EPA-R2-73-140
JANUARY 1973 Environmental Protection Technology Series
Evaluation of
Pollution Abatement Procedures,
Moraine State Park
^£0 S7%
Office of Research and Monitoring
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460
-------
RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and
Monitoring, Environmental Protection Agency, have
been grouped into five series. These five broad
categories were established to facilitate further
development and application of environmental
technology. Elimination of traditional grouping
was consciously planned to foster technology
transfer and a maximum interface in related
fields. The five series are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2. Environmental Protection Technology
3. Ecological Research
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
This report has been assigned to the ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY series. This series
describes research performed to develop and
demonstrate instrumentation, equipment and
methodology to repair or prevent environmental
degradation from point and non-point sources of
pollution. This work provides the new or improved
technology required for the control and treatment
of pollution sources to meet environmental quality
standards.
-------
January 1973
EVALUATION OF POLLUTION ABATEMENT PROCEDURES
MORAINE STATE PARK
By
John W. Foreman
Daniel C. McLean
Grant 110 DSC
Project Officer
Ronald D. Hill
Mine Drainage Pollution Control Activities
Environmental Protection Agency
National Environmental Research Center
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
Prepared For
Office of Research and Monitoring
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D. C. 20^60
For sale by tbe Superintendent of DotuaMtKkTAanOitominent Pitting Office, Washington, D.C. 20402
Price $1 DonfesmvtWHonutol 75 cents GFO Bookstore
-------
EPA Review Notice
This report has been reviewed by the Environmental
Protection Agency 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
commercial products constitute endorsement or recommenda-
tion for use.
ii
-------
ABSTRACT
This project was an evaluation of the various mine drainage pollution
abatement techniques completed during the construction phase of the
Moraine State Park, Pennsylvania. The remedial methods employed
included strip mine reclamation, underground mine sealing, grouting,
surface sealing, refuse pile removal, and oil and gas well plugging.
The major objective of the pollution abatement project was to insure
good water quality in Lake Arthur. This was achieved; the water
quality in the lake from the time of its initial inundation in 1969 to
the present has had a range in analysis as follows: pH: 6.0 to 7.6,
alkalinity 10 to 86 ppm, acidity: 0 to 6 ppm, iron: 0.2 to 3.0 ppm
and manganese: 0 to 3.5 ppm.
Results of the underground mine hydraulic sealing and grouting work
indicate an overall reduction in discharge flow rates from 146 to 57
gallons per minute, an overall reduction in net acidity from 501 to
160 pounds per day (a 68% reduction) and an overall increase in iron
from 34 to 42 pounds per day. The hydraulic sealing costs in the
study area were $1,266,213 for 65 mine seals and associated grouting
work. These costs ranged from a low of $8,308 to a high of $58,437 per
seal, for an average cost of $19,480 per seal.
Before and after data for the strip mine reclamation projects indicate
a minor net decrease in the average discharge flow rates from 142 to
136 gallons per minute, an overall reduction in acidity from 50 to 22
pounds per day ( a 56% reduction) and an insignificant change in iron
from 3 to 4 pounds per day. The strip mine reclamation costs were
$672,208 for 462 acres. These costs ranged from a low of $420 to a
high of $2700 per acre, for an average of $1455 per acre.
The cost of removing and burying 217,068 cubic yards of refuse was
$294,233. Plugging 422 abandoned wells cost $378,292, surface sealing
23 mine areas cost $28,000, and an underground mine air-trap seal cost
$4,165.
This report was submitted in fulfillment of Project Number 14010 DSC
under the sponsorship of the Office of Research and Monitoring, Environ-
mental Protection Agency and the Department of Environmental Resources,
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Project CR-85), by Gwin, Dobson and Foreman,
Incorporated, Consulting Engineers, Altoona, Pennsylvania l66oi.
111
-------
CONTENTS
Section Page
I CONCLUSIONS 1
II RECOMMENDATIONS 3
III INTRODUCTION 5
Background Studies
Location
Topography
Drainage
Geology
Mining History
IV POLLUTION ABATEMENT METHODS 13
Strip Mine Reclamation
Refuse Pile Removal
Surface Sealing
Deep Mine Bulkhead Sealing
Well Plugging, Air Sealing and Miscellaneous
V METHOD OF INVESTIGATION 33
VI ABATEMENT PROJECT COSTS 35
VII DISCUSSION OF RESULTS 37
General Considerations
Rainfall Data
Effectiveness of Deep Mine Sealing
Strip Mine Reclamation
Water Quality in Lake Area
Comparison of Effectiveness and Costs
Iron Chemistry in Abated Ground Waters
Effectiveness of Land Inundation on Pollutant
Generation
Treatment Trends and Stability
Cost Effectiveness of Abatement Methods
VIII ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 55
IX REFERENCES 57
X GLOSSARY 59
- XI APPENDICES 61
-------
FIGURES
PAGE
1 LOCATION MAP 7
2 MAP OF MORAINE STATE PARK 9
3 GENERALIZED COLUMNAR SECTION 10
4 STRIP MINE RECLAMATION AND REFUSE PILE REMOVAL MAP 12
5 STRIP MINE RECLAMATION DETAILS 17
6 DEEP MINE SEALING MAP 23
7 CONSTRUCTION DRAWING OF DEEP MINE SEAL 25
8 ISOMETRIC DRAWING OF DEEP MINE SEAL 27
9 TOTAL DEEP AND STRIP MINE DISCHARGES 39
10 TOTAL DEEP MINE DISCHARGES 40
11 TOTAL STRIP MINE DISCHARGES 41
12 MINE ACIDITY DISCHARGES VERSUS RAINFALL 51
vi
-------
TABLES
No. Page
1 Moraine State Park Strip Mine Reclamation Projects 15
2 Muddy Creek Watershed - Moraine State Park
Average Values Before and After Mine Sealing 44
3 Muddy Creek Watershed - Moraine State Park
Average Values Before and After Strip Mine
Reclamation 45
4 Tabulation of Deep Mine Sealing & Strip Mine
Reclamation - Average Values Before and After
Abatement 45
5 Sealed Deep Mine Information - Moraine State Park
Mine Observation Hole Data 47
6 Range in Analysis - Moraine State Park
Water Quality in Lake Arthur 48
7 Alkaline Reserves in Lake Arthur System 52
vii
-------
SECTION I
CONCLUSIONS
The principal objective of the pollution abatement projects in the
Moraine State Park was attained with the water quality in Lake Arthur
remaining at a fairly stable alkaline condition from the time the
gates of the dam were closed in May 1969 to the present. During
this period, the lake water has exhibited the following range of
quality: pH 6.0 to 7.6, alkalinity 10 to 86 ppm, acidity 0 to 6 ppm,
iron (total) 0.2 to 3.0 ppm and manganese 0 to 3.5 ppm.
At this time, there are no foreseeable reasons why the water in the lake
should become polluted due to mine drainage. However, there are still
several minor projects which should be performed to insure these condi-
tions.
Evaluation of the pollution abatement techniques has been limited pri-
marily to underground mine sealing and strip mine reclamation. The sur-
face sealing, refuse removal and oil well sealing projects were required
to eliminate a potential source of pollution since they were located in
and adjacent to the inundated area of the new dam and would have caused
a serious continual pollution problem. Evaluation of the reduction in
pollution was impossible for these projects except as reflected in the
overall quality of Lake Arthur water.
Underground (deep) mine hydraulic sealing and grouting work resulted in
an overall reduction in discharge flow rates from 146 to 57 gallons per
minute, an overall decrease in net acidity from 501 to 160 pounds per
day (a 68% reduction) and an overall increase in iron from 34 to 42
pounds per day (not considered to be significant). The hydraulic sealing
in the study area cost $1,266,213 for 65 mine seals and associated
grouting work. These costs ranged from a low of $8,308 to a high of
$58,437 per seal, for an average cost of $19,480 per seal.
Comparative data for the strip mine reclamation projects indicate a
small net decrease in the average discharge flow rates from 142 to 136
gallons per minute, an overall reduction in acidity from 50 to 22 pounds
per day (a 56% reduction) and an insignificant change in iron from 3 to
4 pounds per day. The strip mine reclamation costs were $672,208 for
462 acres. These costs ranged from a low of $420 to a high of $2700 per
acre, for an average of $1455 per acre.
-------
Precipitation and climatic conditions are factors which affect the flow
and quality of mine waters; the strip mine discharges being far more
erratic than the deep mines because of characteristic acid slugging ef-
fects of variable intensity. During periods of heavy precipitation,
pool levels in deep mines rose significantly and discharge from the un-
sealed sections increased both in volume and in acid loading.
Severe erosion and run-off turbidity were adverse conditions encountered
in several of the strip mine areas where construction for restoration to
original contour had been employed. Control of these conditions could
be obtained by converting to a combination of contour and terrace-type
of restoration construction, augmented by installation of drainage dit-
ches above the high wall and slope drain flumes across the backfill.
This type of construction was used in strip mine areas reclaimed under
Projects MD-8C and SL 105-1. Its effectiveness in reducing erosion was
markedly evident when these areas were compared to the Northwestern Sec-
tion of ASMRD-1 (where it was not used), after several months of weathering.
The deep mine sealing projects resulted in the flooding of worked out
areas behind the seals. Mine observation (MO) Hole data indicate two
of the mines were completely inundated under both high and low mine
water conditions; seven mines were completely flooded under high mine
water conditions and partly flooded under low; eight mines are partly
flooded under high to normal mine water conditions and one mine had
less than one foot of water under all conditions. Most of the mines
had pool levels fluctuating within a range of one to five feet which
varied with precipitation and infiltration. The quality of the water
within the mine, determined from the samples collected in the Mine
Observation (MO) holes was alkaline in all of the completely inundated
mines and most of the partly flooded mines. The partly flooded mines
had either acid water or both alkaline and acid waters.
At some sealing installations, total iron determinations on post abate-
ment mine water samples indicated an increase in iron generation. An
increase in iron content could be expected due to the presence of
ferrous bicarbonate in the essentially neutral discharges. This iron
compound, upon hydrolysis and oxidation, will generate only carbonic
acid, which is not a problem for the amounts of iron involved. Actual-
ly, many of the post abatement samples are probably contaminated with
iron compounds originating from the steel bore-hole casing, within
which the samples are taken. Therefore, these iron determinations
are not reliable indications of actual iron concentrations in the
sealed mine pool water.
-------
SECTION II
RECOMMENDATIONS
The following general recommendations are submitted based upon observa-
tions made and conclusions drawn during this study.
1. Prior to construction in any future abatement
projects, each site (mine, strip pit, or refuse
pile) should be individually examined and
evaluated to determine the basic pollutant genera-
tion processes involved, and the feasibility of
proposed construction methods for attaining the
desired degree of abatement under final installed
conditions.
2. Installation of double bulkhead seals is recommended
as the best type of abatement construction for aban-
doned underground (deep) mines providing the condi-
tions (extent, location, and elevation of the mined
areas; maximum hydrostatic heads possible; and other
geologic and topographic features of the area) are
within the limits of safety to insure against the
possibility of future mine water breakouts.
3. In the restoration of strip mines, terrace-type
construction is recommended over backfilling to
approximate original contour, particularly where
final slope grades are quite steep. If contour slope
restoration construction is not done in accordance
with strict specifications, serious erosion problems
develop which lead to extensive wash-out of the
seeded soil cover and re-exposure of the refuse
material to the atmosphere. Terrace-type con-
struction (with auxiliary drainage installation
as recommended in the text) eliminated erosion
control problems almost completely and prevented
the generation of high turbidity run-off.
4. Diversion ditches above the highwall and slope drain
flumes across the backfill are recommended for strip
mine restoration areas to : (a) reduce surface water
infiltration of the buried refuse material, (b) mini-
mize wash-out of the seeded surface, and (c) prevent
catastrophic erosion of the surface cover. The greater
the acreage above the highwall, the greater the need for
diversion drainage facilities.
-------
5. Where feasible, the recommended abatement for mine
refuse piles are (a) removal and burial in strip
pit restoration areas or (b) reshaping and covering
in place.
6. Surface sealing of air shafts, certain portals, and
caved entry areas is recommended to prevent surface
waters from entering abandoned mine workings.
7. Source abatement is recommended as the initial con-
sideration in any mine drainage control program.
Treatment methods (neutralization) should be used
only when source abatement plans are not economically
feasible.
The following specific recommendations are made for the Moraine State
Park areas:
1. Backfilling and possibly mine sealing is recommended
for the small strip mine located along the park boundary
near the Kildoo deep mine (see point A in Figure 4).
Similar abatement should also be applied to another
strip mine area outside the park boundary in the Muddy
Creek watershed (see Point B in Figure 4).
2. Soil treatment and planting is recommended in several
isolated barren areas where mine refuse has been re-
moved from that location in the park area.
3. Continued surveillance is recommended in the park area.
Periodic sampling and examinations on a limited scale
should be carried out by competent personnel to es-
tablish long term performance effectiveness of the
various types of abatement installations.
-------
SECTION III
INTRODUCTION
Background Studies
In the early 1960's, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania began plans for
the development of Moraine State Park. Because of past mining activi-
ties in the watershed of the proposed lake (Lake Arthur), pollution by
acid mine drainage was considered a potential menace. In order to pre-
vent Lake Arthur from being a polluted body of water in the Moraine
State Park, the Department of Mines and Mineral Industries (now Depart-
ment of Environmental Resources) retained this consultant in May 1967.
to make an extensive examination and, based on this information, submit
recommendations for the abatement and/or treatment of mine drainage and
associated problems.
Information for the examination concerning the existing mining conditions
in the park consisted of a reconnaissance of deep and strip mine areas,
a search for old mine maps and contacts with persons who worked in or
had knowledge of these mines.
Water samples were collected weekly from May 23, 1967 until November 1,
1967 and monthly thereafter. The water samples were analyzed for pH,
alkalinity, acidity, iron, manganese and aluminum. A total of 85 weirs
were installed to measure flows of all known mine drainage discharges.
A diamond core drilling program was performed consisting of 23 holes
and 1858.6 feet of drilling. These holes were drilled at specific
locations to determine the elevation and nature of the coal and associ-
ated strata, the extent of mined out areas, and other geologic data.
Additional field work consisted of surveys for mine drainage points and
for the location, elevation and cross sections of mine refuse piles.
Maps of the park area were obtained from the Department of Forests and
Waters for use in the examination.
Several mine drainage projects were being performed concurrently during
the period of the mine drainage examination. This work included the
Appalachian Strip Mine Reclamation Project No. 1, a deep mine air-trap
seal designed by the Department of Mines and Mineral Industries, and the
refuse pile removal - strip mine restoration Project MD-8C.
The Report of Mine Drainage Project MD-8A was submitted to the Department
of Mines and Mineral Industries on May 10, 1968.(3) This report recom-
mended the following steps be taken to control or eliminate the acid mine
drainage pollution in the watershed.
-------
Location
1. Removal and burial in abandoned strip mine
areas of all mine refuse piles consisting
of acid producing materials.
2. Install hydraulic mine seals at all deep
mine openings with workings to the rise
and where major discharges of acid water
are emanating in order to flood the
workings and prevent acid formation.
3. Sealing of mine drifts, slopes and air
shafts with clay or other suitable material
where the mine workings lie to the dip in
order to prevent air and water from entering
the mine.
4. Backfill abandoned strip mine areas to
alleviate runoff and seepage through
spoil areas and thus prevent pollution
due to si Hat ion and acid mine drainage.
5. Plant grass and/or trees on reclaimed strip
mining areas to reduce the erosion and pyrite
oxidation.
6. Construct diversion ditches and slope drain
flumes in strip mine areas to direct surface
water around or across affected areas.
7. Evaluate results of abatement program. If
acid discharges are still objectionable,
additional reclamation measures or treatment
plants may be required. Treatment plants
were not initially included because of per-
petual maintenance and lime neutralization
yields a highly flocculent hydrate and creates
disposal problems.
The Muddy Creek watershed area of the Moraine State Park is situated in
Franklin, Brady, Muddy Creek and Worth Townships, Butler County, Pennsyl-
vania. This project area is located five miles south of the town of
Slippery Rock, nine miles northwest of Butler and approximately 35 miles
north of Pittsburgh, (see Location Map - Figure 1)
-------
Moraine
State
Park
SCALE OF MILES
LP
LOCATION MAP
FIGURE
7
-------
Topography
The topography consists of moderate relief, flat-topped hilly country
ranging in elevation from 1160 feet at Muddy Creek to a maximum of 1525
feet at the top of the hills. The area is part of the Appalachian
Plateaus Province.
Drainage
The project area consists of about 25 of the 59 square mile watershed
area of Muddy Creek. Muddy Creek is a tributary of the Slippery Rock
.Creek; the confluence of the two streams is about three miles west of
the Moraine State Park. Muddy Creek and its tributaries flow through
the flat valley system created by the Pleistocene ice sheet. The
gradient on Muddy Creek through the valley is very slight, varying
from an elevation of 1200 feet at the eastern limits of the park to
1160 feet at the western end. This is a vertical drop of only 40 feet
over a horizontal distance of 40,000 feet, (see Figure 2)
Geology \
The geologic measures in the project area consist of the sedimentary
strata of the Conemaugh and Allegheny Formations of the Pennsylvanian
System and the unconsolidated deposits of the Pleistocene and Recent
Age. The sedimentary strata dip slightly, about 3%, to the southeast
and is modified by minor folds. These formations consist of a sequence
of shales, siltstones, sandstones and contain several seams of coal
and the Vanport limestone.
The flat broad valley system contains the unconsolidated glacial de-
posits. These deposits range in thickness from several feet near the
edge to 80 feet near the middle of the valley. This valley varies
from about 500 feet to 3500 feet in width.
Mineable coal seams in the park consist of the Brush Creek, Freeport
and Middle Kittanning seams. The Middle Kittanning or C coal seam is
the most persistent seam and accounted for all of the deep mining and
most of the strip mining in the park area. The Brush Creek and Free-
port coal seams are erratic in nature and had only limited areas of
strip mining.
Mining History
From the early 1900's, this area had supported numerous mining opera-
tions, oil and gas fields and marginal farming. The Middle Kittanning
coal seam was extensively deep mined from the 1900's through the 1920's.
During the 1900's there was coal production along the entire length of
the Western Allegheny Railroad through the Muddy Creek Valley. Most
of these deep mines were located along the outcrop on the north side
8
-------
<&>
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT OF MINES 9 MINERAL INDUSTRIES
MINE DRAINAGE PmuECT MB*
MINE OPENING LOCATIONS
MORAINE STATE PARK
FIGURE 2
-------
Generalized Columnar Section, of tke Exposed Rocks in tke Watersked1
Byetein Seriee F?,™a" Member
Section
Character of member.
nnftelo
Bram Creek ooel.
Mahonuc:
Red shale and
llmi.
Thick- to thin-bedded arkoeteiandllone and amdyahale.
Variable leu of ooel,loc»ll:rmliiable;0to mon Uianifcet
Only the lower part of the
about HO ket of ttrata, U
nrlabtobadsofihato '
of Umaftone andooal.
ConataUof
Sandttone and amndy ihela, andbta Into temr and
upper Budy IODW, lemratwl by thin laniw of eaal,
day. and Unuatone. Red ahale occtuviac on an aver*
30 to 40 feet above Upper Freeport coal. Barmaa
Upper Freeport ooaL
Butler emndMODe.
Widely distributed and mined, locally about; 0 to
Thick- to thin-bedded medium- to Onumlned arkoee:
0 to 30+ feet thick. ^^
Varlabk, locally atoent; lean than 1 to mon than I bat
Variable and nonpanbtrat; In plane mon than I feet
nrlahto anoanoa of ahato, »n
day, and Tataable beda of coal;
about 300 feat.
Middle Klttuslni
coal.
Varlable;0to3leet tlncboi thick.
Maartn to thln-beddMl my fonUlfcrau UnMatoneOto
» feet thick; raluable key bed.
0 to 4 feet 10 InchH thick; development known In only
VtrtrMl Snk
WLI.CTIM iTS
FIGURE
10
-------
of the stream and railroad which facilitated working the mine to the
rise. This afforded favorable mining conditions to these early opera-
tors. The mines were developed to take advantage of gravity drainage,
and underground transportation, the loaded trips were hauled out of the
mine on a descending grade. Most of the deep mines were abandoned by
1930. The Salzano-Ross mine was the only active deep mine operation
at the time of condemnation for the park. From the early 1940's to
about 1966, strip and auger mining operations were performed extensively
in the Middle Kittanning coal seam together with several strip mines
being operated in the Lower Freeport and Brush Creek coal seams.
11
-------
STRIP MINE RECLAMAT10M
REFUSE PIUE. REMOVAL
STRIP MINE RECLAMATION a REFUSE PILE REMOVAL MAP
FIGURE 4
-------
SECTION IV
POLLUTION ABATEMENT METHODS
Pollution abatement projects performed in the watershed included strip
mine reclamation, refuse pile removal, surface sealing, deep mine hy-
draulic sealing, well plugging, deep mine air-trap sealing and mis-
cellaneous work incidental to restoration and abatement.
Strip Mine Reclamation
Strip mine reclamation work included backfilling and regrading to
terrace type restoration, approximate original contour and special
restoration as required. Most of the reclamation included installa-
tion of diversion ditches and slope drain flumes. Soil treatment and
planting were also included. The strip mine reclamation consisted
of work performed under seven separate contracts in nineteen strip
pits located throughout the park in three general areas. Table 1
on the following two pages consists of a tabulation of the various
projects as to the general location, type and extent of restoration
involved. The location of the strip mine reclamation areas is indi-
cated on the map in Figure 4.
Approximate original contour restoration started at or beyond the top
of the highwall and were regraded and sloped to the toe of the spoil
at a maximum angle not exceeding the original contour of the land be-
fore mining, with no depressions to accumulate water. (Figure 5)
For the open pits backfilled by terracing, the steepest grade of the
highwall and toe of spoil was limited to forty-five degrees. The
terrace was regraded to a maximum descending gradient of five degrees
from the base of the highwall toward the top edge of the toe of spoil
with no depressions to hold water. (Figure 5) For backfilling in all
but the ASMRP-1 project, the maximum limits of work were 100 feet
above the highwall of the affected area and 50 feet below the toe of
spoi1.
Diversion ditches were excavated above the highwalls as indicated in
the applicable strip mine areas. All diversion ditches have a maxi-
mum cross-sectional area of 10 square feet and have a uniform des-
cending gradient. Slope drain flumes were constructed across the back-
fill areas as indicated in the strip mine areas. (Figure 5) These
flumes started at the point of intersection with the diversion ditch
above the top of the highwall and extended down across the entire width
of the graded backfill area to a point of discharge below the toe of
spoil. The flumes were constructed with 36" - bituminized fibre 1/2 -
section pipe.
13
-------
TABLE 1 - MORAINE STATE PARK STRIP MINE RECLAMATION PROJECTS
Project
No.
Backfill Acreage
M • U • U •
T B F©
1 * Lf • I •^"•^
Soil
Treatment
Acreage
Planting Acreage
Grasses
Trees
Diversion
Ditches
L.F.
Slope
Drain
Flumes
L.F.
NORTHWEST
ASMRP-1
SL 105-1
ci 10R-1
Ol* 1 U3 1
SL 105-1
ci me; i
oL 1 UO- 1
SL 105-1
120.2
23.9
2.3
146.4
ie
ft fi
D. O
12.8
19.6
16.0
120.2
23.9
ft A
o . o
12.8
2.3
184.3
120.2
23.9
ft R
D . O
12.8
2.3
166.0
120.2
23.9
ft R
o . o
12.8
2.3
166.0
2600
12BO
1 £. ww
pAcn
d*T3U
800
7100
400
200
snn
ouu
1400
SOUTHWEST
ci m^-i
Ol« 1 U3 1
SL 105-1
ci in^-i
OL. 1 Uu 1
SL 105-1
SL 105-1B
17.0
4.7
15.6
37.3
60
.
-------
EAST
ASMRP-1
norlr\r 1
MD-ftP
1 IU Ow
MD-ftr
1 IU OV*
ci in^-i
OL 1 U3 1
ci inK_l
OL 1 U3 1
CI in^-l
oL IUO I
ci in^-i
OL 1 UJ 1
ci inR-lA
OL. I UU 1 r\
57 3
Qf • O
•3C 0
oo • u
n n
1 1 • U
A. R
t • o
109.1
217
j
9Q ^
^7 i O
9*5 7
^O. /
Afi ft
to . o
87
• /
108.5
.6
57 3
O/ . O
7fi n
JO. U
n n
1 1 . U
Zl ft
f .0
oo 7
£O> /
132.8
C7 o
O/ . 0
•?fi n
JO. U
n n
1 1 . U
A ft
*r. o
oo 7
CO. /
132.8
57 3
O/ . <3
A ft
f. o
90 3
c.y . 3
oo 7
CO . /
Afi ft
f D . o
87
. /
170.6
o cnn
•j $ouu
9 n^n
C >U3U
i ?nn
I jcuu
? inn
£. j 1 UU
2onn
}yuu
A nnn
*r >UUU
i ^nn
1 jOUU
17,150
650
?nn
t.\j\j
Ann
tuu
1250
en
TOTALS
292.8
168.9
461.7
395.2
376.90
414.7
32,204
3550
A.O.C. - Approximate Original Contour
T.B.F. - Terrace Backfill
Special Restoration Along Highway
Drainage Facilities Consists of 454 L.F. of 18" Pipe Along Highway
-------
All areas, unless designed otherwise, received soil treatment and seed-
ing in accordance with the following:
1. Apply ground limestone at the rate of
2.5 tons per acre.
2. Apply fertilizer 10-10-10 at the rate
of 300 Ibs. per acre.
3. Use a disc harrow and spring tooth
harrow to thoroughly mix both applica-
tions with the soil.
4. Apply seed using a tractor mounted
broadcast seeder as per the following
formula. The seed shall be purchased
already mixed.
Grass Lbs. per Acre
Common Rye Grass 8
Common Timothy 4
Orchard Grass 3
Common Clover 2
Birdsfoot Trefoil 2
5. After seeding, go over entire area with
a disc harrow and spring tooth harrow.
Where specified, various species of trees were planted in the reclaimed
areas. The deciduous and evergreen trees were planted on 8'x8' centers
which allows for approximately 700 trees per acre. The species included
Red Oak, Red Maple, Red Pine, White Spruce, Hybrid Poplar, White Pine,
Hemlock, European Black, Alder and Norway Spruce. The shrubs (Arrow-
wood, Viburnum and Autumn Olive), which are a source of wild game food,
were not intermixed with the trees but were planted in rows along the
edges of the reclaimed areas.
In addition to the 461.7 acres backfilled under the various contracts
described in this report there were 265 acres of strip mined lands back-
filled by the previous mine operators. None of these a^eas were con-
tributors of mine drainage pollution.
In the North Corridor of the Moraine State Park there were 167.6 acres
of strip mine reclamation. However, all of this area drains into Big
Run and is not considered in this study. This work, Project SL-110-2,
is included in the Slippery Rock Creek mine drainage pollution abatement
projects.
There is remaining a small strip mine area of five acres located partly
in and partly out of the park near the Kildoo deep mine which should be
included in future reclamation work. There are also about thirty acres
outside of the park area but in the Muddy Creek watershed which should
be considered in future abatement work.
16
-------
BEFORE
AFTER BACKFILLIHG
AFTER BACKFILLING
APPROXIMATE ORIGINAL CONTOUR BACKFILL TERRACE TYPE BACKFILL
GENERALIZED CR05S - SECTIONS QE PROPOSED BACKFILLING METHODS
SCALE; i"-*p;
BUTT JOINT WITH COLLAR
DRAIN INSTALLATION DETAILS
I3OMETH1C DRAWING SNORING
TYPICAL DRAINAGE DETAILft
STRIP MINE RECLAMATION DETAILS
FIGURE 5
-------
Project ASMRP-1 Strip Mine Reclamation 177.5 Acres
Reclamation work for the strip mined lands in the project areas con-
sisted of clearing, excavating, burying toxic materials, backfilling
and regrading to the approximate original contour. Restoration work
consisted of 57.3 acres in the North Central Section in Brady Township
and 120.2 acres in Worth Township. Also included in this contract was
the construction of a drainage channel in the lower seam of the North
Central section and the burial of 82,347 CY of refuse pile materials in
the strip mine pit during backfilling. The restoration work was the
first project conducted under the Appalachian Surface Mine Reclamation
Program by a cooperative agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
and the Federal Government. After completion of the restoration work,
the reclaimed areas received soil treatment and planting with grasses
and trees. This work was not included in the Federal-State contract
and was conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters.
The project work was performed during 1967 and 1968 at a cost of
$219,118.
Project MD-8C Strip Mine Reclamation 47.Q Acres
This work comprised the strip mine reclamation part of Project MD-8C.
The work consisted of excavating, burying acid-producing materials in-
cluding 134,721 CY of refuse pile rock, backfilling and regrading to
approximate original contour of 36.0 acres of affected area in a strip
mine adjacent to the Lincoln deep mine and 11.0 acres in a strip mine
adjacent to the Milliard deep mine. Also included in this work was
the installation of a diversion ditch above the highwall and a slope
drain flume across the backfill. After restoration work was com-
pleted, the area received soil treatment and planting with grasses.
This work was performed in 1967 and 1968 at a cost of $29,964.
Project SL-105-1 Strip Mine Reclamation 210.5 Acres
This project included three contracts for reclamation work in three
separate sections of the park. This included work in five strip areas
in the Northwest Section, four strip areas in the Southwest Section
and four strip areas in the Eastern Section. Reclamation work in the
Northwest Section included 23.9 acres backfilled to approximate origi-
nal contour in the first area; 6.8 acres and 12.8 acres in the second
and third areas both with terrace type restoration; no backfill work
was required in the fourth area, however, drainage ditches and slope
drain flumes were required; and 2.3 acres of approximate original
contour in the fifth area for a total of 45.8 acres of restoration.
Work in the Southwest Section included two areas of 6.3 acres and
25.2 acres with terrace-type backfill, one area of 17.0 acres back-
filled to approximate original contour and an area of 11.6 acres with
a combination of terrace-type and approximate original contour back-
fill for a total of 60.1 acres of restoration. The Eastern Section
18
-------
reclamation included one area of 4.8 acres with approximate original
contour and three areas of 29.3 acres, 23.7 acres and 46.8 acres with
terrace-type restoration for a total of 104.6 acres. Diversion ditches
were installed in four areas of the Northwest Section, two areas of
the Southwest Section and all four areas of the Eastern Section. All
areas received soil treatment, except for two areas in the Eastern
Section. All areas were planted with grasses and/or trees except
Area 4 of the Northwest Section which had adequate vegetative cover.
The project work was performed in 1969 and 1970. The costs consisted
of $109,628 for the 45.8 acres in the Northwest area, $120,200 for the
60.1 acres in the Southwest area and $156,900 for the 104.6 acres in
the Eastern area.
Project SL-105-1A Strip Mine Reclamation 8.7 Acres
The project consisted of reclamation of 8.7 acres of affected area in
the Eastern Section of the park. Restoration included terrace-type
backfilling and installation of 1300 feet of diversion ditch above
the highwall. No soil treatment was required and the area was planted
in trees. Work in the project was performed in 1969 and 1970 at a
cost of $8,775.
Project SL-105-1B Strip Mine Reclamation 18.0 Acres
The project area is located on and adjacent to Interstate 79 in the
Southwest Section of the park. Effluent from the drainage facilities
installed as part of the highway construction discharged surface
water and drainage from the highway into a strip mine area along the
east side of the highway. This water, along with other drainage into
the strip mine, produced acid discharges. Restoration work included
15.6 acres backfilled to approximate original contour and 2.4 acres,
within the right-of-way of the highway, graded and backfilled to
special restoration. Drainage facilities installed as part of this
contract included the installation of a storm sewer along the highway
to carry the drainage formerly discharged into the strip mine to a
natural drainage course below the strip mine area. After completion
of the restoration work, the area received soil treatment and planting.
The area within the highway right-of-way was planted with grasses and
outside the right-of-way with grasses and trees. The project work
was performed in 1970 at a cost of $27,623.
Refuse Pile Removal
Prior to completion of the dam for Lake Arthur, there were 14 deep
mine refuse piles located throughout the park in or near the area to
be inundated. If these piles were left untouched, additional pollu-
tion would result due to the inundation. Most of the piles were lo-
cated on the unconsolidated glacial material which further complicated
the problem. Several plans were considered, consisting of leveling,
19
-------
sealing and covering the piles in place with topsoil; excavating pits
in the glacial moraine adjacent to the piles and burying the refuse
material in the pits; or loading, transporting and burying the refuse
rock in abandoned strip pits to be backfilled. Plans for sealing and
covering the piles in place were not considered feasible due to
possibilities of failure caused by wave action of the lake. Burying
the material in the moraine posed difficult and expensive operational
conditions. The plan for removal and burial of refuse in the strip
pits was considered to be most feasible and as a result, Project MD-8C
was initiated.
Project MD-8C Refuse Pile Removal 14 Refuse Piles
The project included the excavation, loading and transport of materials
from 14 refuse piles for burial in strip mine areas requiring restora-
tion. This work was performed under two contracts. During the first,
82,347 CY from seven refuse piles were removed for burial in strip
mine pits being backfilled by the contractor under the Appalachian
Surface Mine Reclamation Program. During the second, 134,721 CY from
the remaining seven refuse piles were removed and buried in the 36.0
and 11.0 acre strip mines being reclamated as part of Project MD-8C.
The project work was performed in 1967 and 1968 at a cost of $103,757
for the first contract and $190,486 for the second.
Surface Sealing
Of the ninety some deep mine openings in the Muddy Creek watershed
associated with the park there were 23 deep mine areas consisting of
drifts, slopes, shafts, subsidence holes and small gob areas considered
for surface sealing. Although these mines were not points of actual
acid mine discharges, they were areas where water could enter the
mine and places that would become a possible source of pollution,
particularly after inundation of the deep mines. Most of the areas
considered were mines in which the deep mine workings were advanced
to the dip. In order to correct the problem, Project SL-105-2 was
established.
Project SL 105-2 Surface Sealing 23 Mine Areas
The project included removing and burying acid-producing materials
from the mine area and associated refuse piles; and filling and re-
grading the abandoned deep mine drifts, slopes, shafts and subsidence
holes. After backfilling was completed, the areas were limed, ferti-
lized and planted with grasses.
Mine areas included in this project are indicated on the map in
Figure 6.
Mine (15), a deep mine drift in the northwest section of the park.
20
-------
Mines (30, 31, 32, 33), deep mine drifts of the South Nealey area near
the center of the park.
Mines (39, 40, 41, 42), deep mine drifts and openings in the Nealey
mine.
Mines (45, 46), deep mine drifts of a small mine located between the
Goubeaud and Emery mine.
Mines (47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52), deep mine openings of the Becker and
Preston mines located along the south shoreline in the center area of
the park.
Mines (70, 71, 73), deep mine drifts of small deep mines located along
State Route 528 north of the Martzolf mine.
Also included in the project were small gob piles buried at Mines (33)
and (46) and a test pit at Mine (15). The work was started in January
1969 and completed in May 1969 at a cost of $28,000.
Deep Mine Bulkhead Sealing
Abandoned deep mines were the major source of pollution in the park
area. Before abatement, over 85% of the acidity came from these mines.
Several plans were considered in the initial study for the abatement,
alleviation, elimination or treatment of these deep mine discharges.
One of these plans consisted of building a pipeline collection system
to transport the acid mine water from the various discharges to a
treatment plant. The system would require a main transmission line
over eight miles in length, most of which would be buried in the
glacial material below the water level in Lake Arthur. Several more
miles of laterals leading from the deep mines to the main would be
necessary. Due to the topography and elevation of many of the mine
discharges, flows entirely by gravity would not be possible. Several
lift stations would be required. Estimates for the initial construct-
ion costs for the facilities were in excess of two million dollars.
In addition there would be the daily operational costs and maintenance,
including the problem of sludge removal and disposal from the treat-
ment plant. Other variations of the collection-treatment system con-
sisted of building.several smaller treatment plants throughout the
park area, thus transporting the mine water from each of the applic-
able mines to a treatment plant in that particular area. Many of the
same problems existed with this plan as well as additional problems.
Proposed plans for source abatement by sealing also were taken under
consideration. Plans for the installation of double bulkhead seals
in the mine entries and pressure grouting in the adjacent strata were
considered as a means of eliminating (or reducing) flows from the
mines and at the same time flooding, or at least partly flooding,
the mine workings. Previous studies have indicated that inundation
21
-------
of deep mine workings has the effect of reducing or preventing the
formation of acidity by decreasing the air supply to the pyrite
located within the mine workings.
The installation of air seals was not considered because previous
installations have proven to be only partially effective. Several
problems were anticipated and encountered in the construction of the
mine seals. Installation in accessible entries is generally pre-
ferred as it affords the opportunity for direct insitu construction.
However, all of the entries were caved at the portal and it was not
feasible to re-open the entries due to major expenditures involved.
As a result, remote installation of double bulkhead seals from the
surface directly above the entries installation were recommended.
The exact location and extent of the mined area behind the caved
mine drifts were not known and required exploratory drilling for
each seal. Grouting and sealing operations would be more difficult
and more expensive where mining extended to areas under shallow cover
near the outcrop. Mine entries having considerable flows would be
more difficult to seal than those with little or no flows.
Considering all of the applicable conditions, deep mine hydraulic
sealing was the most feasible of all methods studied. The major
features of a mine seal and the technique of installation are shown
in Figures 7 and 8. The estimated costs for sealing were about
half of those for the construction of the collection-treatment methods.
Project SL-105-3 Deep Mine Bulkhead Sealing 69 Mine Openings
The project consisted of construction of double bulkhead seals installed
through drill holes and pressure grouting in the area of the seal and
strata adjacent to the mine entries. Curtain grouting operations in
specific areas along the outcrop were included. A total of 69 mine
seals were installed, 65 mine seals are in the Muddy Creek watershed
and 4 mine seals are in the North Corridor of the park in the Big Run
watershed area. (See Figure 6). This project was performed from
February 1969 to August 1971 at a cost of $1,351,650.
Wimer Mine
The Wimer Mine is located in the northwest area of the watershed with
four deep mine drift openings (1, 1A, 2, 3) all of which are approxi-
mately 2000 feet north of the park boundary. Deep mine seals were in-
stalled in three entries (1, 2, 3). An observation hole was drilled
behind the mine seals. Interstate 79 crosses over the top of the mine
in a north-south direction. During construction of the interstate
highway, mine workings, including one of the drift openings (1A) were
encountered at the south end of the mine in the area near the outcrop.
In this area the caved roof rock, gob and other waste materials were
removed and the area backfilled with selected material. A drain pipe
22
-------
IN)
OJ
O PROJECT SL105-3 HYDRAULIC SEALS
A PROJECT SL105-2 SURFACE SEALS
DEEP MINE SEALING MAP
FIGURE 6
-------
was installed in the entry (1A) under the grade line of the highway.
Due to these conditions, it was not possible to construct a convention-
al deep mine seal in the mine entry (1A). Instead, permeable plug
seals consisting of limestone aggregate installed through drill holes
were placed in mined areas back of the (1A) mine entry.
Prior to the hydraulic sealing, the Wimer mine was averaging 35 pounds
per day of acid and after sealing 22 pounds per day.
The last bulkhead seal for this mine was not completed until the early
part of 1971. Initial observations from limited data (MO-1) indicate
this mine is partly flooded. Complete inundation of the mine is not
probable due to the type of drainage and backfill installations per-
formed during the construction of Interstate 79. This mine, along
with the Alben mine, has the highest coal seam elevations of all the
deep mines in the study area.
Alben Mine
The Alben Mine is located approximately 4000 feet north of the park
boundary in the northwest area of the watershed. The deep mine bulk-
head sealing work in this mine consisted of two hydraulic seals in,
entries (5, 5A) and sealing an airshaft. This work was completed in
early 1971. Prior to the sealing work, this mine had an average acid
production of 35 pounds per day. Since completion of the hydraulic
sealing, there have been no flows from the mine.
Shields Mine
The Shields Mine is located in the northwest section of the park approxi-
mately 6000 feet southeast of the Wimer and Alben Mines. The construc-
tion work for the five mine entries (11, 12, 12A, 13, 13A) was completed
in February 1970.
Conditions relative to flooding behind the seals in the Shields mine
is indicated by observation holes (MO-11, 13). (MO-11) is located
behind the sealed main entries while (MO-13) is behind a sealed drift
about 2000 feet east of the main entries. Observations at (MO-11) in-
dicate the mine to have fluctuating pool levels with the mine flooded
under high mine water conditions. Readings at (MO-13) indicated the
mine to be flooded initially to the same maximum elevation (1281 feet)
as (MO-11) reached at a later date. During the third quarter of 1970,
the entry at (MO-13) went dry, indicating a dam caused by roof fall
or some other type of interference inby the observation hole. The
entry remained dry until the last half of 1971 when the mine entry
was again flooded to an elevation of 1280 feet.
24
-------
Core Drill Holes As-
Directed By The Engineer
Bulkhead Drill Holes G'dia. on 30' Centers
With Alignment Across The Mam Entry. Drill
Holes To Be Extended Into Cool Ribs As Shown
FRONT I CIZ^>
LKHEAO 1 PORTAC
•Infection Holes for Center Plug Area, Location And
Number of Holes Dependent on Conditions,This
Drawing Shows The Mi* Number of Holes,
Additional Holes May be Required .
Curtain Holes 3"dio. On 10' Centers On
Alignment Parallel To < Approx. Halfway Between
Front and Rear Bulkhead Drill Holes. Minimum Of
50' On Doth Sides of the Mine Entry.
PLAN
/Observation And/or
/ Vump Drill Hole
Location TbB«
Determined in Field
Distance Between Front And Rear Bulkhead Alignment
-------
Fox Mine
The Fox mine is located in the northwest area of the park. The bulkhead
mine sealing work in this mine consisted of sealing five entries (18, 19,
19A, 20, 21). The initial reduction of acid from these deep mine entries
in 1968 and 1969 was attributed to the strip mine reclamation work pre-
venting water from entering the deep mine. The deep mine sealing work
was completed in June 1970. Prior to the abatement work the average
acid production was 28 pounds per day. After completion, the average de-
creased to one pound per day of acidity.
Two observation holes (MO-18, 20) were installed in the Fox mine. (MO-18)
is at an elevation ten feet higher than (MO-20). The data from these
holes indicate the mine to be partly flooded and the mine water to be
alkaline.
Worth Mine
The Worth mine is located adjacent to and southwest of the Salzano Ross
mine. The distance between the Worth and Salzano Ross drifts is about
2000 feet across the hill. The elevation of the Worth drifts is about
six feet higher than the Salzano Ross drifts. Although there were no
flows from the Worth entries, sealing work was performed in three en-
tries (22, 22A, 22C) due to the possibilities of the interconnection
with the Salzano Ross mine and probable inundation of both mines. After
completion of the sealing work, there has been no flow from the Worth
entries.
Observation hole (MO-22) was drilled into the Worth mine. During the
initial test period the water rose to a height of 22.4' in (MO-22) in-
dicating complete inundation of the mine. The chemical analysis indi-
cated the mine water to be alkaline.
Salzano Ross Mine
The Salzano Ross mine is located in the northwest section of the park.
The drift openings for Salzano Ross are about 3500 feet southeast of
the drifts for the Fox mine and about 2000 feet northeast of the drifts
for the Worth mine. There has been some discussion, both pro and con,
that the Salzano Ross mine and Worth mine are cut through to each other
and thus, have a common underground pool. There has been nothing re-
vealed in our research to either confirm or deny the existence of an
underground connection between the two mines. The Salzano Ross mine
was the largest acid-producing deep mine area in the watershed. Ini-
tially, an air seal was installed in 1967 with only limited success.
Prior to the deep mine hydraulic sealing work which started in June
1969, the mine was averaging 147 pounds per day of acid. Since com-
pletion of the bulkhead sealing project, the average acid effluent
loading has been reduced to 13 pounds per day.
26
-------
ISOMETRIC DRAWING OF DEEP MINE SEALS
MO SCO. IE.
FIGURE 8
-------
The mine water conditions for Salzano Ross are designated by the data of
(MO-23). This information indicates the mine to be completely flooded
and the mine water alkaline. Under conditions of complete inundation
in the mine, fluctuating water levels in (MO-23) are noted.
South Nealey Mine
The South Nealey mine is located about 7000 feet south of Salzano Ross.
Two drifts (27, 29) of the mine had discharges with an erratic production
of acidity averaging 3 pounds per day. These entries were sealed in
June 1969 and since that time, there has been no flow from the mine.
The underground water conditions in the small deep mines in the South
Nealey area are denoted by (MO-29). Although the water levels vary
from 9 to 13 feet in the observation hole, the mine is only partly
flooded under both high and low mine water conditions. Tests show the
mine water to be acid.
Nealey Mine
The Nealey mine drifts are located about 2500 feet southeast of the
Salzano Ross drifts. Six drifts (26, 34, 35, 36, 36A, 36B) were sealed
in August 1969. Prior to the sealing, the mine had an average acid.
production of 4 pounds per day. There have been no acid discharges or
flows since sealing.
The data at each of the mine observation holes (MO-34, 36) indicate the
same pool elevations for both locations and the same change in elevations
of the pool levels from high to low mine water conditions. This would
indicate the interconnected mine workings to be relatively free of
barriers or internal dams between the two observation holes. The mine
is partly flooded under all mine water conditions and the mine water is
predominantly acid.
Goubeaud Mine
The Goubeaud mine entries are located along the northern shoreline of
the lake approximately 2000 feet east of the Nealey drifts. Two entries
(37, 38) were sealed in August 1969. This mine had acid discharges
averaging 2 pounds per day prior to sealing and no acidity after sealing.
Observation hole (MO-38) data indicated the conditions relative to the
Goubeaud mine. This information revealed the mine to be partly flooded
with fluctuating pool levels. The mine water shows a tendency to change
from acid to alkaline with increased inundation.
28
-------
North Goubeaud Mine
These three drifts (43, 44, 44A) are located about 2000 feet northeast
of the Goubeaud drifts. Due to proximity to the Goubeaud-Nealey deep
mine areas, these drifts were sealed in September 1969.
There is no water quality data for (MO-44); measurements in the observa-
tion hole indicated less than one foot of water in the area behind the
seal.
West Emery>Mine
These entries (53, 54, 56) are located along the shoreline at the
southwestern end of the Emery deep mine area. Construction work
consisted of sealing the three entries and a 400 foot grout curtain.
This work was performed in the last half of 1969. Flows and pro-
duction of acid prior to the construction had been erratic. The
discharges are still somewhat erratic; however, there is an improve-
ment in water quality.
Observation hole (MO-54), located behind a sealed mine drift in the
southwest side of the Emery mine, denotes a partly flooded mine with
fluctuating pool levels and alkaline mine water.
Emery Mine
Mine drifts (57, 58) are located in the center of the Middle Kittanning
area of the North Central Section of the Appalachian Surface Mine Recla-
mation Project. These entries were sealed in September 1969. Since
sealing, these entries have been averaging an acid production of 2 pounds
per day.
Observation hole (MO-58) in the northeast side of the Emery mine area
indicates a completely flooded mine with an alkaline mine water. There
is further evidence that the Emery deep mines either are not intercon-
nected or there is a great amount of interference from one area of the
deep mine to the other. The mine pool elevation in the Emery mine is
about 35 feet higher than the mine pool for West Emery.
Fremont Mine
The Fremont mine entries (60, 61) are located 600 feet north of the
Middle Kittanning area of the North Central Section of the Appalachian
Surface Mine Reclamation Project. The water quality from this mine
prior to sealing was erratic with the production of both acidity and
alkalinity in the low range. These entries were sealed due to their
relative location to the Emery deep mine areas and possible inundation
caused by an interconnection between the mines. There has been no
real change in the quality of the discharge since sealing.
29
-------
Data from the Fremont observation hole (MO-60) indicate a deep mine
area with a limited amount of flooding. Since sealing, the maximum
height of water measured in the observation hole was 2.7 feet. How-
ever, all mine water samples from the observation hole indicated
alkaline water.
Isle Mine
The Isle mine entries are located along the north shoreline in the
central area of the park about 2000 feet west of the new highway bridge
for Route 528. The deep mine sealing work consisted of installing
mine seals in six entries (64A, 64B, 65A, 65B, 66A, 66B) and grouting
1000 lineal feet of outcrop in the area. This work was performed from
May through November in 1969. Prior to the sealing work, the mine was
producing an average of 2 pounds of acid per day. Since sealing there
have been no acid flows from these entries.
Conditions related to the mine water in the Isle mine after sealing
are indicated by the data from three observation holes (MO-64, 65, 66).
The mine pool elevations are at the same level for all three locations
and denote the same change in elevation from high to low mine water
conditions; indicating all three areas are interconnected with a
minimum of interference. This mine also has a fluctuating mine pool.
The mine is flooded under the high mine water conditions and partly
flooded under low. The mine water has been both acid and alkaline
in low water conditions and alkaline when the mine is completely
flooded.
Martzolf Mine
The Martzolf entries are located along Route 528 approximately 4000
feet north of the new highway bridge. Sealing work for the Martzolf
mine included the installation of mine seals in two entries (68,
69) and an airshaft; the work being performed during the last half
of 1969. Prior to sealing, this mine was producing an average of 2
pounds per day of acid. There has been no flow of acid water from
this mine since sealing.
Mine observation hole (MO-69) is located in the Martzolf mine. The
data at this location indicate a fluctuating pool level with the mine
flooded in high mine water conditions and partly flooded in low mine
water. The mine water is alkaline under all conditions of flooding.
Lindey Mine
The Lindey mine is located in the northeast section of the watershed
near the intersection of State Route 528 and Township Route 445. The
30
-------
deep mine sealing work consists of five entries (74, 75, 75A, 87, 88),
an airshaft and 1000 lineal feet of grout curtain. This was one of
the more difficult mines to seal. The sealing work started in August
1969 and was finally completed in August 1970. Initially the mine
produced an average of 18 pounds of acid per day. After sealing, an
average of 12 pounds per day was produced in the effluent from the un-
sealed section of the mine.
Two mine observation holes (MO-75, 87) are in the Lindey mine. Data
from these holes indicate pool elevations at the same level for both
locations. The mine is flooded in high mine water conditions and partly
inundated in low mine water conditions. The mine water from the obser-
vation hole behind the barrier in contrast to the acid effluent discharge
ahead of the barrier is alkaline.
Lincoln Mine
The Lincoln mine entries are located along the north shoreline in the
northeast end of the park, approximately 2000 feet east of State Route
528. Prior to any reclamation work, the Lincoln mine was producing about
112 pounds per day of acid. The initial reduction in acidity was due to
the refuse pile removal and strip mine reclamation work in reducing the
quantity of water from entering the mine. Additional reduction of acidity
was the result of the mine sealing project. This mine complex was one of
the more difficult mines to seal. The deep mine sealing work started in
February 1969 and was completed in October 1970. This work included deep
mine seals in four entries (76A, 76B, 77A, 77B) and 2000 feet of grout
curtain. Acid production after reclamation and sealing has averaged 70
pounds per day.
The underground waters of the Lincoln mine are denoted by (MO-76). This
data indicate the mine to be completely flooded under high mine water
conditions and at least 90% inundated under low mine water conditions.
Samples taken from the mine observation hole indicated the deep mine
waters to be alkaline in four out of the six quarters of the examination.
Kildoo Mine
The Kildoo mine is located 1200 feet northeast of the Lincoln mine. Prior
to sealing, the Kildoo mine had produced an average of 102 pounds of acid
per day. Mine sealing work in the Kildoo mine was started in February
1969 and completed in November 1970. This construction consisted of
sealing four entries (79, 79A, 80, 81), an airshaft and installing
several hundred feet of grout curtain. This mine and the Lincoln mine
were the two most difficult mines to seal. Both mines required a con-
siderable amount of additional work. Since sealing, the Kildoo mine has
had a fairly steady flow with an average production of acidity of 30
pounds per day. However, the discharge, as examined during the final
inspection of Deep Mine Sealing Project No. SL 105-3, indicated a pH 6.2.
31
-------
The Kildoo mine water conditions are indicated by (MO-79). This mine
is partly flooded under both high and low mine water levels. The deep
mine water has been both acid and alkaline.
Milliard Mine
The Milliard deep mine entries are located in a strip mine area in the
northeast corner of the park. Prior to sealing, this mine had erratic
discharges with an acid production averaging 6 pounds per day. The deep
mine sealing work consisted of the installation of seals in two entries
(85, 86) and a 1000 foot grout curtain. The construction work was
started in January 1970 and completed in June 1970. Since completion of
the sealing work, the mine has had a production of acidity averaging 4
pounds per day.
Mine observation hole (MO-84) is in the Milliard mine. The data from
this hole indicates a fluctuating mine water level with the mine flooded
in high water conditions and partly flooded in the low water levels.
The mine water is alkaline.
North Corridor Mines
Four mine entries (89, 89A, 90, 91) were sealed under Deep Mine Sealing
Project SL 105-3 in the North Corridor of the park. This section of the
park is in the Big Run watershed area. The flows and discharges rela-
tive to these mines were not considered in this study because they are
not part of the Muddy Creek watershed.
Well Plugging, Air Sealing and Miscellaneous
Other pollution abatement projects performed in the park included plugging
422 oil, gas and water wells. Associated with the well plugging project
was the excavating and removal of 5,000 CY of oil saturated soils from
the well sites.
A deep mine air-trap seal was placed in the Salzano-Ross mine in 1967
by the Department of Mines and Mineral Industries. Because of its
limited effectiveness, this air seal was replaced in 1969 by a double
bulkhead hydraulic mine seal. Additional landscaping and planting pro-
jects were performed in the park area in order to prevent erosion and
reduce turbidity.
32
-------
SECTION V
METHOD OF INVESTIGATION
The periodic water sampling and flow measurements which were started in
May 1967 under the Mine Drainage Project MD-8 were continued in this
study from August 1968 through June 1971. Eighty-five (85) weirs were
installed in 1967 at all the known mine drainage discharge points.
Since that time, many of the sampling points were either moved or elimi-
nated due to the construction in the abatement projects and due to the
inundation of the lake. Water samples were collected at least once a
month. These samples were analyzed and tabulated indicating the flow
in gallons per minute, pH; and the alkalinity, acidity, iron and manga-
nese in both milligrams per liter and pounds per day. The mine drain-
age data have been compiled into the various deep mine and strip mine
areas, and this information divided into eight periods of six months
duration each, starting with July 1, 1967 and ending with June 30, 1971.
After examining the mine drainage data over a period of three years,
acidity was considered to be the major component. The principal cri-
teria for evaluating the effectiveness of the mine drainage abatement
projects was the examination and comparison of the discharge flow rates,
and average pounds per day of net acidity and iron before and after
abatement. As supplemental information, the average pounds per day of
alkalinity and acidity on a six months basis for the various mining
complexes in the watershed area were computed and tabulated.
The investigation and evaluation of the pollution abatement procedures
were limited chiefly to the deep mine sealing and strip mine reclama-
tion projects. Although it was not possible to compute the pounds of
acid and iron that would have been generated by the refuse piles, the
subsidence areas, the mining appurtenances and oil and gas well sites,
it was estimated that serious and continuous pollution would have re-
sulted if the refuse pile removal, surface sealing and well plugging
projects were not performed prior to the inundation of the lake. The
data for Lake Arthur are an indirect indication of their effectiveness.
The gates of the dam were closed on May 15, 1969. Starting in Septem-
ber 1969, water samples were taken from six locations in the lake and
analyzed. This information was compiled and reported on a quarterly
basis from the third quarter of 1969 through the second quarter of
1971.
Visual observations and evaluations were made during the study relative
to the erosion and turbidity, particularly in the areas of strip mine
reclamation.
33
-------
The flooded heights and water quality for the 24 mine observation holes
were reported on a periodic basis starting in 1970 or after completion
of the applicable mine seal. The last measurements and tests were per-
formed during the fourth quarter of 1971.
34
-------
SECTION VI
ABATEMENT PROJECT COSTS
Deep Mine Hydraulic Sealing
The total construction costs for the 69 deep mine bulkhead seals and
grouting in Project SL 105-3 were $1,351,650; however, these costs in-
cluded sealing and grouting work outside of the study area in the North
Corridor of the park which amounted to $85,437. The costs for the 65
mine seals and grouting work in the study area amounted to $1,266,213.
The average cost per mine seal, including grouting, was $19,480. The
range in cost per mine seal varied from a low of $8,308 for a seal in
a mine entry along State Route 528 to a high of $58,437.25 for a mine
seal and grouting in a drift in the Lindey mine.
Deep Mine Air Sealing
The construction costs for the air-trap deep mine seal installed in
the Salzano Ross mine in 1967 was $4,165.
Deep Mine Surface Sealing
The surface sealing costs for the 23 mine areas in Project SL 105-2
amounted to $28,000.
Strip Mine Reclamation
The strip mine reclamation costs for 461.7 acres in Projects ASMRP-1,
MD-8C, SL 105-1, SL 105-1A, and SL 105-1B were $672,208. These costs
varied from a low of $420 per acre to a high of $2700 per acre and in-
cluded all incidental work such as soil treatment, planting, and
special requirements.
Refuse Pile Removal
This work, part of Project MD-8C, was performed under two contracts for
a total of $294,233. In the first contract, 82,347 CY were removed for
$103,757 and in the second, 134,721 CY were removed for $190,486. The
cost per cubic yard of material removed varied from $1.00 to $1.54. The
greatest distance the refuse had to be transported was 3 miles.
Well Plugging
These projects, including plugging 422 abandoned oil, gas and water wells
and the removal of 5000 CY of oil-saturated soils from the well sites
were performed for a total of $378,292. The average cost per well site
amounted to $896.
35
-------
Summary of Project Costs
The following is a tabulation of the project costs performed in the study
area.
Deep Mine Hydraulic Sealing $1,266,213
Deep Mine Air Sealing 4,165
Deep Mine Surface Sealing 28,000
Strip Mine Reclamation 672,208
Refuse Pile Removal 294,233
Well Plugging 378,292
Total Project Costs $2,643,111
36
-------
SECTION VII
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
General Considerations
Averages, analyses and flow volumes as associated with mine drainage
conditions, are difficult to ascertain accurately and can be misleading
due to variations in precipitation and infiltration from one period to
another. Without continuous monitoring, the duration of both maximum
or peak flows as well as minimum and no-flow periods were estimates
and; as a result, have a certain margin of error. However, the periodic
sampling on a monthly basis, supplemented with adjustments for abnormal
variations or conditions have produced fairly reliable values which can
be used for comparison in determining the effectiveness of an abatement
program.
In the evaluation, acidity, alkalinity and iron in average pounds per
day and mine discharge flow rates in gallons per minute are used as a
measure for comparison. These averages, in many cases, are several
times less than the maximum during high flows and do not indicate the
effects of "slugging" which often accompany high flows.
Seepage from most of the refuse pile areas, some strip mine areas and
the abandoned well sites were practically impossible to monitor. How-
ever, the pollution potential from these sites was recognized and abate-
ment measures were performed to alleviate the possibilities of pollution,
particularly after inundation of the lake.
The average pounds per day of both alkalinity and acidity at six month
intervals have been computed for the various mine discharges. A tabula-
tion of these values is included in the appendix of the report. Figures
9, 10, 11 and 12 on the following pages are graphs indicating these re-
sults. Figure 9 is a graph indicating the values for the total deep
and strip mine discharges, Figure 10 for the total deep mine discharges,
and Figure 11 for the total strip mine discharges.
Rainfall Data
In order to correlate observed mine water pollutant loadings with atmos-
pheric precipitation, official monthly rainfall data for the two nearest
gauging stations (at Butler and Slippery Rock) were compiled for the
years 1967 thru 1971. This data is included in the Appendix. The rain-
fall for the Moraine State Park area was estimated by averaging the
monthly values from the two stations. This data is plotted in Figure 12
to show the relationship of rainfall intensity and generation of net
acidity by both deep mines and strip mines.
37
-------
Effectiveness of Deep Mine Sealing
Of all the pollution abatement projects performed in the watershed area,
the deep mine sealing was the most effective and, at the same time, the
most expensive. The general conditions associated with each of the deep
mine areas sealed and a statement of the effectiveness of these individu-
al seals are included in the Pollution Abatement Methods Section of the
report.
A tabulation indicating the applicable deep mines, number of hydraulic
seals, and the average values before and after mine sealing for the dis-
charge flow rates, net acidity and iron is presented in Table 2. A com-
parison of these values indicate an overall reduction in flow rates from
146 to 57 gallons per minute, a reduction in net acidity from 501 to 160
pounds per day and an increase in iron from 34 to 42 pounds per day.
This latter value probably is not a significant difference (see subsequent
discussion).
The discharge flow rates after sealing indicate that eight mines have no
flows, one mine has an average flow of less than one gallon per minute,
eight mines have reduced flow rates, one mine has the same flow rate as
before and one mine increased from one to two gallons per minute.
Acid loading after sealing indicates eight mines with no acid production,
two mines with an average of less than one pound per day and a reduction
in acidity in all of the other mines except one, where the average acid
production remained the same at 6 pounds per day. Substantial reductions
are indicated in all of the larger acid producers with the exception of
the Lincoln mine.
A reduction in iron was indicated in most areas with the exception of
the Lindey and Lincoln mines. Both of these mines had an increase in
iron. Probable reasons for this are discussed in a subsequent section
on iron chemistry.
-Table 5 is information compiled from the Mine Observation (MO) Hole data.
This table includes the name of the mine; the estimated minimum and maxi-
mum elevations of the mine; the Mine Observation (MO) Hole number and
elevation at the bottom of the coal or mine in the (MO) Hole; and the
minimum and maximum water elevations in the mine as measured in the (MO)
Hole as the inundation elevations. This information indicates that two
mines are completely flooded under both high and low mine water conditions;
seven mines are completely flooded under high mine water conditions and
partly flooded under low; eight mines are partly flooded under high to
normal mine water conditions and one mine is reported with less than
one foot of water under all conditions. Mine observation hole measure-
ments were reported on a periodic basis starting in 1970 or after com-
pletion of the applicable mine seal.
38
-------
700
TOTAL DEEP a STRIP MINE DISCHARGES
ALKALINITY 8 ACIDITY-Average Pounds Per Day
600
500
ACIDITY
Average
Pounds
Per Day
ALKALINITY
Average
Pounds
Per Day
200
100
1967
on^-
wn
Jon
1968
Jul
1969
1970
Jan .
1971
FIGURE 9
39
-------
ACIDITY
Average
Pounds
Per Day
ALKALINITY
Average
Pounds
Per Day
TOO
TOTAL DEEP MINE DISCHARGES
ALKALINITY 8 ACIDITY—Average Pounds Per Day
600
500
400
300
200
100
100
Jul
Dec
1967
Jan.
Jun
Jul
Dec
1968
Jun
Jul
Dec
1969
Jan .
Jun
Jul
Dec
Jan.
Jun
1970
1971
FIGURE 10
40
-------
TOTAL STRIP MINE DISCHARGES
ALKALINITY a ACIDITY- Average Pounds Per Day
ACIDITY
Avera ge
Pounds
Per Day
ALKALINITY
Average
Pounds
Per Day
FIGURE II
41
-------
The mine observation hole data for the individual mines are included in
the appendix of the report. This information indicates fluctuating pool
levels in most of the mines. Generally the pool levels will vary
following changes in precipitation and infiltration. The majority of
the mines had changes in pool levels in the range between one to five
feet. The highest recorded head on a seal was 38 feet.
Water quality information indicates that the two mines that are com-
pletely flooded have alkaline mine water. Eight of the partly flooded
mines have alkaline water, three of the partly flooded mines have acid
water and five partly flooded mines have had both acid and alkaline
mine waters. Several of the mines indicated a trend of acid water in
low pool levels and alkaline water with the high pool levels. Two
mines indicated a trend from acid to alkaline mine waters.
Strip Mine Reclamation
The strip mine discharges were far more erratic than the deep mine dis-
charges; however, their contributions have always been less than 21% of
the total pollution load. The production of both alkalinity and acidity
in the strip mine discharges is directly affected by the climatic con-
ditions, particularly precipitation. The production of acidity from
strip mines has ranged from less than 1% of the total acid production
during dry periods to 21% during wet periods throughout the four year
study. (See Figure 11)
Table 3 indicates average values before and after strip mine reclamation.
A comparison of these values indicates a reduction in discharge flow
rates from 142 to 136 gallons per minute (probably an insignificant
difference), an overall reduction in net acidity from 50 to 22 pounds
per day and a minor increase in iron from 3 to 4 pounds per day (pro-
bably not significant).
The Northwest Area, consisting of 166.0 acres of backfill reclamation,
had an average reduction in discharge flow rates from 26 to 13 gallons
per minute (50%). In this area, the test data indicate only a minor
net acidity and iron production both before and after reclamation.
Representative values for the "before" reclamation conditions in the
area were not possible as the 120.2 acres in the ASMRP-1 project were
in the process of being backfilled during the initial periods of the
study.
A comparison of values in the Southwest Area (78.1 acres) indicates
an overall reduction in discharge flow rates from 24 to 3 gallons per
minute (88%), an overall reduction in acidity from 21 to 2 pounds per
day (90%) and a reduction in iron from one to less than one pound per
day.
42
-------
The strip mine reclamation in the East Area consisted of 217.6 acres of
backfill. A comparison of values in this area indicates an increase in
discharge flow rates from 92 to 120 gallons per minute (30%), a reduction
in acidity from 28 to 19 pounds per day (32%} and a minor increase in
iron from 2 to 4 pounds per day.
Both terrace-type restoration and approximate contour backfilling meth-
ods were performed in the park area (See Table 1). Except for Project
ASMRD-1, contour backfilling was restricted to relatively flat areas
with limited surface drainage above the highwall. Strip mine reclama-
tion performed under Projects MD-8C, SL 105-1, SL 105-1A, and SL 105-1B
included the construction of diversion ditches above the highwall and
slope drain flumes across the backfill at specific locations. This was
the principal reason for the reduction in the slug discharge flow rates
after reclamation in the applicable areas.
Terrace-type backfill with diversion ditches and slope drain flumes are
the preferred methods for reclamation because they provided maximum con-
trol of erosion and turbidity.
Erosion occurred at several locations in the backfilling; the most pro-
minent being the Northwestern Section of ASMRD-1, an area of contour
backfill without diversion ditches or slope drain flumes. Additional
erosion occurred in several locations at the intersections of the di-
version ditch with the slope drain flume. These conditions are being
corrected by the installation of concrete or masonry construction at
the intersections.
Water Quality in the Lake Area
In examining the conditions prior to inundation, flows and water quality
data were obtained on Muddy Creek at Weir #85 near Nealey from 1967 to
July 1969. At that time, this sampling point was inundated due to the
rising pool level. The water quality at this point ranged between pH 6
and pH 7 for the two-year period. During the years 1963 to 1966, Muddy
Creek varied from a pH 5 to pH 7, as indicated by data from other sources.
Periodic water sampling was started in September 1969, at six locations
in the pool area. From that time through June 1971, this information
indicated the water quality in Lake Arthur remained alkaline, with
little change from month to month. The range in analysis, as compiled
from this data, indicated the following: pH 6.0 to pH 7.6, alkalinity
10 to 86 ppm, acidity 0 to 6 ppm, iron 0.2 to 3.0 ppm and manganese 0
to 3.5 ppm. The tabulation indicating the range in analysis on a
quarterly basis is shown on Table 6.
Water quality in the lake has remained good since the initial inundation
in 1969 and aquatic life is flourishing. The Pennsylvania Fish Commiss-
ion has stocked the lake with largemouth bass, catfish, musky, black
crappies and alewives. The lake has been open for boating, fishing and
swimming for the past two seasons.
43
-------
TABLE 2
MUDDY CREEK WATERSHED - MORAINE STATE PARK
AVERAGE VALUES BEFORE AND AFTER MINE SEALING
No. of
Hydraulic
Seals
WIMER
ALBEN
SHIELDS
FOX
WORTH
SALZANO ROSS
SOUTH NEALEY
NEALEY
GOUBEAUD
NORTH GOUBEAUD
WEST EMERY
EMERY
FREMONT
ISLE
MARTZOLF
LINDEY
LINCOLN
KILDOO
HILLIARD
3
2
5
5
3
4
2
6
2
3
3
2
2
6
2
5
4
4
2
146
57
501
160
DISCHARGES
Gallonsj>er Minute
Before
Sealing
18
5
14
0
10
2
5
2
8
4
6
1
6
4
5
20
25
11
After
Sealing
8
0
®
3
0
5
0
0
0
0
3
3
2
0
0
5
9
15
4
ACIDITY
Pounds per Day
Before
Sealing
35
35
(D
28
0
147
3
4
2
(D
2
6
1
2
2
18
108
102
6
After
Sealing
22
0
CD
1
0
13
0
0
0
0
2
6
B
0
0
12
70
30
4
IRON
Pounds per Day
Before
Sealing
4
3
©
3
0
4
1
©
©
©
1
1
©
1
1
2
5
8
©
After
Sealing
2
0
©
©
0
4
0
0
0
0
©
©
©
0
0
6
23
7
©
34
42
Variable flows - Average less than 1 G.P.M.
Sporadic acid discharge - Average less than 1 P.P.O.
(D Sporadic iron discharge - Average less than 1 P.P.O.
44
-------
TABLE 3
MUDDY CREEK WATERSHED
MORAINE STATE PARK
AVERAGE VALUES BEFORE AND AFTER STRIP MINE RECLAMATION
Strip
Mine
Areas
NORTHWEST
SOUTHWEST
EAST
Backfill
Reclamation
Acreage
166.0
78.1
217.6
461.7
DISCHARGES
Gallons per Minute
Before
SMR
26
24
92
After
SMR
13
3
120
ACIDITY
Pounds per Day
Before
SMR
1
21
28
After
SMR
1
2
19
IRON
Pounds per Day
Before
SMR
©
1
2
After
SMR
©
©
4
142
136
50
22
3
4
© Sporadic iron discharge - Average less than 1 P.P.O.
SMR Strip Mine Reclamation
TABLE 4
TABULATION OF DEEP MINE SEALING AND STRIP MINE RECLAMATION
AVERAGE VALUES BEFORE AND AFTER ABATEMENT
DEEP MINE SEALING
STRIP MINE RECLAMATION
TOTAL
DISCHARGES
Gallons per Minute
Before
MDA
146
142
288
After
MDA
57
136
193
ACIDITY
Pounds per Day
Before
MDA
501
50
551
After
MDA
160
22
182
IRON
Pounds per Day
Before
MDA
34
3
37
After
MDA
42
4
46
MDA Mine Drainage Abatement
45
-------
Comparison of Effectiveness and Costs
A summary of the average values before and after abatement for both
deep mine sealing and strip mine reclamation is indicated on Table 4.
The average discharge rates for both types of mines before abatement
were nearly equal: 146 gallons per minute (deep mine sealing) to 142
gallons per minute (strip mine reclamation). The deep mine sealing
indicated a reduction in the discharge rates from 146 to 57 gallons
per minute (60%) while strip mine reclamation had a slight reduction
of 142 to 136 gallons per minute (4%). The overall reduction for total
abatement was 288 to 193 gallons per minute (33%).
Values for net acidity indicated that the deep mines were producing an
average of ten times more acid than the strip mines before abatement
(501 pounds per day - deep mines to 50 pounds per day - strip mines).
After abatement, the average net acidity from the deep mines was 160
pounds per day indicating a reduction of 68%, and the strip mine
reclamation reduced the average acidity to 22 pounds per day indicating
a reduction of 56%. Total overall reduction in net acidity varied from
an average of 551 pounds per day (before) to 182 pounds per day (after),
indicating a reduction of 67% for the combined abatement.
Average total values for both the deep mine sealing and strip mine
reclamation indicated increases in production of iron after abatement.
Deep mine sealing increased from 34 to 42 pounds per day and the strip
mine reclamation from 3 to 4 pounds per day. As in the case of acidity,
the deep mines were producing about 10 times more iron than the strip
mines. However, the total increase from 37 to 42 pounds per day of
iron did not cause any serious problems in the watershed area.
Iron Chemistry in Abated Ground Waters
Analyses of many observation hole samples taken after abatement con-
struction has been completed indicate an increase in the total iron
content of the abated waters involved. These increases could be due
to three different mechanisms:
1. the total iron reported includes suspended
insoluble iron compounds, such as hydrous
iron oxides, ferric hydroxide sols', iron
oxide scale inadvertently knocked off the
sides of the 6" steel casings which line
the observation boreholes, iron corrosion
products which accumulate at the air-water
interface in the borehole, etc. Unfortu-
nately, any or all of these compounds are
determined in the total iron analysis,
which is the standard iron method for re-
porting mine water quality. Obviously,
46
-------
TABLE 5
SEALED DEEP MINE INFORMATION
IN
MORAINE STATE PARK
FROM
MINE OBSERVATION HOLE DATA
Deep
Mine
WIMER
SHIELDS
FOX
WORTH
SALZANO ROSS
NEALEY
GOUBEAUD
NORTH GOUBEAUD
WEST EMERY
NORTH EMERY
FREMONT
ISLE
MARTZOLF
LINDEY
LINCOLN
KILDOO
HILLIARD
Estimated
Mine Elevations
Min.
1274
1272
1230
1225
1224
1216
1215
1218
1196
1198
1204
1180
1190
1205
1195
1200
1210
Max.
1295
1280
1254
1235
1235
1240
1238
1230
1222
1222
1220
1200
1200
1230
1210
1225
1224
MO
Number
1
11
13
18
20
22
23
34
36
38
44
54
58
60
64
65
66
69
75
87
76
79
84
MO
Coal
Elevation
1276
1275
1272
1240
1230
1230
1224
1216
1218
1215
1218
1196
1198
1204
1195
1183
, 1182
1190
1207
1208
1195
1202
1210
Inundation
Elevations
Min.
(1278)
1278
1272
1240
1238
(1252)
1232
1222
1222
1215
1218
1199
1235
1204
1197
1197
1197
1198
1220
1220
1209
1206
1219
Max.
(1278)
1281
1281
1241
1243
(1252)
1239
1224
1224
1218
1218
1203
1236
1207
1200
1200
1200
1212
1230
(1230)
1214
1210
1225
47
-------
TABLE 6
RANGE IN ANALYSIS
OF
WATER QUALITY IN LAKE ARTHUR
MORAINE STATE PARK
^"\. YEAR
^QUARTER
RANGE ^^\
PH
Alkalinity
Acidity
Iron
Manganese
1969
3
7.0-7.6
68-86
0
0.5-1.9
0-3.5
4
6.9-7.3
24-71
0
0.7-1.1
0-0.8
1970
1
6.9-7.2
24-70
0
0.5-1.5
0-2.5
2
6.9-7.3
16-30
0
0.2-1.0
0-2.2
3
6.8-7.5
22-58
0
0.4-1.1
0-1.4
4
6.8-7.3
24-50
0
0.4-0.9
0-0.9
1971
1
6.0-7.0
10-24
0-6
0.4-0.9
0-1.5
2
6.8-7.3
12-28
0
0.2-3.0
0-1.2
oo
-------
this method does not permit one to distinguish
between the iron being produced in the mine waters
in situ (from the decomposition of pyrite) and
various other forms of iron introduced locally
at the sample point by mechanical means (agitation,
scuffing, air-water interface accumulation, etc.).
2. once an effective abatement structure is functional,
the waters controlled or influenced by it normally
undergo an increase in pH, and bicarbonate content.
They are also excluded from contact with air, which
helps to retain all soluble iron in the ferrous
state. Under these conditions, the situation is
ideal for the formation of ferrous bicarbonate,
which has a solubility ranging from 25 to 710 ppm
depending upon the bicarbonate iron concentration
and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the
mine atmosphere. (Solubility product of ferrous
carbonate s.p. = 4 x 10-3). Where iron concen-
trations were very low before abatement was in-
stituted, it would be logical to expect that
ferrous ion concentrations would increase. The
chemical mechanisms responsible for the presence
of iron, however, are entirely different than
those involved in the decomposition of pyrite
to produce both acid and iron sulfate.
3. with waters upgraded to the pH range of 6 to 8
and excluded from contact with air, normal
ferrous ion can attain very high solubility levels;
200 to 300 ppm being very common values experienced
in the neutralization of ferrous sulfate solutions
at pH 6.
In summary, it is perfectly logical to expect that the iron con-
tent of "abated" waters will increase slightly, but this does not in-
dicate that acid mine water generating processes are still at work.
In short, the foregoing discussion points up the fact that iron analy-
ses per se as determined by the standard total iron method are quite
meaningless for evaluating the effectiveness of an abatement method
especially where the iron contents are less than 10 ppm. A more
significant index would be to make ferrous iron determinations on
filtered samples, which method would eliminate the interference of
mechanically entrained iron compounds and give more positive indica-
tions of the iron producing mechanism involved.
49
-------
Effect of Land Inundation (Lake Filling) on Pollutant Generation
In several sections of this report, reference has been made to a poten-
tial increase in pollutant generation as the result of ultimate inun-
dation. The inundation referred to was that of the land being covered
by the impounded waters to form Lake Arthur with an average depth of
10 to 15 feet. When this hydraulic head is finally developed, the
water table surrounding the lake rises an equivalent amount, inducing
a higher ground water flow rate in the abandoned mines. In the case
of the sealed mines, the open sections in front of the barriers are
still producing an amount of mine "make" water proportional to the
mined area remaining unsealed.
This is related to the apparent trend of an increase in acid production
of the abated mine water sources during 1970 and 1971. The increase
in ground water flow (due to water table rise) plus an increase in
rainfall during 1970 and 1971 would both contribute to increased flow
in the unsealed portions of the mined areas, thus increasing the total
acid loading. These two meterological effects should also increase
the flow and alkalinity loading of the alkaline streams in the area,
so that the two effects should easily counteract each other, leaving
the lake unimpaired.
Treatment Trends and Stability
Sometimes effective responses to abatement treatment can be observed
from a study of the data obtained during the relatively short period
of operation. These can be subdivided according to attendant causative
factors:
1. Rainfall Effect: Figure 12 illustrates the inter-
relationship of monthly rainfall and average total
mine discharges of the two major classes. The
greatly diminished discharge acidities for the
deep mines follow the rainfall intensity pattern
very closely as would normally be expected, since
the mine "make" water in the unsealed sections
should be proportional to total rainfall. However,
the total amounts of acid being generated remain
at a low level (less than 200 ppd) even during
periods of excessive rainfall (July to Dec. 1970).
The reclaimed strip mine areas do not show any
direct correlation to rainfall intensity, pri-
marily because the sampling of these areas was
not timed to correspond to periods of rainfall.
The obvious (but unquantified) effect of abate-
ment treatment was the diversion of large volumes
of surface run-off from these sites, thus greatly
reducing the magnitude of acid slugs normally
produced. The graph does show very clearly,
50
-------
700
MINE ACIDITY DISCHARGES VS RAINFALL
0"
1967
Jon
"Jun
1968
Jon,
"Jun
1969
ec
1970
1971
FIGURE 12
51
-------
however, that after abatement treatment, acid
generation in these areas remains very small and
undergoes very little change under varying con-
ditions of atmospheric precipitation. This
demonstrates the establishment of a significant
degree of pollutant generation control.
2. Rising Water Table Effect: As mentioned pre-
viously, the filling of Lake Arthur to a maxi-
mum depth of 15 feet would be accompanied by
a corresponding rise in the ground water table
level. This would be sufficient in several
places to increase the average ground water
flow thru untreated portions of unsealed mines
and thru the lower levels of restored strip
mines. The end result would be a slight
increase in acid generation rate from both of
these sources. The data in Figure 12 shows
evidence of this type of trend. The annual
increases shown are not very great and would
be expected to peak very close to the levels
shown for the period January-June 1971.
3. Natural Alaklinity Generation and Storage: Of
paramount importance to the overall abatement
concept for the area is the ability of the
regional streams to generate compensating
alkalinity. This capacity and reserve storage
have been estimated in the following table:
TABLE 7
ALKALINE RESERVES IN LAKE ARTHUR SYSTEM
ALKALINITY RESERVE IN LAKE
(3,225 acres - 10 ft. average depth - 50 ppm average alkalinity)
32,225 AF x 0.326 MG/AF x 50 x 8.34 = 4,380,000 Ibs. alkalinity
2,190 tons alkalinity
NATURAL ALKALINITY GENERATION RATES
Estimated from flow rates and analyses of Muddy Creek at Portersville
Station, 0.5 miles downstream from Lake Arthur dam:
Flow Rates: Average: 35 cfs
Minimum: 0.5 cfs
Alkalinity: 50 ppm (average)
52
-------
TABLE 7 (CONTINUED)
AVERAGE ALKALINITY GENERATION RATE
35 cfs x .65 MGD/cfs x 50 x 8.34 = 9,500 Ibs. alkalinity per day
MINIMUM ALKALINITY GENERATION RATE
0.5 cfs x .65 MGD/cfs x 50 x 8.34 = 136 Ibs. alkalinity per day
NOTE: See Lake Arthur water analyses in Table 6.
The preceding calculations indicate that there is a tremendous alkalini-
ty reserve in Lake Arthur (about 2,200 tons) and that the net average
alkalinity generation rate of the Lake Arthur stream system is about 5
tons per day. This large compensating alkalinity supply is in great
excess of any known future acid source and provides a high degree of
stability insofar as water quality in the lake is concerned.
In summary, there are indications that a slight increase in acid genera-
tion (above the maximum abatement level attained in July-Dec. 1969) has
occurred. This, however, is to be expected for the reasons cited above
and should peak out at a level of about 200 ppd. The increase is very
small and is essentially insignificant in view of the large alkalinity
reserves available in the lake and its alkaline feed streams.
Cost Effectiveness of Abatement Methods
Comparison in terms of acid reduction versus costs indicates the deep
mine hydraulic sealing work to be 6.5 times more effective than strip
mine reclamation in the watershed area. Total costs for the deep mine
hydraulic sealing were $1,266,213 and for strip mine reclamation $672,208.
The average pounds per day of acid removed for the deep mine sealing
were 341 pounds and for strip mine reclamation 28 pounds. The following
is a tabulation of the cost per pound of acid removed per day.
$ 3,713
$24,007
6.5
Deep Mine Sealing:
Strip Mine Reclamation:
Strip Mine Reclamation Cost/Pound/Day
Deep Mine Sealing Cost/Pound/Day
$ 1,266,213
341 #/day
$ 672,208
28 #/day
$ 24,007
3,713
_ i
53
-------
In making a comparison of effectiveness of the abatement projects,
several factors have been considered. The benefits of the deep mine
hydraulic sealing is limited primarily to acid reduction. In strip
mine reclamation, other benefits such as land use and esthetics plus
erosion and turbidity control have been regarded as important for
the recreational usage of the park. The covering, recontouring and
draining of the strip mine areas has also eliminated their greatest
environmental impact effect, the generation of strong acid slugs
during periods of heavy rainfall.
54
-------
SECTION VIII
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The study described in this report was performed by the Mining Depart-
ment of Gwin, Dobson and Foreman, Inc. for the Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Resources and Environmental Protection Agency. Dr.
David R. Maneval and Mr. John J. Buscavage were the project directors
for the contract. The report was authored by Messrs. John W. Foreman
and D.C. McLean with assistance from the technical staff of Gwin, Dob-
son and Foreman, Inc.
The cooperation of the personnel from the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Resources (formerly Department of Mines and Mineral In-
dustries and Department of Forests and Waters) and from the contractors
and their employees who performed the construction contracts in the
abatement projects is gratefully acknowledged.
The support of the project by the Environmental Protection Agency and
the guidance and assistance by Messrs. Ronald D. Hill, Donald J. O'Bryan,
Eugene Harris and Ernst P. Hall were greatly appreciated.
55
-------
SECTION IX
REFERENCES
"!• Report on Pollution of Slippery Rock Creek: Pennsylvania Depart-
ment of Health, Bureau of Environmental Health, Division of Sani-
tary Engineering (1965).
2. Report to The Sanitary Water Board on Pollution of Slippery Rock
Creek (Chester Engineers):Pennsylvania Department of Health,
Bureau of Environmental Health, Division of Sanitary Engineering
(1967).
3. Report of Mine Drainage Project MD-8A., Moraine State Park Water-
shed (Gwin Engineers):Pennsylvania Department of Mines and
Mineral Industries (1968).
4. Foreman, J.W. and Tarr, E.G., Moraine State Park Mine Drainage
Project, Second Symposium, Coal Mine Drainage Research, Mellon
Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1968).
5. Hill, R.D., Reclamation and Revegetation of Strip-Mined Lands
for Pollution and Economic Control, American Society of Agri-
cultural Engineers, Chicago, Illinois (1969).
6. New Mine Sealing Techniques for Water Pollution Abatement
(Halliburton Company): Federal Water Quality Administration,
Department of the Interior, Program No. 14010 DM0 (1970).
7. Foreman, J.W., Evaluation of Pollution Abatement Procedures in
Moraine State Park, Third Symposium, Coal Mine Drainage Research,
Mellon Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1970).
8. McNay, L.M., Surface Mine Reclamation. Moraine State Park, Pennsyl-
vania, U.S. Bureau of Mines Information Circular 8456 (1970).
9. Foreman, J.W., Evaluation of Mine Sealing in Butler County. Pennsyl-
vania, Fourth Symposium, Coal Mine Drainage Research, Mellon Insti-
tute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1972).
57
-------
SECTION X
GLOSSARY
Air-Trap Seal - Deep mine seal to exclude air from entering the mine
but permitting normal flow of water at the discharge.
Coal Outcrop - Coal which appears at or near the surface, the inter-
section of a coal seam with the surface.
Deep^Mine Sealing - Closure of mine entries, drifts, slopes, shafts,
subsidence holes, fractures and other openings into underground mines
with clay, earth, rock, timber, concrete blocks, brick steel, concrete,
fly ash, grout and other suitable material.
Diversion Ditch - An open channel excavated in a location, usually above
the highwall, to prevent or alleviate surface drainage from entering
the affected areas of a strip mine.
Dry Seal - Deep mine seal to prevent air and water from entering the
mi ne.
Grout Curtain - An area into which grout has been injected to form a
barrier around or along a deep mine area through which ground water can-
not seep or flow.
Grouting - The process of injecting grout, consisting of neat cement or
a mixture of neat cement, fly ash and/or admistures, usually into a bore-
hole to seal crevices in rock formations to prevent water seepage.
Observation Hole - A borehole drilled from the surface into a deep mine
entry at a location back of the mine seals. This drill hole is used to
obtain mine water samples and record the height of inundation in the
mine.
Slope Drain Flume - A semi-permanent open conduit installed across the
backfill to intercept surface drainage from the diversion ditch above
the highwall.
Wet or Hydraulic Seal - Deep mine seal .to create a hydraulic head to
flood the mine. Air is excluded by inundation.
59
-------
SECTION XI
APPENDICES
Page
A. TABULATION OF AVERAGE POUNDS PER DAY
OF ALKALINITY AND ACIDITY 62
B. OBSERVATION HOLE WATER DATA 64
C. RAINFALL DATA 69
61
-------
DEEP MINE AREAS
APPENDIX A
TABULATION OF AVERAGE POUNDS PER DAY
1 9
July
ALK.
6 7
- Dec.
ACD.
1968
Jan. •
ALK.
• June
ACD.
July •
ALK.
- Dec.
ACD.
WIMER
ALBEN
SHIELDS
FOX
WORTH
SALZANO ROSS
SOUTH NEALEY
NEALEY
60UBEAUD
NORTH GOUBEAUD
WEST EMERY
EMERY
FREMONT
ISLE
MARTZOLF
LINDEY
LINCOLN
KILDOO
HILLIARD
0
0
(A)
0
0
0
0
0
0
@
0
1
1
(7T)
(/v
0
0
0
©
22
30
(A)
35
0
144
10
5
1
00
5
17
0
1
2
24
141
100
1
2
538
0
0
(A)
0
0
0
®
@
0
©
1
1
(A)
1
®
(5y
Qy
0
(A)
29
34
(A)
20
0
171
29
1
1
(A)
1
1
25
111
101
6
3
532
0
0
(A)
0
0
0
0
0
@
(A)
(A)
(A)
(§)
(A)
0
0
0
1
18
41
(A)
17
0
148
©
4
3
3
2
(A)
1
2
18
69
94
1
2
420
STRIP MINE AREAS
NORTHWEST
SOUTHWEST
EAST
EAST (OUTSIDE)
(T)
©
1
0
®
(5)
0
3
38
'4
24
0
®
33
70
17
6
1
7
0
®
8
18
8
TOTALS
1
3
3
541
66
69
120
652
15
17
34
454
i- Average less than 1 pound per day
62
-------
OF ALKALINITY AND ACIDITY
1969
Jan. - June
ALK.
ACD.
July - Dec.
ALK.
ACD.
1970
Jan. - June
ALK.
ACD.
July
ALK.
- Dec.
ACD.
1971
Jan. - June
ALK.
ACD.
0
0
(A)
(A)
0
0
0
©
0
(g)
©
1
00
1
®
©
0
0
1
17
30
00
12
0
192
2
1
00
A
1
2
1
1
1
11
56
62
3
0
0
(A)
0
0
©
0
0
0
(A)
W
1
(A)
2
®
0
0
0
CA)
12
35
00
4
0
0
0
0
0
00
1
6
00
0
1
12
27
29
1
0
0
00
0
0
CA)
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
(A)
©
1
0
0
00
19
27
00
9
0
(A)
0
0
0
0
©
6
00
0
©
7
33
32
4
0
0
QT)
(A)
0
©
0
0
0
0
®
[ A i
\t\/
1
0
0
00
0
2
©
40
15
(A)
1
0
2
0
0
0
0
4
9
00
0
0
5
83
26
4
0
0
0
0
0
(A)
0
0
0
0
1
0
00
0
0
1
0
0
0
38
0
0
0
0
9
0
0
0
0
1
7
1
0
0
13
82
25
4
4
392
5
128
4
138
4
191
3
180
10
2
4
00
17
^^•WAMftHA^^B^
21
©
26
30
22
78
470
9
5
15
0
29
34
©
12
13
6
31
159
6
1
6
14
18
1
1
27
3
32
—
170
2
4
7
(A)
14
18
2
4
20
11
38
229
2
(A)
8
1
11
^^^••^^^^^ •!•••
^^^^^M^VW^^«^— ^^^
14
1
00
32
16
49
.^^^^^^^^^••IM^^BHH
I
229
-------
APPENDIX B
MORAINE STATE PARK DEEP MINE SEALS
OBSERVATION HOLE WATER DATA
Year
Quarter
Water
Height
milligrams per liter
pH
Alk.
Acd.
Fe
Mn
MO-1 WIMER
1971 - 4
2.0
3.0
0
298
157
3
MO-11 SHIELDS
1971 - 2
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
3.6
3.5
5.7
5.5
2.7
4.0
5.1
4.6
3.6
3.6
3.9
10
4
0
0
0
116
208
218
172
272
27.7
29.4
164
143
95
10.7
12.6
11.0
14.0
13.0
MO-13 SHIELDS
1970 - 2
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
9.3
0
0
0
0
7.7
4.0
0
196
260
1.7
MO- 18 FOX
1970 - 2
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
0
0
0
0
0.9
0
MO-20 FOX
1970 - 2
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
7.9
9.6
10.7
12.5
12.5
9.9
6.8
6.6
6.5
6.8
6.6
6.7
22
50
26
16
18
12
0
0
0
0
0
0
20.1
26.5
21.3
77
348
320
1.0
2.0
1.6
0.5
1.5
0
64
-------
APPENDIX B (CONTINUED)
Year
Quarter
Water
Height
PH
milliqrams per liter
Alk.
Acd.
MO-22 WORTH
1970 - 2
1970 - 3~\
1971 - 4 j
22.4
X
X
8.4
102
0
Fe
1.1
Mn
0
MO-23 SALZANO-ROSS
1970 - 2
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
8.4
9.2
15.0
14.6
10.6
9.3
6.8
6.6
9.6
7.0
7.3
6.8
48
54
22
16
26
32
0
0
0
0
0
0
23.7
21.6
4.3
135*
388*
402*
1.2
0.5
0
1.0
1.7
0.4
MO-29 SOUTH NEALEY
1970 - 2
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
10.2
8.8
12.6
12.4
9.8
7.4
4.2
3.7
4.8
3.8
2.8
3.4
0
0
6
0
0
0
130
144
68
128
172
124
44.0
23.8
35.2
175
163
158
3.5
3.5
1.2
2.0
2.6
1.5
MO-34 NEALEY
1970 - 2
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
6.3
6.1
7.2
8.4
7.0
4.7
3.8
5.6
7.0
3.6
3.2
3.0
0
6
18
0
0
0
38
12
0
30
78
172
22.4
32.7
17.4
83
165
49
1-0
1.2
0
0.7
2.2
1.8
MO-36 NEALEY
1970 - 2
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
4.4
3.9
5.2
6.4
5.1
2.9
3.7
3.0
5.8
5.2
5.2
2.8
0
0
10
8
0
0
28
116
0
8
72
246
1.7
27.9
4.4
32
79
184
2.0
7.0
0.2
1.2
3.1
4.0
X = Unable to reach water level due to caved or blocked hole.
* = These high total iron are probably due to iron scale contamination
from steel casing of the sample test hole.
65
-------
APPENDIX B (CONTINUED)
Year
Quarter
Water
Height
milligrams per liter
PH
Alk.
Acd.
Fe
Mn
MO-38 GOUBEAUD
1970 - 2
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
0.5
0
2.3
2.5
0.7
0
4.7
3.7
6.7
5.8
6
0
22
18
8
27
0
0
5.9
14.0
26.0
36.0
0.8
1.2
0
0
MO-44 NORTH GOUBEAUD
1970 - 2
1970 - 3~\
1971 - 4 J
0.4
0
0
MO-54 WEST EMERY
1970-2
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
3.4
4.7
6.8
6.3
4.3
4.8
5.7
6.0
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.7
18
24
12
14
26
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
5.1
0.2
1.8
0.8
8.3
2.4
0
0.5
0
0
0
0
MO-58 NORTH EMERY
1970-2
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
37.3
38.3
38.4
38.1
37.3
37.4
6.7
7.3
7.9
7.0
6.9
7.3
28
42
36
34
50
22
0
0
0
0
0
0
21.6
0.6
7.2
126
97
1.2
0
0
0.5
1.4
0
MO-60 FREMONT
1970 - 2
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
0.5
0
0
0
2.7
0.6
6.1
6.4
6.5
24
24
24
0
0
0
0.6
203
182
0
0.5
0
66
-------
APPENDIX B (CONTINUED)
Year
Quarter
Water
Height
miTHqvanK p^r lit*»r
PH
Alk.
Acd.
Fe
Mn
MO-64 ISLE
1970 - 2
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
1.9
2.2
4.5
4.9
2.0
1.6
3.3
4-1
5.7
7.7
4.5
4.1
0
0
12
40
4
0
48
14
0
0
6
64
15.8
13.7
0.9
205
39
179
1.6
1.6
0
1.0
1.1
0.8
MO-65 ISLE
1970 - 2
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
13.8
14.1
16.5
17.0
13.8
X
6.1
5.6
6.6
7.8
18
22
44
36
8
0
0
0
4.4
0.9
39.4
36.0
3.8
1.6
3.5
1.2
MO-66 ISLE
1970 - 2
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
14.7
15.0
17.3
17.8
X
X
7.6
7.2
9.6
7.7
20
24
20
36
0
0
0
0
14.5
0.8
1.7
55
0
0
0
1.7
MO-69 MARTZOLF
1970 - 2
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
8.1
X
15.8
22.4
9.7
6.7
6.8
7.0
7.2
6.8
7.1
20
20
26
48
26
0
0
0
0
0
1.7
20.6
49
16
11.2
1.6
0
0
0
MO-75 LINDEY
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
12.6
20.0
23.0
17.9
16.5
5.4
6.4
8.0
6.8
5.7
12
12
22
24
4
16
3
0
0
4
18.9
2.1
46
179
41
3.3
0.2
2.0
3.3
0
X = Unable to reach water level due to caved or blocked hole,
67
-------
APPENDIX B (CONTINUED)
Year
Quarter
Water
Height
nrilliqrams per liter
PH
Alk.
Acd.
Fe
Mn
MO-76 LINCOLN
1970 - 2
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
15.0
14.2
17.8
18.5
15.3
15.3
7.1
3.7
6.4
6.6
7.1
3.5
26
0
10
10
18
0
0
82
5
0
0
22
4.6
22.4
28.2
191
164
87
1.0
5.8
2.6
1.1
0
0.2
MO-79 KILDOO
1970 - 2
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
3.9
0
5.5
8.0
4.8
4.2
3.6
6.1
4.1
6.9
7.9
0
28
0
134
62
136
0
124
0
0
29.3
30.6
76
72
7.9
6.5
11.5
5.1
0
MO-84 MILLIARD
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
7.9
13.5
15.4
9.3
7.9
6.9
6.9
6.9
6.9
7.8
114
84
28
28
34
0
0
0
0
0
2.4
18.5
37
90
18
1.6
2.1
0
0.4
0
MO-87 LINDEY
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
11.5
18.8
X
X
X
9.9
10.9
32
34
0
0
15.3
15.4
0
1.6
MO-91 NORTH CORRIDOR
1970 - 3
1970 - 4
1971 - 1
1971 - 2
1971 - 4
3.8
11.2
11.2
9.7
4.7
5.9
6.2
5.9
7.9
7.6
28
6
24
26
30
0
30
54
0
0
19.8
16.9
133
104
147
2.1
4.7
5.4
0
0
X = Unable to reach water level due to caved or blocked hole.
68
-------
APPENDIX C
RAINFALL DATA - MORAINE STATE PARK
Data compiled from Annual Climatological Data for Pennsylvania, U.S.
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
Environmental Data Service in cooperation with Commonwealth of Pennsyl-
vania, Department of Forests and Waters.
1967
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
TOTAL
BUTLER
PRECIPITATION
Inches
0.80
2.
4.
3.
5.
1.
3,
3.
2.
3,
3,
76
70
48
47
42
51
51
34
53
41
3.30
38.23
SLIPPERY
ROCK
PRECIPITATION
Inches
0.89
3.23
4.27
2,
3.
1
3.
,82
.45
,22
.81
6.47
2.25
4.02
3.32
2.75
38.50
1968
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
TOTAL
78
69
42
72
,86
,88
77
,26
,51
,20
,14
3.35
35.58
44
65
06
,87
,73
,64
.22
.29
.55
.22
.96
4.03
37.66
69
-------
APPENDIX C (CONTINUED)
1969
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
TOTAL
BUTLER
PRECIPITATION
Inches
,01
,66
,31
,88
,62
4.03
7.
3.
3.
2.
54
46
90
02
52
4.09
39.04
SLIPPERY
ROCK
PRECIPITATION
Inches
.78
,59
,16
,94
,50
,06
4.69
3,
2.
3.
2.
20
31
50
81
3.91
35.45
1970
January
February
March
Apri 1
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
TOTAL
1.
3,
3,
4.
2.
5,
3,
2,
89
10
16
60
89
05
81
85
5.72
6.
4.
02
19
3.14
46.42
1.94
2.34
3.17
.81
,73
,88
,39
,05
.20
.62
.39
2.85
45.37
70
-------
APPENDIX C (CONTINUED)
1971
January
February
March
Apri 1
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
TOTAL
BUTLER
PRECIPITATION
Inches
,46
,15
,68
.00
2.72
,15
,95
,51
,81
36
,85
4.69
36.33
SLIPPERY
ROCK
PRECIPITATION
Inches
.18
,32
,16
.18
,69
,86
4.56
2,
3,
1,
2,
45
23
12
48
5.41
36.64
71
-------
1
2 1 SuWect Field & Group
0 5F
SELECTED WATER RESOURCES ABSTRACTS
INPUT TRANSACTION FORM
Gwin, Dobson & Foreman, Inc.
Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601
6
Title "~~ — ~~" — "
Evaluation of Pollution Abatement Procedures
Moraine State Park
John W. -Foamon- Foreman
Daniel C. McLean
j£ I Project Designation
EPA Grant 1^010 DSC
21 1 Wote
Citation
Environmental Protection Agency report
number, EPA-R2-73-140, January 1973.
23 I Descriptors (Starred First)
Acid Mine Drainage*, Mine Sealing*, Surface Mines*
Bulk Head Seals, Cost-Effectiveness
25
Identifiers (Starred First)
Pennsylvania*, Moraine State Park*, Lake Arthur
27
Abstract
This project was an evaluation of the various mine drainage pollution abatement tech-
niques completed during the construction phase of the Moraine State Park, Pennsylvan-
ia. The remedial methods employed included strip mine reclamation, underground mine
sealing, grouting, surface sealing, refuse pile removal and oil and gas well plugging.
Results of the underground mine hydraulic sealing and grouting work indicate an
overall reduction in discharge flow rates from lk6 to 57 gallons per minute, an
overall reduction in net acidity from 501 to l6o pounds per day. The hydraulic
sealing costs ranged from a low of $8,308 to a high of $58,^37 per seal, for an
average cost of $19,W30 per seal.
Before and after data for the strip mine reclamation projects indicate a minor net
decrease in the average discharge flow rates from Ih2 to 136 gallons per minute,
an overall reduction in acidity from 50 to 22 pounds per day. The strip mine reclama-
tion costs ranged from a low of $^20 to a high of $2700 per acre, for an average
of $1^55 per acre.
Abstractor
R. P. Hill
Environmental Protection Agency
WRSI C
(REV. JULY 19«9)
SFKin WITH COPY OF DOCUMENT. TO! WATER RESOURCES SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION CENTER
SEND. WITH CU1-T .s. D E PAR TMENT OF THB INTER IOR
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20240
GPO! 1970 - 407 -891
------- |