, and the partially revegetated condition of the adja-
cent slopes, it has been deemed desirable to leave Pool 5 intact. This
relatively small impoundment could be filled during a later phase of the
program if, after the initial elements are completed, it is determined
to have a detrimental effect on drainage from the site.
The rest of the pools will be drained. On the basis of recent aerial
photographs and soundings of water depth, the volume in the various
pools has been calculated to be approximately as shown in Table 4. Of
the nearly 23 million gallons presently impounded, over 20 million will
be displaced during the regrading phase of the demonstration project.
28
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TABLE 4
IMPOUNDED WATER VOLUMES
Pool Number Volume, Gallons
1 15,050,000
2 825,000
3 400,000
^ 120,000
5 1,400,000
6 280,000
7 4,910,000
TOTAL IMPOUNDED WATER- 22,985,000
Uncontrolled release of this water could cause serious damage to the
reach of Meander Creek between the study area and Meander Creek
Reservoir. In the reservoir itself, the dilution factor would minimize
the effect of the acid on aquatic life.
Upon reaching Meander Creek Reservoir the acidic water will ultimately
be taken through the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District Water Treatment
Plant. Additional chemical costs will be incurred by the District for
treatment of the water which is now held on the site. However, neutral-
ization of the water prior to release to the stream would require the
same amount of neutralizing chemical as if treatment were accomplished
at the water treatment plant. It would, undoubtedly, be more efficient
and economical to allow the release of the untreated water to the stream
with subsequent treatment at the plant.
The main problem, therefore, is to eliminate or minimize damage to the
stream between the site and the reservoir. If the impounded water were
released at a controlled rate during the winter months when there is no
water related recreational activity along the stream, the amount of
damage could be held to a minimum. Discussions with Ohio State Health
Department personnel indicate that such an approach might be tolerated
if an acceptable agreement could be reached with the downstream property
owners. However, based upon the initial reaction of all concerned
parties and considering the probable environmental impact, it has been
assumed that neutralization of the impounded acid water must be provided
on site. To accomplish this neutralization, a facility with a flow pat-
tern as shown in Figure 9 is proposed.
The major features and operating sequence of the neutralization facility
are as follows:
1. The dam at the north end of Pool 1 should be raised to provide
storage capacity and operational flexibility.
29
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CHEMICAL
STORAGE
TANK
-AIR LIFT
DISCHARGE PIPE
-AIR
COMPRESSOR
Figure 9 - Neutralization Schematic
2. A chemical storage tank and feed pump will be provided to pro-
portion the neutralizing agent into the acid waste. The chem-
ical will be added to the system at the intake of the pump.
3. An air lift type pump has been tentatively selected to pull
water from Pool 1 for discharge to Pool 3. This type of pump-
ing system has been selected to minimize exposure of equipment
to the acidic water. The air lift action will also provide
mixing for the neutralizing chemical and oxidation of the iron
present in the mine drainage.
Initial regrading efforts will be moving forward concurrently with the
neutralization process. As material is forced into the upper reaches
of the pools, the water will be displaced and channeled to the intake of
the neutralization facilities.
Planning has been based upon utilization of calcium hydroxide as the
alkaline chemical. Considering measured water volumes and the present
acidity of the water, there are approximately 100 tons of acid to be
neutralized. Allowing for an increase in acid production during the
regrading operations, an estimated 135 tons of lime are required for
neutrali zat ion.
Iron will generally be precipitated and settled in Pools 2 and 3. As
the regrading nears completion and most of the water has been .eliminated
30
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from the area, slight over-neutralization will increase the pH of Pool 3
so that it can be drained without relocating the neutralization plant.
Regrad ing
The recommended permanent channel backfill profile grades for the pool
and pit areas are shown in Figures 8 and 10. Also illustrated are the
existing ground and channel lines along the longitudinal axis of the
pits.
Deposits of a soft gelatinous material, generally ranging from two to
four feet in thickness, exist in the bottoms of the pools. Experience
in other areas indicates this material to be extremely difficult to
handle by conventional earthmoving techniques. The viscous silty
material is fluid and difficult to dewater. The most appropriate method
of releasing the contained moisture is to drain the water from the pool
leaving the soft deposits exposed to a winter of freezing and thawing to
break the structure of the material and release the entrapped water.
This approach has been considered for the study area. However, as shown
in the profiles, the relative elevations of the pools require the con-
struction of deep temporary channels through the present final cut pits.
This construction would be costly and the soft material would probably
not provide a suitable platform for conventional excavation equipment.
Recent soundings in several areas indicate the occasional presence of
bedrock, thus greatly increasing the cost of excavation. For these
reasons, the concept of draining and leaving the semi-liquid silt de-
posits exposed over a winter season is not considered feasible.
Proposed grading and borrow areas are shown on Figure 11. The general
grading pattern is depicted by slope line schematics with suggested
borrow areas outlined by dashed lines. Typical cross sections for re-
commended channel regrading along existing final cuts and haul roads are
indicated in Figures 12 and 13- The sections establish approximate
grading lines for final shaping but can be varied somewhat to suit ma-
terials encountered and equipment used.
As previously indicated, regrading operations, drainage, and acid
neutralization are to be conducted concurrently. As water in Pool 1
is treated and released, grading will commence at the upper end of
Pool 7- Removal of the water will be accomplished by displacement
with material pushed from the upper edge of the spoil bank directly into
the pool, using bulldozers and/or dragline equipment. The spoil material
should be deposited uniformly along the north edge of the pit, thus
forcing the gelatinous deposits to the south edge of the pool and high-
wall. At the same time, the deposited material will displace impounded
water which will drain into Pool 1 for subsequent treatment and release.
31
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VjO
NJ
I 000
SECTION A
Figure 10 - Regraded Channel Profile
-------
BACKFILL POOL NO 4 TO
SURROUNDING GROUND
ELEVATION
WESTERN RESERVE ROAD
POOL NO. 2
POOL NO.1
BUILDINGS D D
O
POSSIBLE BORROW
AREAS (TYP.)
CHANNEL GRADING LINES (TYP.)
Figure II - Grading Plan
-------
EXISTING GROUND LINE
, BORROW AREA
(TYPICAL)
VARY SLOPES TO
SUIT BACKFILL
REQUIREMENTS
I?. WIN. (TYPICAL)
POOL NO. I WATER
LEVEL EL. 1180.5
PROPOSED CHANNEL BACKFILI
PROFILE (SEE FIG. 10)'
20' CHANNEL BOTTOM
TYPICAL ALL SECTIONS
SECTION "A" MAIN PIT - POOL NO. I
UJ
-C-
-EXISTING GROUND LINE
POOL NO. I WATER LEVEL
EL. I ISO.5
PROPOSED CHANNEL BACKFILL
PROFILE (SEE FIG.8 )
SCALE IN FEET
0 10 20
"VERTICAL
o 20 itp
SECTION "6" SOUTH BRANCH - POOL NO. I
HORIZONTAL
Figure 12 - Typical Regraded Sections
-------
EXISTING GROUND
LINE
WATER LEVEL, POOL NO.
EL. I 180.5, POOL NO. 7
EL. I 196.5 (DRY CHANNEL
BED BETWEEN POOLS)
BORROW TO CONSTRUCT
CHANNEL SIDES ALONG
HIGH WALL (TYPICAL)
VARY SLOPE TO
SUIT BACKFILL
REQUIREMENTS
PROPOSED CHANNEL
BACKFILL PROFILE
SEE FIG. 10)
SECTION "C" - MAIN PIT POOL NO'S. I TO 7
EXISTING
GROUND LINE
-VARY SLOPES TO SUIT CHANNEL
BACKFILL REQUIREMENTS-
PROPOSED CHANNEL
BACKFILL PROFILE
(SEE FIG. 10)
POOL NO. 6
WATER LEVEL
EL. I 196.5
10
I
20
I
20
i i
I
VERTICLE SCALE IN FEET
SECTION "D" POOL NO. 6
HORIZONTAL
SCALE IN FEET
Figure 13 - Typical Regraded Sections
Sufficient material should be deposited in the pits to provide an initial
channel bed profile approximately two to three feet above that indicated
in Figure 10. This is to allow for future settlement and shrinkage since
direct compaction is not practical. When Pool 7 has been filled, the
same procedure will be followed for Pools 6 and 1.
After the channel profile grade has been established, construction of
side slopes and rough shaping of the 20-foot channel bottom will proceed.
It is recommended that material be scraped from both the high wall and
spoil pile sides with the better quality overburden material placed on
top. Whenever possible clay should be packed against the high wall to
minimize the exposure of acid sandstone to atmospheric conditions.
35
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It is anticipated that due to dumping of spoil into pools of water, the
center portion of the channel will settle and require additional grading
at a later date. Caution must be exercised in the use of heavy compac-
tion and excavation equipment in the pit area since the material is
likely to remain in a soft condition for an extended period. It is sug-
gested that at least one year elapse before final grading and planting
along channel beds be concluded.
Table 5 indicates the approximate quantities of earth backfill required
along various lengths of the pit area. In estimating these quantities
variable shrinkage factors were used reflecting the expected conditions
in each location.
TABLE 5
BACKFILL QUANTITIES
Location Backfill Required
Cu. Yd.
Pool 1 - Main Pit 83,000
Pool I - South Branch 85,000
Pool 3 1,000
Pool 4 1,000
Pool 6 12,000
Pool 7 117,000
Dry ,Bed Areas
Between Pools 1 & 7 22,000
TOTAL ESTIMATED BACKFILL 320,000
Revegetation
Spoil in the project area is very acid, relatively high in sulfate,
manganese, aluminum, and soluble salts but rather low in essential plant
nutrients. Table 6 indicates the results of surface soil tests taken
in 1967 by Kent State University and specifically for this report early
in 1971.
TABLE 6
SOIL ANALYSES
Element Plot #1 Plot #2 Plot #3
August April August April April
1967 1971 1967 1971 1971
pH 3.2 3.6 3.8 3.5 3.6
NO, 1.4 1.8 34.3 1.6 2.1
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Element
NH
P2°5
K20
Ca
Mg
Fe
Mn
B
Cu
Zn
Al
Soluble
Salts
Plot #1
Plot #2
August
1967
42.0
0.6
26.0
142.0
60.0
1.3
16.0
0.4
0.5
0.2
1.0
232.0
Apri 1
1971
25.0
1.6
22.0
34.0
32.0
0.3
2.6
0.3
2.8
2.3
29.0
137.0
August
1967
84.0
0.8
191.0
560.0
110.0
0.3
9.8
0.4
0.5
0.2
0.4
184.0
Apri 1
1971
30.0
1.2
31.0
28.0
50.0
0.3
4.5
0.4
3.0
4.9
40.0
131.0
1700.0 360.0
980.0 440.0
Plot #3
Apri 1
1971
28.0
1.3
26.0
46.0
40.0
0.4
3.6
0.3
2.2
4.4
37.0
118.0
400.0
Note: All quantities except pH expressed in pounds per acre.
Soluble salt content of stripped mined lands serves as a good indicator
of plant toxicity. Most species of domestic plants have a maximum
tolerance level of about 2,000 Ibs. of salts per acre. Soluble salts
at the area were well below the maximum level in 1971, but judging from
the low pH, it is reasonable to expect that when the spoil is regraded,
soluble salts will increase drastically and may approach 3,000 Ibs. per
acre. Thus, the following steps are recommended to assure adequate
survival of new plantings.
Furrow Grading - After completion of spoil movement to provide the
desired channel profile, furrow grading of side slopes is recommended.
This technique encourages rapid leaching of soluble salts and creates
a soil structure in the furrows which has been shown to encourage plant
growth. Furrows should always follow the contour and are recommended to
be 24 to 30 inches in height and 48 inches between the peaks. Furrow
grading can be accomplished by permitting the spoil to fall off the end
of an angled dozer blade or a ripper may be used in tight spoil. If ex-
cessive rock is encountered, a Rome disc may be required for this spe-
cialized grading operation. Furrow grading is the key to leaching out
the salts prepatory to successful revegetation. Grading should be com-
pleted in early fall to permit leaching through the fall and winter seasons,
Ferti1ization - Furrow grading will provide a suitable soil structure
and retain available moisture for plant utilization. Fertilizing the
37
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spoil surface is required to provide the initial push for tree and grass
cover. A complete (10-10-10) fertilizer is recommended over the entire
spoil area at the rate of 600 Ibs. per acre. Application with a hydro-
seeder or hydro-mulcher at the time of seeding is also recommended.
The extremely high acidity of the spoil must be corrected before a
vegetative cover can be established. A minimum pH of k.O to ^t.5 is desir-
able, an increase over present levels of approximately one unit. Agri-
cultural lime should be applied at the rate of three tons per acre and
mixed into the top three to four inches of spoil. Areas which have been
furrow graded will receive the same lime application, but without subse-
quent surface mixing.
Plantings - Plant materials have been selected for acid tolerance, wild-
life benefits, and aesthetic value. Trees and shrubs will be planted at
the rate of 1,600 seedlings per acre. This relatively high density will
allow for some mortality due to adverse conditions; improve the visual
appearance of the area more quickly; enhance the soil conditions more
rapidly by adding organic matter and nitrogen; and use more moisture
(evapo-transpiration) thereby reducing erosion and runoff.
Two tree-shrub mixtures are proposed. The standard mixture will consist
of the following number of plants per acre:
^00 Black Locust
kOO Black Alder
100 Red Oak
300 Silver Maple
200 Autumn 01ive
100 False Indigo or Rose Acacia
100 Cottonwood
A second mixture with increased autumn olive and false indigo or rose
acacia is suggested to improve wildlife food and habitat. The wildlife
mixture will consist of the following plants per acre:
300 Black Locust
200 Black Alder
100 Red Oak
100 SiIver Maple
500 Autumn Olive
300 False Indigo or Rose Acacia
100 Cottonwood
Some white pine and Norway spruce may be scattered near the roads for
aesthetic purposes.
Trees should be carefully planted the spring following regrading opera-
tion. Plants should be spaced approximately 5 to 6 feet apart and placed
in the ravine and lower slopes of the furrow graded areas. Plants should
38
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be at least two-year-old seedlings grown under climatic conditions similar
to Mahoning County. Trees and shrubs will be hand planted using conven-
tional approved methods of reforestation.
Black locust will provide quick cover but can only be expected to last
five to ten years due to inevitable infestation by locust borers. After
the locust has served its purpose, the canopy will open and alder will re-
place the locust as the dominant tree. Autumn olive and false indigo
will reseed as a thicket or hedge cover in the ravines and provide excel-
lent wildlife benefits.
The entire spoil surface must be heavily seeded, at the rate of 30 pounds
per acre, to insure rapid revegetation. Fertilizer, seed, and mulching
material (1,500 Ibs/acre) should be applied with hydro-seeding equipment.
This planting technique will conserve moisture and produce conditions
favorable for germination, and for erosion control.
The recommended seeding mixture includes the following grass species:
10 Ibs. Blackwell Switchgrass
5 Ibs. Birdsfoot Trefoil
5 Ibs. Alsike Clover
10 Ibs. Kentucky Fescue "31"
A revegetation plan as shown in Figure 14 has been developed to accomplish
the primary goal of acid mine drainage abatement and also to provide wild-
life and recreational benefits. The final cut area and fringe areas of
the spoil surface should be planted with the wildlife mixture to provide
a transition with the existing vegetation and to improve the natural
habitat. The ravine formed by the final cut area should be allowed to
develop as a thicket for wildlife cover and protection. The upland areas
of the project site should be planted with the standard plant mixture.
This mixture consists of additional shade type species which are desir-
able for recreational activities such as picnicking, camping, and hik-
ing. The entire spoil surface will be seeded with the suggested grass
mixture.
Land Use Redevelopment
Upon completion of the reclamation of the Upper Meander Creek site, the
area will have public recreational potential for primitive camping, pic-
nicking, and hiking. Mahoning County, based on the 1970 Lakeshore Upland
Region Report of the Ohio Outdoor Recreation Plan, has a need for develop-
ment of approximately 4,000 acres for land-based activities. Recreational
needs for Mahoning County residents are currently being satisfied in the
surrounding counties. Development of the study area for land-based rec-
reational activities would provide needed facilities within a shorter
driving distance and establish a worthwhile use for the reclamation area.
39
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-t-
o
j AGRICULTURAL
/ RE-USE
Figure H - Revegetation Plan
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The Sheban property (northwest quarter, Section 2) involves approxi-
mately 160 acres, which after reclamation, will be moderately rolling
with a ravine in the final cut area. The site is somewhat isolated
from the Youngstown metropolitan area, but should provide an excellent
retreat from urban development. Recreational features should be lim-
ited to primitive camping and picnicking facilities with trails winding
through the entire area. Revegetation has been planned to accommodate
recreational development as well as provide wildlife benefits in the
ravine and nondeveloped areas. Figure 15 schematically illustrates a
possible plan for the reuse of the project area. Recreational develop-
ment, as shown, includes access roads, parking, water, sanitary facil-
ities, camping push-offs, trails, picnic tables, and fire grills.
Trail development could accommodate hiking, horseback riding, and bicycl-
ing in the spring, summer, and fall months, and snowmobiling in the
winter. This type of utilization would encourage year-round use and
increase the recreational benefits of the reclamation project. Inter-
pretive displays illustrating surface mining1operations, reclamation
techniques, and nature appreciation could be provided along the hiking
system. Outdoor classrooms would also be beneficial for educational
experimentation and instruction.
Program Surveillance
For demonstration of the effectiveness of the proposed mine drainage
abatement program, a limited amount of monitoring and analysis of water
discharging from the area will be required. An early element of the
improvement effort will involve installation of a flow metering and
recording structure and sampling station to monitor all normal flows
from the area. This facility will be located near Stratton Road where
the entire study area outflow is in a common channel and there is
relatively easy access for servicing the metering equipment.
Continuous recording instrumentation is anticipated to provide a com-
plete permanent record of the flow rate from the study area. An auto-
matic proportioning sampler will extract a representative sample of the
discharge stream for subsequent analysis. Schedules will be established
for servicing metering equipment and analyzing the water sample on a
once per week basis. More frequent sampling will, of course, be poss-
ible if desirable to better define characteristics of the discharge
stream. Recommended routine analysis of composite samples includes the
following parameters:
Acidity
pH
Conductivity
I ron
Sulfate
Total and Dissolved Solids
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POOL NO. 5
POOL NO. 2
AGRICULTURAL -,^
LAND f AGRICULTURAL
/ RE-USE
LEGEND
REGRADED CHANNEL
PARK INC
EXISTING VEGETATI ON
EXISTING GRASSLAND WITH
SCATTERED TREE COVER
PROPOSED VEGETATION
o
500
1000
SCALE IN FEET
Figure 15 - Land Use Redevelopment
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The Mahoning Valley Sanitary District Routinely patrols the Meander
Creek Watershed to protect the integrity of the source of supply for
their water treatment facility. It is recommended that the District be
considered for responsibility for servicing of recording instruments and
analysis of water samples.
The final phase of program surveillance will involve an evaluation of
the data collected and a summary report on the abatement project. This
phase of activity will be deferred until adequate operating records are
available to establish trends in mine drainage production from the proj-
ect site. Routine flow monitoring and sample analysis will continue
for a minimum of two and possibly as many as four or five years from the
completion of construction to provide time for the system to stabilize
and for adequate records to be accumulated.
Emergency Procedures
It has been previously indicated that all possible precautions will be
taken during the period of actual regrading and reclamation work in the
area to assure that no slugs of acid contaminated water are discharged
to Meander Creek, or that any other adverse environmental conditions
develop. Upon completion of the project, there will be no large stand-
ing bodies of water which could easily be released to cause damages
downstream.
Discharges from the area will be routinely monitored. Any developing
hazardous condition will be flagged and appropriate emergency procedures
developed to cope with the particular situation. Beyond this effort,
no specific emergency procedures are required for the project area.
Cost Estimate
A cost estimate has been prepared for each of the elements in the total
mine drainage abatement program. These costs are summarized in Table 7.
TABLE 7
PROGRAM COST ESTIMATE
Neutralization
Equipment and Set-up $ 3,000
Chemicals, Operation & Maintenance 8,000
11 ,000
Regrading
Excavation 96,000
Furrow Grading 15,000
Fine Grading of Channel 10,000
121 ,000
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Revegetation
Surface Preparation, Liming
and Ferti1ization 8,000
Hydro-Seeding and Mulching 36,000
Tree and Shrub Plantings 20,000
64,000
Program Surveillance
Flow Control Structure and Equipment 5,000
Routine Flow Monitoring 5,000
Engineering and Resident Supervision
of Construction 24,000
Administration 5,000
Final Project Report 10,000
49,000
Contingency 25,000
TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT COST $270,000
No land acquisition costs have been included in the summary. It has been
assumed that the land will be made available for public ownership. Water
and mineral rights will accompany the land transfer.
The temporary neutralization system to be employed during the release
of the presently impounded water has previously been described. Opera-
tion over a span of approximately four months has been anticipated with
supervision of approximately four hours per day required. Since this
work must be closely coordinated with the regrading operation, it would
be advantageous for this activity to be handled by the same agency with
responsibility for the earthmoving.
The single largest cost item in the proposed improvement program is for
excavation. The $96,000 cost figure represents 320,000 cubic yards of
excavation at a cost of 30 cents per yard. This relatively low unit
price for earth moving assumes that the work will be done by a local pub-
lic agency. The costs as presented, therefore, represent the actual
costs incurred by the agency and do not include any provision for profit.
Furrow grading is separate and in addition to the general excavation
costs. A unit cost of $300 per acre has been used for estimating pur-
poses. The item for finish grading of the channel represents the cost
necessary to return to the site after approximately one year to repair
places of unequal settlement and to generally shape up the area.
Costs as presented for revegetation are typical of contract awards for
this type of work. It has been assumed that surface preparation, lim-
ing, fertilization and all revegetation will be awarded as a single
contract.
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A flow control structure, flow recording equipment and a water sampler
will be installed in the outlet channel near Strattori Road. Weekly
servicing of the monitoring equipment is anticipated and a total of
four manhours work per week over a three-year span have been allocated
for this effort.
Minimal engineering design costs have been included in the project sum-
mary based on the assumption that work will generally be performed on a
force account basis with a minimum of contract type plans and specifica-
tions. A resident engineer on the site for four months represents the
majority of this cost item. This individual will have wide responsibility
for seeing that the project is constructed in general conformance with the
concepts outlined herein.
Lump sum allocations have been made for overall administration and for
development of a final report on the demonstration project. Approxi-
mately ten percent has been included as a contingency.
Construction of recreational facilities conforming to the suggested devel-
opmental plan will be the responsibility of the agency retaining ultimate
control over the site. Costs for this work have not been included in the
project summary.
Cost Comparison
To provide a frame of reference for the recommended implementation approach,
costs have also been estimated for completion of the necessary construc-
tion activity on a general contract basis rather than the previously recom-
mended force account type of operation. Table 8 illustrates the comparison
between the two approaches.
TABLE 8
COST COMPARISON
Force Account General Contract
Neutralization $ 11,000 $ 16,000
Regrading 121,000 182,000
Revegetation 64,000 64,000
Program Surveillance 49,000 70,000
Contingency 25>000 48,000
TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT COST $270,000 $380,000
The neutralization and regrading elements of the program have been
increased to reflect inclusion of a contractor's normal profit and
overhead costs. Job mobilization and move-in factors have also been
considered. The revegetation element was previously estimated on a
contract basis, so no change is indicated for this item. In the
45
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program surveillance aspect, overhead and profit have likewise been
included in the construction of the flow control structure. The
routine flow monitoring and administration will not change signifi
cantly since these items will not be included in a general construc-
tion contract.
Engineering and resident supervision of construction would be increased
somewhat if a general contract were awarded. More definitive construc-
tion documents would be required to satisfy necessary contractual ar-
rangements. The contingency factor has been increased to 15 percent in
the general contract situation.
Considering all of the foregoing elements, a cost savings of approxi-
mately $110,000 is indicated for the project if construction is imple-
mented on a force account basis.
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PART V - PROJECT EFFECTIVENESS
Demonstration Value
A successful mine drainage abatement project at the Upper Meander Creek
site will provide a number of public benefits. The study area is pre-
sently of little value to anyone and has imposed inconvenience and
expense on local private property owners, several governmental agencies,
and approximately 275,000 residents of Mahoning and Trumbul1 Counties.
The proposed project will demonstrate a number of procedures for treat-
ment of an acid mine drainage problem and reclamation a despoiled area.
Following are the specific aspects of the program leading to resolution
of the problems at the site.
1. Elimination of the standing pools of acidic water and partial
filling of the old final cut area will demonstrate the effect
of providing positive drainage for a mined region. Immediate
reduction of the average rate of discharge from the area is
antici pated.
2. Effective techniques for establishing vegetative cover on
acidic spoil material will also be demonstrated. Furrow
grading, applications of fertilizer and lime, and selective
planting of trees, grasses, and shrubs will have immediate
impact on water quality. Plants will utilize a significant
portion of the precipitation falling on the area which now
runs off rapidly. The grading techniques proposed will de-
monstrate the ability to retain water on the slopes and
thereby reduce the transport of sediment into the stream
channels.
3. The final phase of the program provides for demonstration of
the beneficial use which may be derived from an area which,
in its current unreclaimed state, is a detriment to the entire
region.
The Upper Meander Creek site is an excellent candidate for a demonstra-
tion project; the area is small enough to easily observe and evaluate
overall effectiveness, yet large enough to fully demonstrate mine
drainage abatement and reclamation techniques.
Water Quality Improvements
In addition to the demonstration value afforded by the proposed project,
a specific troublesome surface water pollution problem will be abated.
Discharge from the area is presently in violation of adopted water qua-
lity criteria; the pH is too low and the dissolved solids concentration
is excessive.
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Procedures outlined herein for temporary neutralization of the impounded
water will satisfy stream criteria with regard to pH level; however,
dissolved solids in the stream leaving the area will remain high during
the neutralization process.
Longer range water quantity characteristics are extremely difficult to
predict. Immediate results of the regrading phase of the program should
be a reduced volume of discharge of surface flow from the mine area.
The complexities of the hydrologic system defy any rigorous calculation
of the net reduction likely to be achieved. However, it would be reason-
able to expect that the net outflow might be cut by up to one-half as
soon as the ground water table has stabilized. Longer term it is pos-
sible that the discharge from the area will be reduced to an intermittent
basis with flow occurring during and after precipitation events and dur-
ing extended wet periods. At other times, there may be little or no
water in the stream channel.
Water quality characteristics are similarly difficult to establish in
advance. It is anticipated that during the construction phase, addi-
tional acidic material will be uncovered and the stream flow may exhibit
a net increase in acid concentration for a period of time. However,
after the initial rapid leaching and following the application of lime,
fertilizer seed, and mulch, the quality of surface run-off should rapidly
improve. This improvement will continue as plant growth is established
to retain and utilize moisture on the surface of the spoil bank, and as
a good soil mantel develops to reduce the exposure of new acidic material
via erosion. Water quality characteristics may be improved by as much
as 25 percent during the first full year following completion of the
demonstration project. Longer term, 80 to 90 percent improvement in
five to eight years is a reasonable objective.
Strict compliance with water quality criteria will not be immediate;
however, the proposed demonstration program contains all necessary fea-
tures to minimize immediate damage to the downstream aquatic environment
and to provide long-term improvement in the discharge from the area.
Cost Savings
The most apparent public benefit to be derived from the proposed recla-
mation project is reduction of undesirable water entering Meander Creek
Reservoir. The partial elimination of acidic influent water will imme-
diately reduce water treatment costs to the Mahoney Valley Sanitary Dis-
trict.
Sanitary District personnel have calculated that the treatment of acidity
and hardness in the water originating in the study area represents a
total annual cost in excess of $35,700. On the basis of previously
presented assessments of mine drainage characteristics and improvements,
water treatment savings approaching $9,000 per year may be realized by
the second year following completion of the demonstration project.
-------
Further water quality improvements should ultimately result in annual
savings of over $30,000 as the full effectiveness of the demonstration
techniques are realized. The savings to the district will undoubtedly
influence water rates for the entire water service area.
Other direct monetary benefits will result from the project but these
accrue more to private property owners and less to the general public.
Considerable expense and concern to the owners of the recreational im-
poundments in the downstream watershed has occurred in the past. Im-
proved water quality in Meander Creek will reduce the cost for damage
prevention measures and allow the owners of the recreational facilities
to assure potential patrons of good water quality. Elimination of the
large impoundments at the Sheban site also eliminates the present flood
threat and therefore further adds to the general benefits for the down-
stream pub lie.
Aesthetics, Fish and Wildlife
Reclamation of the project area will improve the aesthetics of the pre-
sently derelict land and remove a scar from the Goshen Township land-
scape. Reclamation will provide recreational opportunities, create
wildlife habitat, and ultimately provide social benefits for the entire
Mahoning County area.
The improved water quality downstream from the mined site will restore
and rehabilitate the aquatic environment of Meander Creek. The improved
water will again sustain fish and aquatic plant life. Soil conditions
should also improve, thus allowing land plants (trees, shrubs, and
grasses) to be re-established along the stream. The improved water qua-
lity and vegetative cover will encourage the return of wildlife to the
Meander Creek area and improve the aesthetics of the entire natural cor-
ri dor.
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PART VI - IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATION
Project Responsibility
Designation of specific individuals and agencies to carry forward with
the proposed project has not been possible pending resolution of property
ownership difficulties. Although no specific delegation of authority or
responsibility can be made at the present time, following is a breakdown
of project work elements to the three agencies having the most direct
interest and concern with the demonstration program.
1. Ohio Department of Natural Resources - This agency should main-
tain responsibility for development of financial arrangement,
submission of an application for federal demonstration grant
funds, and overall administration of the demonstration program.
Financial participation may also be provided.
2. Mahoning County - Ultimate ownership of the property and the
development of long-range utilization potential should be the
responsibility of Mahoning County through the Board of Commis-
sioners. Interest has also been expressed by the Commissioners
in financial participation by providing personnel and equipment
for all or part of the regrading portion of the program. The
temporary water neutralization facilities could logically be
handled by the same personnel-.
3. Mahoning County Sanitary District - Routine monitoring of water
quality and servicing of recording instruments might easily be
provided by the Sanitary District. Some consideration might
also be given to having this agency provide for neutralization
of the impounded water as an alternative to having this work
element performed by county forces.
From the foregoing, it is apparent that two key factors must take place
if the demonstration program is to move ahead. First, the private pro-
perty must be transferred to public ownership so that the State can
legally request partial federal financing. This is an Ohio requirement
and not a stipulation of the federal demonstration program. Secondly,
an agency or individual must take the initiative in developing the nec-
essary administrative and financing structure to move forward with the
program.
Program Schedule
Figure 16 outlines a schedule under which the various elements of the
program may be undertaken. As shown, July and August of 1971 have been
allotted for transfer of the property to the necessary public ownership,
for finalizing funding arrangements at local and federal levels, and to
establish the necessary administrative and construction features for full
implementation of the program.
51
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SEPT.-NOV.,1971 MARCH-APRIL.1972 , SEPTEMBER 1972 , PCf.-DEC. .I 973
COMPLETE PROPERTY AREA REGRAOING
TRANSFER
FINALIZE FUNDING VwATER NEUTRAL IZATIONV PLANTING AND ^ FINE GRADING f*. FINAL PROJECT
" ARRANGEMENTS >f ^"^ SEEDING v OF CHANNEL " REPORT
ESTABLISH / \ WATER QUALITY MONITORING
7
ADMINISTRATION AND
CONSTRUCTION
FEATURES
Figure 16 - Program Schedule
Regrading of the area and concurrent neutralization of the impounded
water has been scheduled for September, October, and November of 197'•
This is a key interval in the program. For best results, planting must
be done in the spring, therefore, regrading activity should be completed
the preceding fall to allow a period for stabilization of the soil sur-
face prior to planting. If preliminary efforts cannot be moved forward
rapidly enough to permit regrading in the fall of 1971, it may be neces-
sary to defer the planting activity, which is scheduled for March and
April of 1972, for a full year.
Establishment of a flow monitoring station and the necessary procedures
for routine servicing of the station should be initiated with the start
of the regrading activities or earlier if possible. This effort should
continue as long as necessary to fully demonstrate the effectiveness of
the project.
Final grading of the channel to dress up the area and remove the points
of unequal settlement has been scheduled for the fall of 1972. Depending
on actual conditions at that time, it may be desirable to defer this
activity for another year.
The last item scheduled is preparation of a final report on the demon-
stration project. This has been scheduled for late 1973- It may, how-
ever, be desirable to allow an additional year or more for data accumu-
lation prior to producing this final document.
52
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PART VII - ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
During the course of the preparation of this feasibility study, a number
of agencies and individuals have been contacted. The willingness on the
part of all persons contacted to discuss the problem and to cooperate in
developing a workable solution attests to the desirability of undertaking
a demonstration program in the area. Contacts have included:
1. Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
2. Ohio Department of Health.
3. Mahoning County Board of Commissioners.
4. Mahoning Valley Sanitary District.
5. Mahoning County Soil and Water Conservation District.
6. Mahoning County Regional Planning Commission.
Dr. C. V. Riley of Kent State University served as a special consultant
to Stanley Consultants during the feasibility study.
A significant objective of this project was to prepare a pilot feasibility
study in accordance with the EPA manual "Feasibility Study Manual - Mine
Water Pollution Control Demonstrations". Such feasibility studies are re-
quired by Section 14 of the Water Pollution Control Act, as amended. Thus,
this report will serve as a guide to future feasibility studies. This project
of EPA was conducted under the direction of the Pollution Control Analysis
Program, Ernst P- Hall, Chief, and Donald J. O'Bryan, Jr., Project Officer.
53
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Accession Number
Subject Field & Group
SELECTED WATER RESOURCES ABSTRACTS
INPUT TRANSACTION FORM
Organization
Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Monitoring (Federal Office)
Stanley Consultants (Contractor)
Till.
feasibility Study
Upper Meander Creek Mine Drainage Abatement Project
10
Authors)
Anderson, R. H.
16
Project Designation
14010 HBQ
2] Note
22
Citation
Descriptors (Starred First)
*feasibility studies/ *mine drainage/ * abatement/ *acid mine water/
water pollution control/ water quality
25
Identifiers (Starred First)
* mine drainage abatement/ demonstration project
27 Abstract
This report presents an evaluation of the feasibility of a mine drainage control
demonstration project for the Upper Meander Creek site which has been extensively
surfaced mined for coal in Mahoning County, Ohio.
The general features of the recommended program include the following steps:
1. Elimination of standing pools of acidic water.
2. Regrading of the final cut to provide positive drainage from the area.
3. Preparation of a suitable seed bed and planting of acid tolerant grasses,
plants, and trees.
4. Implementation of beneficial land use features following successful
reclamation. This phase will be the responsibility of the agency
retaining permanent control of the area and has not been included as
part of the federally-aided demonstration.
Abstractor
Carl Myers
Institution
Environmental Protection Agency
WR:102 (REV. JULY 1969)
WRSIC
SEND TO' WATER RESOURCES SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION CENTER
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON. D. C. 20240
* GPO: 1969-359-339
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