EPA-600/2-76-106
June 1976
Environmental Protection Technology Series
TIOGA RIVER MINE DRAINAGE ABATEMENT PROJECT
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
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RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and Development, U.S. 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.
This document is available to the public through the National Technical Informa-
tion Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161.
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EPA-600/2-76-106
June 1976
TIOGA RIVER MINE DRAINAGE
ABATEMENT PROJECT
by
Anton F. Miorin
Russell S. Klingensmith
Richard E. Heizer
Gannett Fleming Corddry and Carpenter, Inc.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17105
Grant No. 14010 HIN
Project Officer
Eugene F. Harris
Extraction Technology Branch
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
CINCINNATI, OHIO 45268
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DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Industrial Environmental
Research Laboratory-Cincinnati, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
and approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the
contents necessarily reflect the views and policies of the U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial
products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
11
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FOREWORD
When energy and material resources are extracted, processed, con-
verted, and used, the pollution to our environment and to our aesthetic
and physical well-being requires corrective approaches that recognize
the complex environmental impact these operations have.
The Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory - Cincinnati uses
a multidisciplinary approach to develop and demonstrate technologies
that will rectify the pollutional aspects of these operations. The
Laboratory assesses the environmental and socio-economic impact of
industrial and energy-related activities and identifies, evaluates and
demonstrates control alternatives.
This report is an in-depth watershed study aimed at the reduction
of pollution from abandoned coal mines. The area selected, in Tioga
County, Pennsylvania, has been extensively strip and deep mined and is
a producer of large quantities of acid drainage. The studies reported
herein will guide the future demonstration work which is to reclaim the
abandoned mine workings. This feasibility report is in conjunction
with other related eastern coal mine reclamation demonstrations.
Reductions of more than 8,000 pounds per day of acidity can be
realized through implementation of the plan described herein. This
feasibility, and the demonstration it describes, will be of use to
federal planners, state and local regulatory agencies, and the mining
industry itself. Studies such as this point out the tremendous pollu-
tion abatement potential of good reclamation practices.
David G. Stephan, Director
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Cincinnati
111
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ABSTRACT
The Tioga River Demonstration Project in southeastern Tioga
County, Pennsylvania, is essentially defined by an isolated pocket of
coal that has been extensively deep and strip mined within the Pennsyl-
vania Bituminous Coal Field. The Tioga River watershed is subjected to
acid mine drainage from abandoned mines in the vicinity of the Borough
of Blossburg and the Village of Morris Run. This mine drainage is
discharged into Morris Run, and Coal and Bear Creeks before they enter
the Tioga River. Water in these three streams generally has a pH of
about 3.0 with a net acidity ranging from 200 to 1,000 milligrams per
liter.
The proposed demonstration project is recommended: (1) to
demonstrate effective techniques for mine drainage abatement, (2) to
reduce a specific mine drainage problem, and (3) to restore portions of
a mined area to their approximate original surface grade. Techniques
to be demonstrated include: restoration of strip pits utilizing agri-
cultural limestone and sewage sludge as soil conditioners, burial of
acid-forming materials within strip mines that are to be restored, and
reconstruction and lining of a stream channel.
Implementation of this project will result in an estimated
reduction of 8,480 pounds per day of acid under average groundwater
conditions. In addition, significant reductions in high flows and
loadings will be accomplished from mine drainage discharges during
and immediately following precipitation. An estimated reduction of
63,200 pounds of acid will result by preventing the runoff from a
one-inch, twenty-four-hour rainfall from entering the deep mines.
Since the study area is virtually the sole source of acid mine drain-
age in the watershed, these reductions should cause an improvement in
river water quality. The effectiveness of these preventive measures
and their costs will be determined.
This report was submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for Project No. 14010 HIN under the sponsorship of the
Office of Research and Monitoring, U. S. Environmental Protection
Agency, and the Department of Environmental Resources, Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120, by Gannett Fleming
Corddry and Carpenter, Inc., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17105.
IV
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page No,
I CONCLUSIONS 1
II RECOMMENDATIONS 2
III INTRODUCTION 5
IV JURISDICTIONAL FRAMEWORK 10
V INVENTORY AND FORECAST 14
VI PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING 32
VII EFFECTIVENESS OF PROJECT 56
VIII IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATING PLAN 58
IX REFERENCES 61
X GLOSSARY OF TERMS, ABBREVIATIONS, AND SYMBOLS 62
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FIGURES
Figure Page
No. No.
1 LOCATION OF MORRIS RUN STUDY AREA 7
2 MINE RELATED FEATURES OF MORRIS RUN STUDY AREA 8
3a STUDY AREA COAL SEAMS (Pictorial) 15
3b STUDY AREA COAL SEAMS (Pictorial) 16
4 SITE I UNRESTORED STRIP MINE 34
5 SITE I PROPOSED FINAL RESTORATION PLAN 35
6 SITE I CROSS SECTION 300 37
7 SITE I CROSS SECTION 700 38
8 SITE I CROSS SECTION 1200 39
9 SITE I CROSS SECTION 1500 40
10 SITE I PROPOSED STREAM CHANNEL CROSS SECTION 41
11 SITE II UNRESTORED STRIP MINE 42 - 43
12 SITE II PROPOSED FINAL RESTORATION PLAN 44 - 45
13 SITE II CROSS SECTION 1000 47
14 SITE II CROSS SECTION 1700 48
15 SITE II CROSS SECTION 2000 49
16 SITE II CROSS SECTION 2300 50
17 PROJECT SCHEDULE 52
18 ORGANIZATION CHART DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES 59
VI
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TABLES
Table Page
No. No.
1 WATER QUALITY SAMPLING RESULTS - TIOGA RIVER 19
2 WATER QUALITY SAMPLING RESULTS -
MORRIS RUN NEAR MOUTH 20
3 WATER QUALITY SAMPLING RESULTS -
COAL CREEK NEAR MOUTH 21
4 WATER QUALITY SAMPLING RESULTS -
BEAR CREEK NEAR MOUTH 22
5 FLOW CONDITIONS FOR TIOGA RIVER
AND STUDY AREA STREAMS 23
6 NORMAL MONTHLY FLOWS FOR TIOGA RIVER -
TIOGA, PENNSYLVANIA 23
7 MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM FLOWS AND QUALITY
DATA FROM 6/13/73 THROUGH 10/16/73 25
8 ACID MINE DRAINAGE FLOWS AND MAJOR CONSTITUENTS
AT EACH DISCHARGE POINT BEFORE CONSTRUCTION 26
9 COMPLETE ANALYSES OF SAMPLES TAKEN
AUGUST 8, 1973 (NOVEMBER 1, 1973 FOR MS-2) 28
10 NORMAL MONTHLY PRECIPITATION AT CANTON,
ENGLISH CENTER, AND TOWANDA, PENNSYLVANIA 29
11 RAINFALL FREQUENCY - DURATION TABULATION FOR
SOUTHEASTERN TIOGA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 29
12 EXPECTED FLOWS AT MONITORING STATION 1 36
13 ACID MINE DRAINAGE FLOWS AND MAJOR CONSTITUENTS
AT EACH DISCHARGE POINT AFTER CONSTRUCTION 51
14 ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS 54
15 FLOW AND LOADING REDUCTIONS RESULTING FROM
VARIOUS 24-HOUR RAINFALLS 56
VII
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The helpful suggestions and comments of the personnel from
the Environments.! Protection Agency: Dr. Henry R. Thacker, Mr. Ernst
P. Hall, Mr. Ronald D. Hill, and Mr. Eugene F. Harris, were greatly
appreciated.
Mr. Robert M. Jones and Mr. Raymond F. Brague of Jones and
Brague Coal Company, Blossburg, Pennsylvania, rendered valuable as-
sistance in supplying information concerning various aspects of the
study area.
Dr. Richard W. Condon, Chairman of the Department of History,
Mansfield State College, Mansfield, Pennsylvania, provided material
aid in loaning study area deep mine maps.
Vlll
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SECTION I
CONCLUSIONS
1. This study has established that it is feasible to reduce acid
mine drainage discharges by restoring two strip mines and recon-
structing a stream channel.
2. By accomplishing this demonstration project, an estimated daily
flow reduction of 1.23 million gallons, 8,480 pounds of acid,
and 550 pounds of iron will be achieved under average groundwater
conditions at four mine drainage discharges comprising the bulk
of the study area pollutional loadings.
3. The proposed monitoring program will characterize acid mine
drainage discharge flow and quality. Results of this monitoring
program will establish the effectiveness of the demonstration
project and will determine which remaining pollutional loadings
must be abated to achieve desired stream quality.
4. Accurate cost records developed from this demonstration project
will be used as a guide for similar future abatement projects.
5. Proper enforcement of existing legislation and the easements ob-
tained for this demonstration project will protect the integrity
of the project sites after construction has been completed.
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SECTION II
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Pennsylvania has both active and abandoned mined areas contrib-
uting to water pollution. This proposed demonstration project
is recommended to:
a. Demonstrate effective techniques for mine drainage
abatement.
b. Reduce a specific mine drainage problem.
c. Restore portions of a mined area to their approximate
original surface grade.
2. Site I - Restore a strip mine, reconstruct a stream channel, and
demonstrate effectiveness of agricultural limestone in establish-
ing vegetation. This work will affect an estimated 19 acres and
will be accomplished as follows:
a. Restore a 14-acre strip mine using its spoil piles
for partial fill requirements; then place a one-foot
cover of select fill, which will be obtained within
the site limits, to establish the final grade.
b. Reconstruct and line 1,174 feet of stream channel
across the restored strip mine to prevent infiltra-
tion of water into the underlying mine workings.
Work related to this stream channel reconstruction
will add approximately five acres to the total
affected area.
c. Place riprap in the reconstructed stream channel
to prevent channel erosion.
d. Analyze the final grade soil cover and place the
optimum amounts of agricultural limestone, fertilizer,
and grass seed on the site.
3. Site II - Restore a 60-acre strip mine and demonstrate effective-
ness of sewage sludge in establishing vegetation. An estimated
65 acres in all will be affected.
a. Restore a 60-acre Lower Kittanning coal strip
mine using spoil piles for fill.
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b. After the site has been restored to its final grade,
place three inches of sewage sludge on a 4.3-acre
test plot and scarify the sewage sludge into the top
cover.
c. After the site has been restored and prior to sludge
placement, construct holding or infiltration ditches
immediately downhill from the test plot. Minor re-
grading of the adjacent ground surface and construc-
tion of infiltration ditches will add approximately
five acres to the area affected.
d. Analyze the final grade soil cover and place the
optimum amounts of agricultural limestone, fertilizer,
and grass seed on the site. Place the appropriate
amount of grass seed on the test plot after the sewage
sludge has been applied and scarified into the final
grade soil cover.
4. Construct and operate continuous flow monitoring stations and
periodically collect grab samples to accurately determine the
effectiveness of the demonstration project. Six stations are
recommended:
a. MS-1 and MS-2 to be located immediately upstream and
downstream from Site I to determine whether surface
water and groundwater (stream flow) is prevented from
infiltrating into the underlying mine workings.
b. MS-3 to be located at mine drainage discharge point
5 to determine the acid mine drainage flow reduction
accomplished by restoring Site I.
c. MS-4, MS-5, and MS-6 to be located at mine drainage
discharge points 10, 14, and 15, respectively, to
determine the acid mine drainage flow reductions
accomplished by restoring Site II.
5. It is recommended that grab samples be collected once every two
months at MS-1 and MS-2 and twice a month at MS-3, MS-4, MS-5,
and MS-6 and that these samples be analyzed for pH, alkalinity
or acidity, total iron, and sulfates. Additional analyses are
recommended for heavy metals and biological parameters on a
less frequent basis.
6. It is recommended that a continuous recording rain gauge be
placed in the study area to supplement the stream and mine
drainage flow data.
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7. It is recommended that complete cost records be compiled so
that actual abatement costs can be determined.
8. It is recommended that complete precipitation, as well as
stream and discharge flow records, be compiled so that the
actual effectiveness of the work can be measured.
9. It is recommended that measures be taken to prevent flooding,
sedimentation, and further stream pollution during and imme-
diately following construction.
10. It is recommended that the restored project sites remain
undisturbed during evaluation of project effectiveness.
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SECTION III
INTRODUCTION
Scope Of The Project
This report presents a determination of the feasibility of
a mine drainage abatement demonstration project for a mined area in
the vicinity of Morris Run Village in Tioga County, Pennsylvania.
This mined area is further described in a 1968 report prepared by
Gannett Fleming Corddry and Carpenter, Inc., entitled "Acid Mine
Drainage Abatement Measures for Selected Areas Within the Susque-
hanna River Basin," referred to herein as the FWPCA Report.1
The specific project scope is as follows:
1. Review the history of mining, mine drainage problems,
and potentially effective mine drainage abatement
measures in the study area.
2. Determine the jurisdictional framework (legal
authority) through which the demonstration project
may be carried out.
3. Inventory geology, topography, hydrology, water
quality, social and economic factors, and environ-
mental features that would influence the value of
a demonstration project in the study area.
4. Develop preliminary engineering features of a possible
abatement program in sufficient detail to enable eval-
uation of the proposed project's feasibility.
5. Estimate the proposed project's effectiveness and
stream quality improvement resulting from construction
of the proposed project.
6. Determine possible benefits resulting from construc-
tion of the proposed project.
7. Develop a proposed schedule and budget to assure ade-
quate administrative control of the proposed project.
8. Recommend a surveillance program for the project
area to enable assessment of actual versus estimated
effectiveness.
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In May 1971, an application was submitted by the Department
of Environmental Resources to the Environmental Protection Agency re-
questing a demonstration grant in the amount of $450,000 to construct
preventive measures comprising part of the recommended abatement plan
described in the FWPCA Report. This approved grant, together with
$226,500 from the Department, made $676,500 available for the pro-
ject. The Department then entered into a service contract with
Gannett Fleming Corddry and Carpenter, Inc., effective November 30,
1972, providing that Gannett Fleming Corddry and Carpenter, Inc.,
would perform engineering work and services related to the project.
The Morris Run Study Area (Figure 1) comprises a portion
of the Pennsylvania Bituminous Coal Field in the upper reaches of
the Tioga River. Although coal has been mined in other limited
areas within this watershed, the thirteen and one-half square mile
study area is virtually the sole source of acid mine drainage in the
watershed. It is anticipated that construction of this proposed
project and an evaluation of its effectiveness will be accomplished
in four years. The proposed construction at the two sites shown on
Figure 2 will prevent considerable volumes of surface water from
entering deep mine workings via interconnected strip mines in the
Lower Kittanning seam and contributing to deep mine discharges.
Because of the extensive deep mining that has been conducted under
shallow cover throughout a major portion of the study area and the
general inclination of the coal beds, deep mine sealing in the
study area is deemed impractical.
Purpose Of The Project
The primary objective of this proposed project is to
demonstrate the effectiveness of various preventive measures in
eliminating or reducing acid mine drainage discharges. In order to
demonstrate the effectiveness of the project, it will be necessary
to (1) monitor acid mine drainage sources before, during, and after
construction, and (2) maintain complete cost records relative to
construction and maintenance of the preventive measures implemented.
Following reduction of acid mine drainage in the watershed
by this demonstration project, water quality records can be used to
determine the additional abatement needed to attain desired stream
quality.
General Description Of The Project
To achieve the objectives of this project, the following
abatement measures are recommended (see Figure 2):
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OHIO
WEST
VIRGINIA
N
a o 25 so
FIGURE I- LOCATION OF MORRIS RUN STUDY AREA
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>- • * WTT OK SLOPE WTRY
MIW DMAINAM OI«CHAK«e POINT
MCFUJC AMA
MPOUNEMCNT C > • •> JUKIOCNCt ARCA
•OUNDABY Q*^> ST"* *l(*t
9UNACC CONTOUR ^Hl^ PftOJCCT SITE
SHAFT CNTNT (5J MONITORING STATION
IXTKNT OF LOWE* KITTANNIM DIIP MINIM*
FIGURE 2-MINE RELATED FEATURES OF MORRIS RUN STUDY AREA
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Site I. Reconstruct and line approximately 1,174 feet
of stream channel and restore strip mine S-26,
consisting of approximately 14 acres and 168,000
cubic yards of fill, and place agricultural
limestone, fertilizer, and grass seed on the
restored site.
These actions would (1) prevent a stream from
flowing directly into underlying deep mine
workings, (2) cause a reduction in flow and a
comparable reduction in pollution from mine
drainage discharge point 5, and (3) allow the
stream to resume its former watercourse as part
of the headwaters of Morris Run.
Site II. Restore portions of improperly restored strip
mines S-37 and S-39, consisting of approximately
60 acres and 422,000 cubic yards of fill. Estab-
lish a 4.3-acre test plot on the restored site
and place sewage sludge and seed on the test plot
to demonstrate effectiveness in establishing and
maintaining vegetative growth. Place agricultur-
al limestone, fertilizer, and grass seed on the
remainder of the restored site.
Deep mine maps for the Lower Kittanning seam have been
secured for the general area encompassing Site II as well as mine
drainage discharge points 10, 14, and 15. These maps confirm that
the three mines involved, which are drained by these three discharges,
have been interconnected so extensively that the entire mined area
can be considered as having one mine drainage pattern. Very little
specific coal pavement elevation information was available for two of
these three mines. Therefore, it was not possible to delineate where
the water presently entering the mines via Site II actually emerges
at specific discharge points. For purposes of this report, it was
assumed that 90 percent of the water infiltrating via Site II flows
to mine drainage discharge point 14 and 10 percent flows to mine
drainage discharge point 10. Because of the lack of this specific
information, mine drainage discharge point 15 will also be monitored.
Effectiveness Of The Project
Implementation of this demonstration project will reduce
acid mine drainage at two or more discharge points. Effectiveness
of the demonstration project will be determined by a gauging, sam-
pling, and analytical program to be carried out during the life of
the project. Monitoring of acid mine drainage discharges before,
during, and after construction will demonstrate effectiveness of the
preventive measure techniques. Compilation of accurate construction
cost records will enable estimation of abatement costs on similar
areas in the future.
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SECTION IV
JURISDICTIONS FRAMEWORK
Cogni zant Authority
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources is
the cognizant authority for this project and is authorized under Act
275 to engage in the abatement of mine drainage pollution from aban-
doned mines.
Act 275 enabled the Department to abate mine drainage by
implementing the following laws:
1. Act 394 of June 22, 1937 (P. L. 1987) known as
"The Clean Streams Law."
2, Act 443 of January 19, 1968 (P. L. 996), known as
"The Land and Water Conservation and Reclamation Act."
This demonstration project will be accomplished under
these enabling laws. The Deputy Secretary for Resources Management
will be responsible for contracting, administering, and operating
the proposed demonstration project. Personnel from bureaus within
his jurisdiction will review construction plans and specifications,
provide resident inspection of construction, obtain necessary prop-
erty releases, and administer the project.
This administrative structure should enable accomplishment
of the purposes of the project. The Department is involved in at-
tacking all environmental problems including control of acid mine
drainage from active mines and abatement of acid mine drainage from
abandoned mines
Existing And Proposed Standards
Stream quality criteria have been established by the
Department for the Tioga River from its source to the point where
it receives Crooked Creek, 19 miles downstream from the study area.
These criteria (listed in Title 25, Rules and Regulations. Chapter
93) are:
PH
Not less than 6.0, not to exceed 8.5.
Dissolved Oxygen
Minimum daily average 6.0 mg/1; no value less
than 5.0 mg/1.
10
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Iron
Total iron value not to exceed 1.5 mg/1.
Temperature
Not to be increased by more than five degrees
Fahrenheit above natural temperatures, nor to
be increased above 58 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dissolved Solids
Not to exceed 500 mg/1 as a monthly average
value, not to exceed 750 mg/1 at any time.
Bacteria
For the period May 15 to September 15 of any
year, not to exceed 1,000 coliforms/100 ml as an
arithmetic average, not to exceed 1,000 coliforms/
100 ml in more than two consecutive samples, not
to exceed 2,400 coliforms/100 ml in more than one
sample. For the period September 16 to May 14 of
any year, not to exceed 5,000 coliforms/100 ml as
a monthly average value, nor to exceed this number
in more than 20 percent of the samples collected
during any month, nor to exceed 20,000 coliforms/
100 ml in more than five percent of the samples.
Of these criteria, pH, iron, dissolved solids, and
coliform bacteria are relevant to the project. At present, the
Tioga River does not meet the pH, iron, and dissolved solids
criteria downstream from the study area due to acid mine drainage.
If these criteria can be met, public use of Tioga River waters will
be increased.
These uses include a potential source of potable water
and improved aquatic life habitat. Also, the Corps of Engineers
has stated that some reduction could be made in the construction
cost of the proposed Tioga-Hammond Reservoir if the acid load in
the river were reduced sufficiently to maintain an alkaline pool
in the reservoir.
This project will reduce the study area pollution load by
reducing flows from individual mine drainage discharges. Discharge
quality is expected to remain relatively unchanged. The reductions
in flows will be accomplished as described in Section III, General
Description Of The Project.
11
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Site Acquisition
The Clean Streams Law, Act No. 117 of 1965, and the Coal
Mine Sealing Act No. 490 of 1947 are sufficient authority by which
easements or other access to the project sites may be obtained. All
of the required easements have been obtained by the Department's
Land Easement Branch. These easements cover the proposed monitoring
station sites and the two proposed project sites. All the site
acquisitions extend for the life of the project, including post-
demonstration studies.
Authority For Funding
Authority for funding this proposed project is given to
the Department through Section 16 of The Land and Water Conservation
and Reclamation Act. Under Section 19 of this act, the Department
is authorized to utilize any available federal program to augment
funds made available by the act.
Such funding is available under Section 14 of the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act, with the stipulations that federal
funding not exceed 75 percentum of the actual project cost and that
the project sites be protected against future mine drainage pollu-
tion.
These state and federal funds will be utilized to demon-
strate methods for the abatement of acid mine drainage. During the
life of this project, sufficient funds are available to maintain
project effectiveness. Following project completion, the Department
will continue to maintain the restored areas.
Water And Mineral Rights
Based on information obtained from local sources, surface
and mineral rights for the two project sites are owned by the
following:
Site I
Surface and mineral rights for this area are owned by:
Morris Run Coal Mining Company
Morris Run, Pennsylvania 16939
Site II
Surface owners of this area are:
Mr. Robert Jones
c/o J & B Coal Company
Blossburg, Pennsylvania 16912
12
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J & B Coal Company
Blossburg, Pennsylvania 16912
Mrs. Mary Jankiewicz
R. D.
Morris Run, Pennsylvania 16939
Stephen and Martha Soporowski
Morris Run, Pennsylvania 16939
Mineral rights for Site II are owned by J & B Coal
Company. One coal seam, the Brookville, still remains in place
within Site II. It has not been removed since it is thin and of
poor quality. By itself, this coal is probably not saleable.
The Department of Environmental Resources has secured
easements for the two project sites from all of the respective
surface and mineral rights owners. These easements allow ingress,
egress, and regress by the Department or its assignees to perform
the necessary restoration work. The easements also provide that
the surface and mineral rights owners will not "voluntarily do any
act or permit any act to be done that will destroy or materially
hurt or change the facilities placed thereon for the purpose of
the project."
Prevention Of Future Pollution
Legal protection of the project sites from future mine
drainage pollution will be accomplished through Act 418 of 1971,
"Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act," and Act 394 of
1937, known as "The Clean Streams Act." Act 418 requires that coal
mining permits be obtained from the Department of Environmental
Resources. As part of an application for one of these permits, a
detailed reclamation plan must be filed. The authority already
exists for practical and legal protection of the project watershed.
Surveillance and enforcement will be carried out by the staff of
the Deputy Secretary for Environmental Protection and Regulation.
13
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SECTION V
INVENTORY AND FORECAST
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS
General Description - The project watershed is a wooded
area covering approximately thirteen and one-half square miles of
a portion of the Pennsylvania Bituminous Coal Field in southeastern
Tioga County (Figure 1). The study area is a Pennsylvanian age
outlier within the Pennsylvania Bituminous Field. In years prior
to World War II, the area was extensively deep mined. There is
currently no active deep mining in the study area, nor is its
resumption anticipated within the foreseeable future. Major strip
mining commenced at the close of World War II. Extensive strip
mining operations extracted an estimated 608,000 tons of coal during
1970. Based on available information, strip mining will continue
for the foreseeable future. Mine drainage has been discharged from
the study area since the start of mining.
Streams within the study area receive mine drainage from
inactive deep and strip mines. These streams discharge into the
Tioga River, which flows northward into the Chemung River in New York
State. The Chemung River then flows into the Susquehanna River near
Athens, Pennsylvania.
Although some coal exists and has been mined in sections
of the Tioga River basin outside the study area, acid mine drainage
pollution of the Tioga River is for all practical purposes caused
solely by study area mine drainage discharges. Nine coal seams
underlie the study area. From older to younger, they are Brookville,
Lower Kittanning, Foot, Middle Kittanning, Freak, Upper Kittanning,
Monkey, Lower Freeport, and Upper Freeport. The major geologic
structure of the project area is a syncline with axis extending in
a northeast-southwest direction roughly through the center of the
study area (Figure 3a) and plunging toward the southwest (Figure 3b).
Coal seams rise gradually to the northwest and southeast from the
synclinal axis to outcrop along the hillsides.
Major Subsurface Conditions Causing Acid Mine Drainage -
Extensive deep mining was conducted in the Lower Kittanning, Upper
Kittanning, and Lower Freeport seams. Less extensive deep mining
was conducted in the Brookville, Middle Kittanning, Upper Freeport,
Foot, Freak, and Monkey seams.
During deep mining of the study area, numerous entries
were driven into the coal seams. Since most deep mining was con-
ducted below then existing ground and perched water tables, various
14
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MORRIS RUN,COAL CREEK, BEAR CREEK
PROFILE OF COAL SEAMS
1900 J
1700
I
1500
1300
LOWER FREEPORT SEAM
UNDISTURBED SURFACE
UPPER FREEPORT SEAM
UPPER KITTANNING SEAM
MIDDLE KITTANNING SEAM
BROOKVILLE SEAM
LOWER KITTANNING SEAM
I 1 i 1 1 I 1 1
6 8 10
THOUSAND FEET
SECTION A-A
FIGURE 3a- STUDY AREA COAL SEAMS (Pictorial)
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B
B
CO
O
2100
1900-
1700-
1500-
1300
UNDISTURBED SURFACE MIDDLE KITTANNING SEAM
UPPER KITTANNING SEAM
LOWER KITTANNING SEAM
BROOKVILLE SEAM
H 1 1 1 1 t
1 1 1 h
-I »-
H 1 1
0
8 10 12 14
THOUSAND FEET
SECTION B-B
16 18 20 22 24
26
FIGURE 3b - STUDY AREA COAL SEAMS (Pictorial)
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drifts were driven to allow gravity discharge of mine drainage
from the workings. Gravity discharge could be ideally accomplished
using drifts because of the slope and location of coal seams in
relation to the ground surface. These drifts were at one of two
general locations, namely, at outcrops along the southeast side of
the middle and lower reaches of Morris Run as well as in low lying
surface areas along the middle reaches of Bear and Coal Creeks.
Deep mining was planned and conducted to allow gravity discharge
of mine drainage from these drifts. Only minimal steps were taken
to provide an effective barrier pillar system since such would have
reduced the efficiency of the gravity mine drainage plan initially
developed and subsequently used by various operators over the years.
In the study area, therefore, surface and ground waters finding their
way into deep mine workings may flow for considerable distances over
acid-producing materials before eventually being discharged to sur-
face streams as acid mine drainage. Seventy-two major deep mine
entries exist in the study area, nine of which are located in the
highwalls of strip mines. Acid mine drainage is discharged to
surface streams from nine deep mine entries.
All coal seams in the study area are close to the ground
surface. The lowest seam subjected to extensive underground mining,
the Lower Kittanning, is only 250 feet below ground surface at its
maximum depth. This deep mining has caused extensive fissuring of
the overburden throughout a significant portion of the study area.
In some sections, the overburden has subsided into these underground
voids. This fissuring and subsidence significantly reduces surface
runoff and increases ground and surface water entry into inactive
deep mine workings, thereby increasing the severity of the acid mine
drainage problem. Three major areas where the ground surface has
subsided into underlying deep mine workings exist in the study area.
In addition, four separate stretches of streambed over which surface
streams infiltrate in varying degrees to underlying deep mine work-
ings are located in the study area. This condition was created by
strip mining and deep mining in and beneath the respective stretches
of streambed.
The locations of deep mine entries and other features of
the study area are shown on Figure 2.
Major Surface Conditions Causing Acid Mine Drainage -
In 1971, strip mining was being performed in the Middle and Upper
Kittanning, Freak, and Lower Freeport seams in the study area. Lim-
ited strip mining was also being performed in the Upper Freeport
seam. It is estimated that 1.3 square miles of the study area was
disturbed by inactive strip mines, 1.0 square mile by active strip
mines. Inactive and active strip mines had disturbed approximately
17 percent of the study area ground surface.
17
-------
Thirty-seven strip mines exist in the study area,
thirty-four of which are inactive. As a result of past inadequate
restoration, most of the strip mines in the study area serve as
catch basins that collect, to varying degrees, direct precipitation,
surface runoff, and groundwater. This impounded water enters deep
mine workings by direct connections or infiltration and eventually
discharges as acid mine drainage at one of the drifts or other dis-
charge points. An example of this is Site II where impounded water
in a strip mine eventually discharges as acid mine drainage from
one or more discharge points (10, 14, or 15).
In addition, an inactive stripping operation located in
the northeastern portion of the study area (Site I) provides direct
access to underground workings for Morris Run stream flows. Pre-
sumably, this underground drainage discharges to Coal Creek at
discharge point 5, which is recorded by MS-3.
Surface accumulations of refuse in the study area are
another source of acid mine drainage. All of this refuse, in
varying degrees, is acid-producing and is the source of acid mine
drainage discharges during periods of wet weather.
The extent of study area strip mining, both active and
inactive, as well as the locations of refuse areas, are shown on
Figure 2.
Adequacy Of Physical Information - One deficiency in
study area information is the lack of coal pavement elevations on
the available mine maps. As described previously in Section III,
General Description of the Project, the fairly extensive deep mines
encompassing Site II and mine drainage discharge points 10, 14, and
15 have been interconnected. It is therefore impossible to delineate
the exact routes of flow of water through these mines. By monitoring
all three of these mine drainage discharge points, it is believed
that this deficiency can be overcome.
WATER RESOURCES
Receiving Streams - Considerable watershed surface water
quality and flow data are available. These data when combined with
the proposed monitoring program data will be adequate for the pro-
ject. Stream flow and quality data for the Tioga River at stations
immediately upstream from the Morris Run confluence (Stream Mile 87)
and seven miles farther downstream (Stream Mile 80) are shown on
Table 1. Stream flow and quality information are shown for Morris
Run, Coal Creek, and Bear Creek on Tables 2, 3, and 4, respectively.
These data have been compiled from FWPCA, Pennsylvania Department of
Health, and Corps of Engineers' records. Additional flow conditions
as determined by the Corps of Engineers' "Investigative Survey"^ for
Morris Run, Coal Creek, and Bear Creek are shown on Table 5. Normal
18
-------
TABLE 1
1965-1970 WATER QUALITY SAMPLING RESULTS - TIOGA RIVER
Stream Flow
Date
Cfs
I/sec
Net
Alkalinity
A3. CaCO3
mg/1 pH
Conduc-
tivity Total
u-mho Iron
ctn niQ/l
Tioga River Upstream From Morris Run Confluence (Scream Mile
7/16/65
8/23/65
8/24/65
8/25/65
10/27/65
S/ 4/66
S/J8/66
6/10/66
6/H/66
7/19/66
8/15/68
9/12/68
10/22/68
5/27/70
6/ 9/70
6/10/70
6/1 1/70
4. 0
3.7
3.2
3. 0
9. 5
126-0
117. 0
9.6
5.7
3.5
8.4
85. 3
10- 1
101.0
26.9
22. 1
19. 7
Tioga River 7 miles
9/22/65
9/29/65
10/ 6/65
10/13/65
10/20/65
10/27/65
11/3/65
S/ 4/66
5/18/66
6/ 8/66
6/14/66
7/19/66
10. 4
-
14.4
25. 6
15.8
19. 0
17. 0
2H.
195.
18.5
30. 5
11.
113.
104.
90.
84.
269.
3,567.
3,313.
271.
161-
99.
237.
2,415.
286.
2,859.
761.
62S.
557.
3
8
6
9
0
8
0
8
4
1
9
4
0
9
7
8
8
6.
IS.
-4.
3.
9.
-1.
-2.
3.
IS.
3.
-126.
11.
45.
0.
0.
3.
2.
Downstream OX
294.
-
407.
724.
447,
538.
481.
6,059.
5,521.
523.
863.
311.
4
8
9
4
0
4
6
6
8
6
5
-20.
-14.
-31.
-23.
-31.
-16.
-33.
-35.
-47.
-69.
-85.
-215.
9
4
0
7
6
2
5
9
6
7
4
8
8
4
2
4
ft-oject
1
6
3
7
1
9
4
2
9
1
7
7. 0
6. 9
6. 8
7.5
7. 5
5. 7
6. 0
7.3
7.5
6. 8
3.6
6.0
6. 5
7.5
6. 6
6. 6
6. 6
Area
3. 2
3. 6
3.5
3. 4
3. 5
3.5
3. 8
3.9
3.8
3. 4
3. 2
3.2
34
153
61
251
200
67
40
46
52
SO
59
66
50
46
53
56
54
(Stream
760
725
700
580
690
650
680
240
250
355
410
750
-
-
-
-
-
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
o.
0.
0.
0-
0.
0.
87)
2
1
16
19
04
23
30
13
21
05
03
07
Man-
ganese
-
-
-
-
-
0
0
0.02
0
0. 05
0. 13
0.3
0. 12
0.33
0. 18
0. 14
0. 18
Sulfate
mg/1
-
182.0
-
52.9
44. 1
14.7
14.7
184. 0
118. 0
-
78. 0
63. 0
23. &
13.0
15.0
15. 0
17.0
Mile 80)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4.
3.
3.
3.
8.
1
0
2
0
0
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1. 8
4.0
3.5
3.2
9. e
364.
350.
350.
302.
401.
316.
303.
132.
95. S
176.
220.
433.
(Sources: FWPCA, Pa. Dept. of Health, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers)
19
-------
to
o
TABLE 2
1965-1970 WATER-QUALITY SAMPLING RESULTS - MORRIS RUN NEAR MOUTH
Date
5/ 4/66
5/1 8/56
6/14/66
7/19/66
1/12/67
1/19/57
1/26/67
3/28/67
A/ 4/(i7
4/11/57
1/1 a/67
4/28/68
8/16/68
9/12/68
10/21/68
5/27/70
6/ 9/70
6/10/70
6/U/70
Stre&m
6,7
7.6
4.5
1.8
1.7
1. 8
4. 1
39.0
12. G
13.3
10. 6
8. 8
1. 1
5. 6
1.5
17.6
7, 1
6.1
4.6
Flow
189. 7
2 IS. 2
127. 4
51. 0
48. 1
5LO
116. .1
1,104. 3
35G. 8
393. G
300. 1
249.2
31. 1
158.6
42.5
498.4
201.0
172.7
130.3
Het
Alkalinity
As CaCO3
mo/1
-420. 2
-403. 3
-619. 6
-703. 2
-941.2
-959. 1
-511. 7
-206. 6
-4-38. 5
-393. 2
-368. 7
-911.4
-1,033.0
-791,3
-899. 2
-230.
-395.
-420.
-432.
ES.
2. 9
3. 0
2. B
2.9
2.9
2. 9
3. 2
3. 1
3. 1
3. 3
3. 1
3. 2
2. 8
3.4
3. 5
3. 1
2.9
2.9
2.9
Conduc-
tivity
m-raho
1,200
1, 100
1,490
1,445
1, 170
1,750
650
&50
1,400
1, 000
1,350
830
2,200
2,000
2,000
1,100
1,710
1,620
1.760
Total
Iron
TO/1
31.9
12. 1
45. 6
64.5
96.2
101.8
59.8
18.5
34. 1
30.5
30.5
19. 8
86-3
80. 0
75. 0
16- 0
32.0
37.0
38.0
Man-
ganese
mg/1
22. 8
6i. a
23.5
12.9
49. 5
81. 0
35. 0
17.9
23. 0
-
23. 0
25. 0
47. a
54.5
48.3
15.4
23. 0
31.0
31.0
Sulfatas
653. &
705. 1
-
1,241. 0
2,069. 8
1,537. 5
772.3
591.4
813. 1
691.2
573. 0
494. 8
1,564. 8
3,286. 1
1. 307. 3
SOO. 0
284. 0
331.0
864. 0
Calcium
rr.g/1
37. 9
40. 8
52. 0
102. 0
30. 0
68. 0
SO. S
14. S
23. 0
43. 0
32.5
28. 0
30. 5
30.6
27.5
-
-
-
-
(Sources: FWPCA, Pa. Dept. of Health, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers)
-------
TABLE 3
1965-1970 WATER QUALITY SAMPLING RESULTS - COAL CREEK NEAR MOUTH
Date
5/ 4/66
S/ 18/6 6
6/14/66
7/19/66
1/12/67
1/19/67
1/2G/67
3/28/67
4/ 4/67
4/11/67
4/18/67
8/15/68
9/12/68
10/21/68
5/26/70
6/ 9/70
6/10/70
6/11/70
Stream
cfs
12.5
11.7
4. 3
3. 1
3. 1
2.3
3.4
44.2
25. 2
18.2
9.9
2. 1
7.0
1.8
11.5
8.8
7.3
7.9
Flow
I/sec
354.0
331. 3
12 U 8
87.8
87.8
65. 1
96.3
1,251.6
713.6
515.4
280.3
59.5
198.2
51.0
325.6
249.2
206.7
223.7
Net
Alkalinity
As CaCO3
mq/1
-353.9
-379.3
-669. 0
-1, 029. 0
-832.6
-929.3
-794.2
-293.6
-420.5
-426. 7
-446. 7
-1.054.7
-777.4
-1. 146. 2
-395. 0
-522. 0
-553. 0
-558. 0
2. 9
2. 9
2.7
2. 7
2.8
2. 8
2.8
3. 1
2.9
2.9
3. 0
2.7
3.4
3.2
2.9
2.8
2.8
2.7
Conduc-
tivity
m-mho
cm
1,200
1.300
1.660
1.920
1, 165
1.800
1,800
1, 050
1,400
1,200
1.550
2,200
450
2,200
1,420
1,870
1,840
1,890
Total
Iron
mq/1
40. 2
12.5
98.0
141.0
107.2
118. 2
101. 0
33. 0
56.5
55.5
57. 8
157. 6
155.0
156. 0
497. 0
98.0
100.0
100.0
Man-
ganese
mg/1
9.4
23.3
1.2
8.3
18.0
22. 1
17.3
7.4
10. 2
10.7
10.8
24.0
22.8
26.5
10.8
11.0
11.0
12.0
Sulfates
mg/1
697.7
675.7
1, 094. 3
1, 608. 3
2, 025. 4
1,515.4
1, 116.9
598.8
724. 4
650.5
664.3
2.816.6
1. 017. 1
1, 575. 4
639.0
869.0
983.0
891.0
Calcium
38.7
37. 6
66. 1
155. 5
53.0
99. 0
GO. 0
25. 0
22. 0
46. 0
40.0
59. 0
56.0
50.0
-
-
-
-
(Sources: FWPCA, Pa. Dept. of Health, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers)
-------
N)
NJ
TABLE 4
1965-1970 WATER QUALITY SAMPLING RESULTS - BEAR CREEK NEAR MOUTH
Date
5/ 4/66
S/18/66
6/14/66
7/19/66
1/12/67
1/13/67
1/26/67
3/28/67
4/ 4/67
4/11/67
4/18/67
4/ 3/68
5/27/70
6/ 9/70
6/10/7 Q
6/11/70
Stream
els
1.9
1.2
-
0.5
0.9
0. 3
0.8
9. 2
2.4
2. 1
1.4
0.5
1.7
2.8
0.8
0.8
now
l/s ec
53. 8
34. 0
-
14. 1
25.5
0.5
22. 7
260. 5
68. 0
59.5
39.6
14.2
48. 1
79.3
22.7
22.7
Net
Alkalinity
As CaCO3
mg/1
-225. 6
-370.8
-309. 2
-530. 8
-65S. 3
-636. 6
-424. 8
-26G. 1
-265.5
-252.8
-274. 1
-2,516.0
-210.0
-228. 0
-236. 0
-233. 0
pH
3. 1
2. 9
2. 8
2. 8
2.9
2.8
2.9
3. 0
3. 0
3. 1
3. 1
3. 1
3. 0
3.0
3.0
2.9
Conduc-
tivity
m-mho
cm
1,000
980
1,410
1. 700
1, 150
1,600
1,000
1, 000
1, 100
940
1,250
750
1,060
1.110
1, 090.
1.260
Total
Iron
mg/l_
46. 8
14. 0
13.0
40. 3
55.5
60.5
46.5
21. 3
26.0
21.0
21.0
19.0
15.0
11.0
11.0
13.0
Man-
ganese
mg/1
8. 8
19.3
10. 6
9. 2
20.0
21. 6
16, 0
7. 7
€.8
7.8
8.8
7.4
9.6
9.6
9.7
10.0
Sulfates
528. 8
477. 4
785. 8
1.226. 5
1, 663. 2
1, 145. 8
905. I
547. 0
428.7
450.9
438.2
444.2
507.0
481. Q
517. 0
512.0
Calcium
mg/1
42. 1
29. 4
70. 2
159. 0
63. 0
106.5
122. 5
36. 0
27.0
22.5
45.5
41. S
-
-
-
-
(Sources: FWPCA, Pa. Oept. of Health, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers)
-------
flows for the Tioga River, measured at the Tioga Gauge (Stream Mile
65), have been compiled in Table 6 from data obtained from the U. S,
Weather Service for the period 1941 through 1970.
TABLE 5
FLOW CONDITIONS FOR TIOGA RIVER
AND STUDY AREA STREAMS
Flow Conditions
How Exceeded
10% of Time
Tioga River
(Stream Mile 87)
Morris Run
Coal Creek
Bear Creek
Tioga River
(Stream Mile 75)
flow
cfs
-------
Mine Drainage Gauging, Sampling, And Analytical Program -
The Department of Environmental Resources authorized Gannett Fleming
Corddry and Carpenter, Inc., to begin a three-month gauging, sam-
pling, and analytical program involving six monitoring stations.
Two of the six monitoring stations (MS-1 and 2) are located imme-
diately upstream and downstream from Site I. The purpose of flow
monitoring at these two stations is to establish the water loss from
a stream through infiltration into underlying deep mine workings.
The other four monitoring stations (MS-3, 4, 5, and 6) have been
established to monitor the respective mine drainage discharge points
(5, 10, 14, and 15), some or all of which will be affected by the
proposed demonstration project. Weekly trips beginning June 13,
1973, and continuing through September 13, 1973, were made to
accomplish this program.
Construction of the continuous flow monitoring stations
had originally been scheduled during this three-month period. This
would have enabled continuous flow monitoring at all six stations
for six months prior to construction of the abatement measures.
Continuous flow recorders were installed at MS-1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
on March 18, 1974, and at MS-6 on May 14, 1974. During the interim
period from September 1973 to March 1974, the gauging, sampling, and
analytical program was continued on two-week intervals at the request
of the Department.
Maximum and minimum flows and quality data obtained from
the six monitoring stations from June 13, 1973, through October 16,
1973, are shown on Table 7. The data collected during this period
were used to develop anticipated flow and quality data for low, av-
erage, and high groundwater conditions. During the normal hydrologic
cycle, data obtained during this monitoring period would have been
representative of low groundwater conditions. However, due to excess
precipitation in the study area and higher than normal groundwater
flows as measured at the Tioga Gauge located approximately 18 miles
downstream from the study area, the monitoring data collected could
not be utilized without some correction. A reduction factor was
developed based on departures from the 30-year normals for precipi-
tation and river flow. This factor was then applied to the four
acid mine drainage discharges to establish their low groundwater
flows. Average and high groundwater flows were then developed,
using 30-year normal river flow values obtained at the Tioga Gauge.
The anticipated flows and qualities of the four acid mine drainage
discharges under low, average, and high groundwater conditions are
shown on Table 8. These flow and quality data will be modified as
necessary, based on additional monitoring Cinstantaneous and contin-
uous) before project construction begins.
24
-------
TABLE 7
MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM FLOWS
AND QUALITY DATA FROM
6/13/73 THROUGH 10/16/73
Monitoring Stations (1)
Flow - MGD
pH Runje
Alkalinity -mg/1
Acidity -mg/1
Sulfates -mg/1
Iron -mg/1
Aluminum -mg/1
Manganese -mg/1
Tbtal solids -mg/1
Mln.
0.11
4.7
2.
9.8
.1
0.04
0.07
10.
1
- Max.
- 3.79
- 6. S
0
- 9,
- 16.1
- 1.0
- 0.33
- 0.2
- 8S.
Mln.
0.0
5.1
14.0
0.4
0.05
0.1
35.
?. (2)
- Max.
- 2.62
- 5.9
0
5
- 19. S
- 0.8
- 0.13
- 0.2
- 60.
Mln.
3.23
2.7
550.
1059.
37.9
22.5
9.7
1465.
3
- Max.
9.65
2.8
0
- 870.
- 1670.
- 84.5
57.5
18.7
- 2092.
Mln.
1.64
3.0
363.
1060.
12.9
15.0
39.7
1576.
4
- Max.
3.78
3.1
0
- 630.
- 1510.
- 46.5
55.5
- 76.2
- 2153.
Mtn.
0.98
2.7
1220.
2720.
22.9
59.8
45.9
3271,
S
- Max.
3.72
2.8
0
- 1730.
- 3470.
65.2
- 150.2
81.6
- 4531.
Mtn.
0.36
2.8
626.
1690.
10.1
39.8
40.4
2356.
6
- Max.
3.26
3.0
0
- 1036.
- 2690.
- 22.6
78.9
71.8
- 3449.
(1) Monitoring Station 1
Monitoring Station 2
Monitoring Station 3
Monitoring Station 4
Monitoring Station S
Monitoring Station 6
Immediately upstream from Site I.
Immediately downstream from Site L
Mine drainage discharge point 5.
Mine drainage discharge point 10.
Mine drainage discharge point 14.
Mine drainage discharge point 15.
(2) Based on three samples only {6/13/73, 6/21/73, and 7/5/73). This
station had no flow during all other visits.
-------
TABLE 8
ACID MINE DRAINAGE FLOWS
AND MAJOR CONSTITUENTS AT EACH
DISCHARGE POINT BEFORE CONSTRUCTION (1)
Monitor-
Ing
Station
Mine
Drainage
Discharge
Point mgd
Flow
Total Iron
Acid (as CaCOO
mg/1 Ibs/day kg/day mg/1 Iba/day kg /day
LOW GROUN'P WATER CONDITIONS
3
4
S
6
S
10
14
IS
2.52
1.26
0.79
TOTAL
4.89
110
55
34
14
214
66.7
24.6
48.3
17. 1
1.400
260
320
SO
2.030
63S
118
145
23
921
785
490
1.S2S
830
16,500
5,150
10. 050
2,220
33, 920~
7.480
2.340
4.560
1.010
15.390
3
4
5
6
TOTAL
5
10
14
15
AVERAGE GROUND WATE3 CONDITIONS
9.02
4.51
2.82
1. 11
17. 49
395
198
123
50
76G
56
20
42
IS
4,210
750
990
140
6,030
1,910
340
450
60
2,760
730
440
1,425
760
54,920
16.550
33.510
7,420
112.400
24, 930
7.510
15,210
3.370
51,020
3
4
S
6
TOTAL
5
10
14
15
HIGH GROUND WATER CONDlTfONS
18.65
9.32
5.85
2.37
36. 19
617
408
256
104
1,565
45
16
3?
13
7,000
1,240
1,600
260
10,300
3, 180
560
820
120
4. 680
675
400
1.350
725
104,990
31,090
6S.8SO
14,330
216.270
47, 660
14. 110
29. 900
6. 510
98, 180
(1) Values derived as explained on page 27.
26
-------
No monitoring stations have been established on Morris
Run or Coal Creek. Although reductions in flow from individual
mine drainage discharges on these streams will be accomplished by
the proposed project, substantial flows will continue from these
sources. Since individual discharge quality is expected to remain
essentially the same, water quality improvement may be difficult to
measure in the streams themselves.
The continuous monitoring program for this project is
scheduled to extend for approximately two and one-half years. In
addition to continuous flow monitoring at the six monitoring sta-
tions, it is proposed to sample the four discharges every two weeks
and to analyze those samples for their major constituents and char-
acteristics.
Since the other two monitoring stations (MS-1 and 2) are
located on the headwaters of Morris Run, which is unaffected by mine
drainage, sampling will be limited to once every eight weeks. It is
felt that the flow and quality data already obtained and the two and
one-half years of monitoring data to be collected during the project
life will be adequate for characterization purposes. Constituents
and characteristics to be regularly determined are: pH, alkalinity
or acidity, total iron, and sulfates. Other constituents will be
monitored at less frequent intervals.
Samples were collected for more extensive analysis at
monitoring stations MS-1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 on August 8, 1973, and at
MS-2 on November 1, 1973. Results of these analyses are shown on
Table 9. At this time, there would appear to be no utility in
monitoring turbidity or temperature at the mine drainage discharge
points.
Rainfall - Precipitation data have been obtained from the
National Climatic Center for three stations located near the study
area, namely, Canton, English Center, and Towanda. These stations
are located nine miles east-southeast, 20 miles southwest, and 29
miles east-northeast, respectively, from the study area. Normal
monthly rainfalls for these stations from 1941 through 1970 are
shown on Table 10.
Rainfall duration and frequency data for the study area
are shown on Table 11. These rainfall frequency and duration data,
as well as actual rainfall and flow data, will be used to check and
verify previously developed runoff coefficients, evaporation-trans-
piration rates, and acid mine drainage discharge flows.
A continuous recording rain gauge has been installed in
the study area to supplement the flow monitoring data.
27
-------
TABLE 9
COMPLETE ANALYSES OF SAMPLES TAKEN AUGUST 8, 1973 (NOVEMBER 1, 1973, FOR MS-2)
00
COXSTITUPT
Acidity - Bg/1 as CaCOj (1)
Alkalinity - ng/1 as CaCOj (1)
Aluainua - ng/1 (2)
Arsenic - ng/1 (2)
Cadaiua - ng/1 (2)
Calcium - Dg/1 (2)
Chroiciun - ng/1 (2)
Copper - ng/1 (2)
Iron (Total) - ng/1 (2)
Iron (Ferrous) - ng/1 (2)
Lc.U - mij/l (2)
Magnesium - ng/1 (2)
Manganese - ng/1 (2)
Potassium - ng/1 (2)
Sodiuc - ng/1 (2)
Zinc - n;/l (2)
Kercury - ng/1 (3)
COU - Bi/1 [1)
Chlorides - ng/1 Cl (1)
Cyanide - ng/1 CK (1)
Fluorides - ng/I (1)
Hardness - ng/1 as CaCOj (1)
Nitrates (1)
pH (1)
Specific Conductivity - HHOS/CM (1)
Sulfates . og/1 SO4 (1)
Temperature - *C (Field)
TMrl>idity - J.T.U. (1)
Residue (Total) - mg/1 (1)
Residue (Filterable) - ng/1 (1)
(1) Wet Chenistry Analysis.
(2) Atonic Absorption Anal/si*.
(3) Flaaeless Atonic Absorption Analysis.
Monitoring
Station
1
3.
0.
0.09
< 0.3
< 0.1
5.3
0.1
< 0.1
O.I
< 0.01
< 0.
1.
< 0.
0.
1.
< o.
0.4
8.
1.01
0.0026
0.08
IS.
0.886
S.6
35. 4
12.
17.
0.66
26.
0.
Monitoring
Station
2
7,
0.
1.7
< 0.3
< 0.1
3.4
< 0.1
< 0.1
0.7
0.15
< O.S
1.8
0,4
1.8
3.9
0.1
< 0.3
11.
2.S
< 0.0003
0.14
22.
0.02
S.7
63. S
17.
7.
12.
78.
9.
Monitoring
Station
3
840.
0.
4S.2
< 0.3
< 0.1
118.1
0.1
0.3
68.3
S.8
< O.S
78.2
16.2
0.1
3.3
1.8
0.4
8.
1.51
O.OOS3
0.82
740.
0.266
2.8
2000.
1240.
9.
1.2
1970.
0.4
Monitoring
Station
4
420.
0.
26.1
< 0.3
< 0.1
107.6
0.1
0.2
14.0
5.7
< O.S
106.2
S7.0
2.1
5.3
2.0
0.4
4.
4.03
0.0006
0.74
900.
0.177
3.0
2000.
1140.
9.
12.
1720.
28.4
Monitoring
Station
5
1730.
0.
112.5
< O.S
< 0.1
152.5
0.1
l.S
50.6
6.4
< O.S
217. S
71.9
1.4
6.3
12.9
0.3
8.
1.51
0.0042
1.02
1680.
1.28S
2.7
3660.
2880.
10.
0.29
4137.
1.6
Monitoring
Station
6
930.
0.
70.1
< O.S
< 0.1
162.7
0.1
1.1
17. S
S.9
< O.S
1SS.1
64.2
2.1
4.8
10.5
0.3
4.
1.01
0.0003
1.07
1500.
0.709
2.9
2840.
2180.
10.
0.31
30SS.
0.8
-------
TABLE 10
NORMAL MONTHLY PRECIPITATION AT
CANTON, ENGLISH CENTER, AND
TOWANDA, PENNSYLVANIA
Precipitation (inches)
Canton
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
TOTAL
,96
.92
68
10
95
IS
74
36
93
98
28
2.44
35.49
English Center
2.17
2.16
3.31
3.26
4.10
3.36
3.72
3.26
2.85
3,05
3.51
2.58
37.33
Towanda
1.54
1.83
2.68
3.10
3.97
2.96
3.49
3.03
3.11
2.74
2.99
2.24
35.98
(Source: National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration)
TABLE 11
RAINFALL FREQUENCY - DURATION TABULATION FOR
SOUTHEASTERN TIOGA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA,
IN INCHES OF WATER (1)
Years
Hours
0.5
1
2
3
6
12
24
0
0
1
1
1
1
2
1
.75
.95
.18
.3
.7
.9
.32
2
0.9
1.
1.
1.
1.
2.
2.
12
4
7
9
4
74
5
1.2
1.5
1.85
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.50
10
1.
1.
2.
2.
2.
3.
4.
38
72
2
4
9
4
09
1
2
2
2
3
4
4
25
.58
.0
.45
.8
.4
.0
.74
50
1.78
2.25
2.8
3.0
3.8
4.4
5.10
100
1.9
2.45
3.0
3.4
4.0
4.9
5.73
(1) Rainfall Frequency Atlas of the United States for Durations
from 30 Minutes to 24 Hours and Return Periods from 1 to 100
Years-. Technical Paper No. 40, U. S. Department of Commerce
and National Weather Bureau, 1961.
29
-------
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
A large portion of the business and industrial economy of
eastern Tioga County is located in the Mansfield-Blossburg area.
Mansfield (population 4,114), located approximately 10 miles down-
stream from the study area, is the site of Mansfield State College.
Within the study area, Blossburg (population 1,753) is the largest
community and the center of economic activity.
The major employment opportunities in or near the study
area are: the three J. P. Ward foundries, coal mining, timber
cutting, and various service industries. Continued area growth is
anticipated due to the presence of Mansfield State College, the
probability of a modern highway network, and the development of the
Tioga-Hammond Reservoir project approximately 19 miles downstream
from Blossburg.
At the present time, development in the area upstream
from Blossburg has been limited to coal mining, hunting camps, Fall
Brook State Park, and a few small farms. Presently, recreation is
confined to the private hunting camps and the state park, which is
reportedly overcrowded during the summer and fall recreation season.
Picknicking and camping are the only activities offered at the park.
Water quality of many tributaries and the river upstream
from the study area is suitable for municipal and industrial uses.
Because several communities near the study area are in need of addi-
tional water sources, good quality water is a resource of increasing
importance.
A studv recently prepared for the Upper Tioga River Water-
shed Association3 outlined several plans to alleviate a potentially
serious future water shortage. Projected population in the Mansfield
area will require double the present daily water production by 1980
and nearly triple the present production by 1990. The extent to
which the study area acid mine drainage is eliminated will have a
bearing on the availability of Tioga River water for potable pur-
poses.
By effecting the demonstration project, water quality in
the Tioga River will be improved. This improvement will result from
the reductions in acid and iron loads emanating from the affected
acid mine drainage discharges. Based on average groundwater condi-
tions, Site I restoration will cause an estimated reduction of 6,280
pounds of acid per day and 480 pounds of iron per day at mine drain-
age discharge point 5. Site II restoration will cause an estimated
reduction of 2,200 pounds of acid per day and 70 pounds of iron per
day at mine drainage discharge points 10 and 14.
30
-------
In addition to municipal and industrial benefits, rec-
reational opportunities will be enhanced. The upper Tioga River
watershed has many sites suitable for recreational development,
most notably the proposed Tioga-Hammond Reservoir. Fishing,
hunting, picnicking, camping, and other recreational pursuits
are all important assets to be developed within the upper Tioga
River watershed. These potentials should be realized since the
area can draw from a multi-state population.
31
-------
SECTION VI
PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING
Abatement Method Description
Two abatement methods will be employed to effect this
demonstration project; reconstruction and lining of a stream channel,
and restoration of strip mines. Both of these measures serve the
same purpose - to minimize the volume of water coming in contact
with acid-forming material. Two advantages will result: the water
prevented from contacting the acid-forming material will not become
acid, and that water will dilute any remaining acid mine drainage
discharges.
In addition, agricultural limestone and sewage sludge will
be applied to the restored project sites. The effectiveness of
these soil conditioners in establishing and maintaining vegetation
on the restored project sites will be demonstrated.
Site I
A 14-acre strip mine will be restored and a stream channel
reconstructed. This strip mine cut across a tributary of Morris
Run. To prevent this stream water from reaching the stripping oper-
ation, a hole was cut into the underlying deep mine workings and the
stream flow was diverted into this hole. The stripping operation
was then conducted until it, too, intercepted the deep mine workings.
Proposed project work includes backfilling this 14-acre
strip mine with spoil piles to meet partial fill requirements. The
final cover will consist of approximately one foot of select fill
containing little acid-forming material. The select fill will be
obtained from within the area to be reaffected from specific spoil
piles that contain a minimum amount of acid-forming material. This
entire area will be graded to near original contour to re-establish
the surface drainage pattern. The stream channel will be recon-
structed to return the stream to its approximate original bed and
gradient. The channel will be constructed across the restored strip
mine, then lined with a bentonite clay and sand mixture to create an
impermeable stream channel. The soil cover on the restored strip
mine will be sampled and analyzed to determine fertilizer and lime
requirements. Appropriate grasses for seeding will also be deter-
mined from this analysis. Possible grasses to be used on this site
are Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue, Birdsfoot Trefoil (Empire Type), and
Common Rye Grass.
32
-------
This project work will prevent the stream flow from
entering the interconnected deep mine workings and contributing
to mine drainage discharge point 5.
Site II
It is proposed to restore 60 acres of an improperly re-
stored strip mine to approximate original grade using spoil piles
to meet fill requirements. After regrading has been accomplished,
sewage sludge will be placed on a 4.3-acre plot on the project site.
The remaining acreage will be limed and fertilized. Appropriate
grasses will be sown on the entire restored project site. This
restoration work will eliminate surface water runoff presently
entering Site II and emerging at mine drainage discharge points
10, 14, and, possibly, 15.
Design (Preliminary) - Drawings And Specifications
The locations and outlines of the proposed project sites
are shown on Figure 2. Photogrammetric coverage has been obtained
for the two project sites on a horizontal scale of one inch equals
200 feet with a contour interval of five feet. These maps will be
used for both preliminary and final design.
Construction work accomplished at Site I will reduce the
flow at mine drainage discharge point 5. Construction work at Site
II is expected to reduce the flows at mine drainage discharge points
10, 14, and, possibly, 15. These discharges,which are reduced or
are not affected by the preventive measures, will continue to flow
to their respective streams, as shown on Figure 2.
Site I
The existing unrestored 14-acre strip mine is shown on
Figure 4, with the heavy-dashed line indicating the extent of the
strip mined area. Figure 5 shows the proposed final restoration
plan and the restored stream channel. The total area to be affected
by strip mine restoration and stream channel reconstruction is 19
acres.
An estimated 137,300 cubic yards of spoil are needed to
backfill the 14-acre strip mine. Cross sections were taken every
100 feet along the entire length of the project site. Existing and
proposed final elevations and data were fed into a computer program
that balanced cut and fill requirements to arrive at a total volume.
The difference between cut and fill requirements was 1.5%. As a
final step, 30,700 cubic yards of select fill obtained within the
19 acres of Site I will be spread approximately one foot thick over
the graded area. The select fill will be obtained from within the
area to be reaffected from selected spoil piles that contain a
33
-------
200 300 400 >X K
CROSS SECTION BASELINE-^
5OO 6OO 700 800 90O 1000 HOC I20O I3OO I4OO
INTERCONNECTIONS WITH DEEP MINE WORKINGS
1500 ISOO 1700
EXTENT OF /
STRIP MINE
FIGURE 4-SITE I UNRESTORED STRIP MINE
-------
300
CROSS SECTION BASELINE
700
SECTION DESIGNATION
EXISTIN8 CONTOURS
PROPOSED CONTOURS
300
TOO
1200
1900
FIGURE 5 - SITE I PROPOSED FINAL RESTORATION PLAN
-------
minimum amount of acid-forming material. Selected typical project
site cross sections depicting existing and proposed finished ground
elevations are shown on Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9.
Stream channel reconstruction will return the streambed
to near its original location, size, and configuration. Plan and
profile views of the proposed restored stream channel are shown on
Figures 5, 7, 8, and 9. The detailed construction drawings will
be prepared using available photogrammetric maps and field survey
information. During reconstruction, the earth will be compacted to
minimize water infiltration into the underlying deep mine workings.
After the desired configuration and grade of the 1,174-foot section
of stream channel at Site I has been constructed, it is proposed to
line the channel with a one-foot thick sand and special bentonite
clay mixture on a 12.5:1 weight ratio. It is also proposed to place
one foot of riprap over the lining. A typical cross .section of the
proposed stream channel is shown on Figure 10. The reconstructed
channel will pass about 900 cubic feet of water per second when the
water level in the channel is five feet. This flow is about five
times the anticipated surface water runoff resulting from a one-in-
ten-year, 24-hour-duration rainfall and is approximately 25 percent
greater than the flow that can be carried within the existing
upstream and downstream banks. The transitions between the recon-
structed channel and the streambed upstream and downstream from the
site will be smooth.
Flow data obtained at MS-1 during the instantaneous
gauging and sampling period are shown on Table 7. Expected flows
for low, average, and high groundwater periods as well as the one-
in-ten-year, 24-hour-duration rainfall are shown in Table 12.
TABLE 12
EXPECTED FLOWS AT MONITORING STATION 1
GROUNDWATER CONDITIONS One-In-10-Year
Low Average High 24-Hour Rainfall
Flow (ingd) 0.22 1.03 2.22 186
Site II
The existing unrestored strip mined area is shown on
Figure 11, bounded by a heavy-dashed line. The proposed final
restoration plan that will affect approximately 65 acres is shown
on Figure 12. An estimated 422,000 cubic yards of spoil are needed
to meet fill requirements for this strip mine. Cross sections were
taken every 100 feet along the length of the project site. Existing
and proposed final elevations were fed into a computer program, which
balanced cut and fill, to arrive at a total volume. The difference
36
-------
1900
1900
1880
I860
1840
1820
I
0
EXISTING GROUND
CPROPOSED
FINISHED GROUND
\ —
1880
I860
1840
1820
200
400
600
800
1000
I2OO
S-26
SCALE :HORIZ..f=200
VERT. :l"=20'
SECTION 300
FIGURE 6 - SITE I CROSS SECTION 300
-------
1880
1880
EXISTING GROUND
I860
I84O
oo
1820
1800
20O
I860
FINISHED
1840
1820
1800
1
400
600
800
1000
1200
S-26
SCALE: HORIZ. l"=20O'
VERT. :l"=20'
SECTION 700
FIGURE 7-SITE I CROSS SECTION 700
-------
1900
1900
1880
I860
1880
1840
1820
I
0
PROPOSED
FINISHED GROUND
I860
\.J
\
/
\J
1840
1820
20O
400
600
800
IOOO
1200
S-26
SCALE :HORIZ I =200
VERT :l"=20'
SECTION 1200
FIGURE 8- SITE I CROSS SECTION 1200
-------
1910
1890
1870
1850
1830
1910
/ \
r
0
\l
1890
PROPOSED FINISHED
GROUND
20O
400
6OO
I
800
1870
1850
1830
IOOO
1200
S-26
SCALE: HORIZ I = 2OO
VERT -I"=20'
SECTION 1500
FIGURE 9 - SITE I CROSS SECTION 1500
-------
-EXIST. GROUND
3'-0"
CUT AS REO D.
SELECT
FILL
RLL AS REQ'D.
12" RIPRAP-/
12" BENTONITE CLAY 8 SAND-
(J. PROP. STREAM CHANNEL
NO SCALE
FIGURE 10 - SITE I PROPOSED STREAM CHANNEL CROSS SECTION
-------
EXTENT OF
STRIP MINE
FIGURE II - SITE II UNRESTORED STRIP MINE
42
-------
lies
PROPOSED
SEWAGE SLUDGE
TEST PLOT
EXTENT OF
STRIP MINE
FIGURE ll(Continued)-SITE II UNRESTORED STRIP MINE
4:5
-------
SECTION DESIGNATION
LEGEND
-1850-- EXISTING CONTOURS
•1850— PHOPOSO CONTOURS
SCALE, l" =300'
I 1 1 ' ' 1 1 ' ' '
FIGURE 12 - SITE II PROPOSED FINAL RESTORATION PLAN
44
-------
ROPOSED
SEWAGE SLUDGE
TEST PLOT
SECTION DESK3NATIO
PROPOSED
INFILTRATION
DITCHES
EXTENT OF
STRIP MINE
SCALE: f= 300'
2000 2300
1 I I l
FIGURE 12 (Continued) • SITE II PROPOSED FINAL RESTORATION PLAN
45
-------
between cut and fill was 0.6%. Selected typical project site cross
sections with existing and proposed final ground elevations are
shown on Figures 13, 14, 15, and 16.
After completion of earth moving, the surface soil will
be analyzed at each project site and determinations will be made
of the soil additives required to establish appropriate growths of
grasses. On Site I, it is proposed to place appropriate amounts
of agricultural limestone, fertilizer, and seed. On Site II, it is
proposed to establish a 4.3-acre test plot (see Figure 12) to receive
a three-inch application of sewage sludge. The amount of sludge
required for this application (1,400 tons, assuming a sludge density
of 60 pounds per cubic foot) can be obtained from the Williamsport,
Pennsylvania, sewage treatment plant, located approximately 45 miles
south of the study area. On the remaining Site II acreage, it is
proposed to place appropriate amounts of agricultural limestone and
fertilizer. All restored areas within the project sites will be
revegetated. Grasses presently contemplated for seeding on the
sites are Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue, Birdsfoot Trefoil (Empire Type),
and Common Rye Grass at a proposed seeding rate of 20, six, and four
pounds per acre, respectively. Full survival of these grasses is
anticipated, barring drought conditions.
It is proposed that infiltration ditches be constructed
immediately downhill from the 4.3-acre test plot. These ditches
would capture and allow infiltration of surface runoff from the
test plot, thereby preventing runoff to surface streams. The test
plot would be graded so that surface runoff from outside the test
plot would not flow onto it.
Expected Mine Drainage Quantity And Quality
After construction of preventive measures at Sites I and
II, the anticipated mine drainage quantity and quality at the af-
fected mine drainage discharges are shown in Table 13. Available
data are not adequate to precisely delineate the flow pattern of
water presently entering the mine workings through Site II and its
exit at specific discharge points. It is estimated that 90 percent
of the water infiltrating through Site II flows to mine drainage
discharge point 14 and 10 percent flows to mine drainage discharge
point 10. However, by monitoring mine drainage discharge points 10,
14, and 15, it is believed that this uncertainty will be resolved.
Project Schedule
The project schedule is presented in Figure 17. The
project starting date was November 30, 1972.
46
-------
1930
I9K)
1890
300
EXISTING GROUND-
PROPOSED
FINISHED GROUND
600
900
1200
1500
1800
1950
1930
1910
1890
1870
2100
S-37
SCALE :HOR4Z..r=3OO'
VERT. :l"=20'
SECTION 1000
FIGURE 13-SITE II CROSS SECTION 1000
-------
1910
-EXISTING GROUND
1890
r
1870
oo
1850
1910
PROPOSED V
RNISHED GROUND-
1830
1890
I
0
300
600
900
1200
1870
1850
1830
1500
1800
S-37
SCALE-HORIZ:l" = 300'
VERT :l"=20'
SECTION 1700
FIGURE 14-SITE II CROSS SECTION 1700
-------
1920
I9OO
I860
I860
1920
EXISTING GROUND
1900
1880
I860
u
PROPOSED
FINISHED GROUND-
1840
1840
r
o
300
600
—T~
900
1200
I5OO
1800
S-37
SCALE :HORIZ l"=3OO'
VERT :l"=20'
SECTION 2000
FIGURE 15-SITE II CROSS SECTION 2000
-------
1910
1890
1870
PROPOSED
RNISHED
GROUND
tn
O
1850
1910
.1830
r
o
EXISTING GROUND
1890
1870
\
1850
1830
300
600
900
1200
1500
1800
S-37
SCALE :HORIZ.;l"= 300'
VERT. :|" = 20'
SECTION 2300
FIGURE 16-SITE II CROSS SECTION 2300
-------
TABLE 13
FLOW
ACID MINE DRAINAGE FLOWS
AND MAJOR CONSTITUENTS AT EACH
DISCHARGE POINT AFTER CONSTRUCTION
TOTAL IRON
ACID (as C«CQ3)
Monitor-
ing
Station
3
4
S
6
3
4
5
6
3
4
5
G
Mine Drain-
ago Discharge
Poln*
5
10
14
IS
5
10
14
IS
S
10
14
IS
mod
2.30
1.25
0.74
0.32
4.61
7.99
4.49
2.64
1O1
16.26
16.91
9.28
5.48
2.ST
34.04
Reduc-
0.22
0.01
0.05
—.-- ;
0.28
1.03
0.02
0.18
— —
1.23
1.74
0.04
0.37
— -
2.15
I/sec
101
55
32
-Li
202
350
197
116
_ia
713
741
406
240
IM
1.491
Reduc-
tlon^
9
—
3
~
12
4S
1
7
—
53
76
2
16
—
94
Reduc- Reduc-
moA Ibs/dav tton^ kq/dav ^lon.
LOW GROUND WATER CONDITIONS
66.7 1.280 120 581 54
24.6 260 -- 116 2
48.3 300 20 135 10
17.1 50. _==. 21 _n
1.890 140 855 56
AVERAGE GROTTWn WATER CONDITIONS
56 3,730 480 1,690 220
20 750 — 340
42 920 70 420 30
15 HO. _r=, £i -=
5,540 550 2,510 250
HIGH GROUND WATER CONDITIONS
45 6.350 650 2,880 300
16 1.240 — S60 —
37 1,690 110 770 50
13 260 _n UP _=s
9,540 760 4.330 350
mtr/l
785
490
1.525
830
730
440
1.425
780
675
400
1,350
72S
Ib9/day
15.060
5.110
9,410
2,220
31.800
48.640
16,480
31,380
7.420
103.920
95.200
30.960
€1.700
I4.33Q
202,190
Rcduc-
tlon_
1.440
40
640
-^=.
2.120
6.280
70
2.130
_=.
8.480
9.790
130
4,160
— =
14.080
IcfT/dav
6,840
2,320
4,270
1.010
14,440
22.080
7.480
14.240
3.370
47.170
43.220
14.060
28,010
6.510
91.800
Reduc-
.,^0"
650
20
290
— ^IZ
960
2.850
30
970
_nr
3.850
4.440
50
1,890
•
6.380
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FIGURE 17
PROJECT SCHEDULE
TIME (III MONTHS) INTO THE PROJECT
6 12 13 24 30 36 42
-H H
-t-
L
J
_liL
J
12
I Ifi.
H 1—
48
1. Prepare For Monitoring
2. Monitoring Program
3. Survey; Prepare Plans & Specs.
4. Preliminary Engineering
5. Prepare Feasibility Report
6. Prepare Contract Documents
7. Bid and Award Contracts
8. Construction
9. Evaluate Project Effectiveness
10. Prepare & Submit Final Report
Program Surveillance Measures
Results of the demonstration project will be determined
by establishing reductions in pollutional loads through pre- and
post-construction monitoring and comparing these reductions to the
costs for the restoration work.
The evaluation of agricultural limestone and sewage
sludge as soil conditioners to improve growth of vegetation will
be verified by visual observations, and by cutting and weighing
the crops. All results will be summarized in the final report.
Program Emergency Procedures
Among the emergencies that could occur prior to satisfac-
tory completion of work at the project sites are: (1) flooding due
to heavy precipitation and runoff during stream channel construction,
(2) heavy precipitation after strip mine restoration but before a
vegetative cover is established, causing loss of select fill, soil
conditioners, and seed, and possibly creating a siltation problem
downstream, (3) inoperative monitoring station, and (4) stream
pollution by runoff of sewage sludge.
Flooding at Site I during the stream channel construc-
tion stage will be prevented by construction of temporary diversion
facilities deemed adequate to handle anticipated stream flows.
Post-construction flooding is not expected, since the stream channel
will carry approximately five times the one-in-ten-year flow and
52
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will integrate with the streambed upstream and downstream from
the project site. Riprap will be placed in the entire 1,174-foot
reconstructed stream channel on Site I. Site II topography is not
conducive to flooding.
Loss of soil and additives due to heavy precipitation will
be prevented by minimizing the time between placing select fill on
the final grade, analyzing the soil cover, adding soil conditioners,
seeding, and mulching. Once vegetation is established, this poten-
tial problem will be nearly eliminated.
Malfunctioning of one of the continuous flow monitoring
stations could become a potential emergency by causing a gap in
flow data being accumulated. The stations, built to withstand most
natural causes during the life of the project, are not vandal-proof.
Should a station become inoperative or damaged, a concerted effort
will be made to get it back in operation as soon as possible.
Potential stream pollution resulting from placing sewage
sludge on the proposed 4.3-acre plot will be minimized by grading
the surrounding area to control surface runoff. Infiltration
ditches capable of holding the runoff from a one-in-ten-year, 24-
hour-duration rainfall will be constructed immediately downhill
from the test plot. The locations of the proposed test plot and
the infiltration ditches are shown on Figure 12. A composite sam-
ple will be obtained of the water intercepted by the infiltration
ditches following the first significant rainfall. This sample will
be analyzed for fecal coliforms, and a sampling program will then
be established on the basis of these analytical results.
CAPITAL AND OPERATING COSTS
Site Acquisition Costs
The Department of Environmental Resources has absorbed all
legal fees and administrative costs connected with the acquisition
of easements for the project. All of the easements for this demon-
stration project have been secured. The easements obtained from
the respective property owners allow the right of entry to do all
work necessary for a completed project. No properties have been
purchased by the Department for this project.
Construction Costs
Estimated project costs, including those for construction
and engineering, are shown in Table 14.
53
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Construction Contracts
TABLE 14
ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS
gttgJ - Restore a 14-acre strip mine and reconstruct a stream
channel to prevent Infiltration of surface and ground water into
underlying deep mine workings.
Clear and grub 14 acres @ $350/acre $ 4,900
Backfill strip mine 137.300 yd3 @ S. 40/yd3 54.900
Place one foot of select fill 30, 700 yd3 @ $. 50 yd3 15.350
Una 1.174-foot stream channel/© $44/ft 51,660
Place 1,851 yd2 of riprap In channel/® $2 yd2 3,700
Lime, fertilize, and seed 19 acres © $175/acre 3,330
Mobilization, demobilization, and anti-pollution measures 10.000
Sub Total $143.840
+ 25% Contingency Factor 35.960
Total $179,800
Site II - Restore a 60-acre strip mine to prevent Infiltration
of surface water Into underlying deep mine workings.
Clear and grub 39 acres @ S350/acre $ 13.650
Backfill strip mine 422,000 yd3 @ $.40/yd3 168,800
Haul sludge to Site II 1,400 tons @ S2/ton 2,800
Spread sludge over 4. 3-acre plot 1,735 yd3 @ $. 75/yd3 1,300
Excavate Infiltration ditch below sludge plot 500
Ume, fertilize, and seed 55.7 acres @ $17S/acre 9,750
Mobilization, demobilization, and anti-pollution measures 10,000
Sub Total $206,800
+ 25% Contingency Factor 51. 7QQ
Total $258.500
Total Estimated Construction Costs $438,300
Reserve Available for Maintenance 13.700
Total Money Available
for Construction $452.000
Engineering Costs
Pro- and post-construction studies and report preparation $ 62,220
Monltorlng-gauglnq and sampling
Mileage and per diem 10.996
Laboratory charges 12.960
Total Monitoring Costs $ 23,956
Detailed survey work 21,000
Prepare construction plans and specifications 29,500
General inspection of construction 7,500
Publish report 2.104
Total Engineering Costs $146.280
Contract - Monitoring Stations
Furchase, assemble, construct and maintain monitoring stations 40,720
Resident Inspection of Construction (By Department) 37.500
Total Project Cost $676,500
54
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Operating Procedures
The Department will provide administrative supervision
for the project and will perform resident inspection of construction.
Gannett Fleming Corddry and Carpenter, Inc., will be responsible for
the engineering and evaluation aspects of the project, including the
monitoring program.
Personnel Requirements
A number of administrative and technical people from the
Department of Environmental Resources and Gannett Fleming Corddry
and Carpenter, Inc., will be involved in the project. Specific
personnel information are presented in the Implementation and
Operating Plan Section. A local citizen will be hired by Gannett
Fleming Corddry and Carpenter, Inc., to collect samples and maintain
the monitoring stations during the course of the project.
Operating Costs
By preparing tight construction plans and specifications
and by requiring contractors to adhere to them, maintenance costs
should be minimized during construction. It is expected that the
Department through its resident inspection of construction can
materially aid in minimizing maintenance costs. As noted in Table
14, $13,700 has been placed in reserve for whatever maintenance
after construction may be necessary.
55
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SECTION VII
EFFECTIVENESS OF PROJECT
Demonstration Value - The proportion of mine drainage
pollution abated will be determined at specific mine drainage
discharge points within the study area. Moreover, since the study
area is virtually the sole source of acid mine drainage in the
Tioga River watershed, reductions made at the specific discharge
points will directly affect river water quality.
Under average groundwater conditions, the estimated acid
mine drainage reductions at the affected discharge points resulting
from the proposed construction are seven percent in volume (1.23
million gallons), eight percent in acid loading (8,480 pounds), and
nine percent in iron loading (550 pounds). Reductions under low,
average, and high groundwater conditions are shown on Table 13.
In addition, implementation of this project will cause
flow and loading reductions from the affected mine drainage dis-
charges resulting from various rainfalls. Table 15 shows these
anticipated reductions from 24-hour rainfalls. As shown on Table
15, the reduction at MS-3 is the same for all three rainfall accu-
mulations because of the pool capacity in the strip mine at Site
I. Anticipated runoff from rainfall accumulations greater than one
inch would cause the pool in the strip mine to overflow without
additional infiltration into the deep mine complex.
TABLE 15
FLOW AND LOADING REDUCTIONS
RESULTING FROM VARIOUS 24-HOUR RAINFALLS
Rainfall
Accumulation
(Inches)
Site
1
II
II
Totals
Affected
Monitoring
Station
Affected
Mine Drains-je Flow
Discharge (MG1
5
10
14
8.55
0. 14
.L_30
9. 99
Acid
(Pounds)
Iron
(Pounds)
48,100 3.210
467 19
14,640 400
63.200 3.630
I
II
II
Totals
5 8. 55 48,100 3,210
10 0. 28 934 38
14 2. 60 19jJ.80 800
11.40 78.300 4.040
I
II
II
Totals
5 8.55 48,100 3.210
10 0.42 1,401 57
14 3. 90 43,920 1,200
12.90 93,400 4,470
56
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The approximate cost per ton of acid abated has been
calculated by utilizing the total tons of acid per year that will
be eliminated by construction of preventive measures (1,550 tons
per year under average groundwater conditions), and construction
cost data. To arrive at an estimated construction cost for this
project, the following items were included: (1) detailed survey
work ($21,000), preparation of construction plans and specifications
($29,000), general inspection of construction ($7,000), resident
inspection of construction ($37,500), and construction contracts
($452,000). Total estimated construction cost is $547,500. This
cost does not include preparation of reports or monitoring. Cal-
culating the cost of abatement for one year yields a cost of $353
per ton of acid. Since the effect of the mine drainage abatement
continues every year, the unit cost can be calculated simply by di-
viding the one year unit cost by the number of years. For example,
the unit cost of abatement for a ten-year period is $353/10 = $35.30
per ton of acid.
Reductions in acid mine drainage resulting from this
demonstration project will cause an improvement in downstream
Tioga River water quality. This improvement will result from
decreased acid, iron, and dissolved solids loadings.
Public Benefits
This subject has been discussed in the Inventory and
Forecast Section. Regarding aesthetics, the construction will
significantly improve the appearance of both project sites. By
utilizing the existing large piles of dirt and rock to fill the
broad gashes in two separate hillsides, the areas will be restored
to approximate pre-mining conditions.
57
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SECTION VIII
IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATING PLAN
Overall responsibility for completion of this project
rests with the Department of Environmental Resources. Responsibil-
ity for performing technical services rests with Gannett Fleming
Corddry and Carpenter, Inc. Technical responsibilities include,
but are not limited to, monitoring, detailed survey work, prepara-
tion of construction plans and specifications, general inspection
of construction, and preparation of reports.
A schedule covering design, construction, operation, and
surveillance is presented in the Preliminary Engineering Section.
Insofar as the acquisition schedule is concerned, the Department
has secured all easements necessary for this project.
There are two potential maintenance problems associated
with this project. The most serious would be the failure to estab-
lish an initial vegetative cover on the project sites. An extra or-
dinarily heavy rainfall and runoff could destroy the restored stream
channel. As described in the Preliminary Engineering Section, it is
expected that implementation of construction plans and specifications
will minimize these problems. As shown in Table 14, an allocation
of $13,700 has been made for anticipated maintenance during the life
of the project. No additional operation and maintenance budget has
been established for the post-demonstration period, since the recon-
struction work is designed to require minimum maintenance. The
secured easements will reduce the need for maintenance.
Financial funding of the demonstration project is jointly
shared by the Department and EPA. The Department will commit 33.S
percent C$226,500) of the project costs from "Land and Water Con-
servation Act" funds and EPA will commit 66.5 percent ($450,000)
from "Federal Water Pollution Control Act" funds. These funds have
already been appropriated and will be used to pay invoices as they
are submitted and approved.
Personnel involved with this project represent the
Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Environmental
Resources, and Gannett Fleming Corddry and Carpenter, Inc. The
Project Officer is Eugene F. Harris of the Environmental Protection
Agency. Key Department personnel are A. E. Friedrich, John J.
Demchalk, and Edward R. Bates, all from the Division of Mine Area
Restoration, and A. E. Molinski and Natesa Jayaraman of the Ebensburg
District Office for Resources Management. A Department organization
chart is shown on Figure 18.
58
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DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
SECRETARY
r
OFFICE OF PUBLIC
INFORMATION
COMPTROLLER
DEPUTY FOR
LEGISLATION AND BOARDS
WARDS JW3 COUUISSttNS
PTIZENS ADVISORY COUNCIL
STATE KAMO rcM CERTIFICATION
Or StWACC TREATHENr «J*T
AM «*TER
tn
FIGURE 18-ORGANIZATION CHART DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
-------
Gannett Fleming Corddry and Carpenter, Inc., can draw
from more than 300 employees within the Pollution Control Division
to accomplish this project. General responsibility for providing
the necessary technical services rests with the Mine Drainage
Control Group within the Special Projects Section. The Design
Section will prepare the construction plans and specifications,
as well as perform the detailed survey work. General inspection
of construction will be conducted by the Construction - Inspection
Section.
The project schedule has been developed so that the
project may be completed in an orderly manner. General supervision
of construction will be carried out by Gannett Fleming Corddry and
Carpenter, Inc., while the Department of Environmental Resources
will provide resident supervision. Any required post-demonstration
supervision and surveillance will be provided by the Department.
Responsibility for project progress and final reports
rests with Gannett Fleming Corddry and Carpenter, Inc. Progress
reports will be submitted on a monthly and quarterly basis during
the course of this project. The final report will be prepared and
submitted four years after commencing work on the project providing
the project is conducted according to the proposed schedule depicted
in Figure 17.
60
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SECTION IX
REFERENCES
1. Gannett Fleming Corddry and Carpenter, Inc., "Acid Mine Drainage
Abatement Measures for Selected Areas Within The Susquehanna
River Basin," United States Department of the Interior, Federal
Water Pollution Control Administration, Contract No. WA 66-21
(1968) .
2. U. S. Corps of Engineers' Investigative Survey, "Occurrence And
Effects of Mine Drainage in the Tioga River Basin," (February
1972).
3. O'Brien and Gere Engineers, Inc., "Upper Tioga Water Supply
Study," Upper Tioga River Watershed Association, Blossburg,
Pennsylvania, (July 1971).
61
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SECTION X
GLOSSARY OF TERMS, ABBREVIATIONS, AND SYMBOLS
cfs
Department
FWPCA
kg/day
Ibs./day
I/sec
mgd
mg/1
MS
Project Site
Study Area
Cubic feet per second - rate of flow
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Resources
Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration
Kilograms per day - mass flow rate
Pounds per day - mass flow rate
Liters per second - rate of flow
Million gallons per day - rate of flow
Milligrams per liter - concentration
Monitoring Station
Recommended site for proposed pollution
abatement construction
Morris Run Study Area as defined in the
1968 FWPCA Report
62
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO.
EPA-600/2-76-106
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSIOI*NO.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Tioga River Mine Drainage Abatement Project
5. REPORT DATE
June 1976 (Issuing Date)
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHOR(S)
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO
Anton F. Miorin* Russell S. Klingensmith*
Richard E. Heizer*
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Department of Environmental Resources
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
EHE 625 05-02-04A-04
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
14010 HIN
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati. Ohio 45268
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Feasibility Study - Final
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA - ORD
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
*Gannett Fleming Corddry and Carpenter, Inc., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17105
16. ABSTRACT
The Tioga River Demonstration Project in southeastern Tioga County, Pennsylvania,
is essentially defined by an isolated pocket of coal that has been extensively deep
and strip mined within the Pennsylvania Bituminous Coal Field. The Tioga River
watershed is subjected to acid mine drainage from abandoned mines in the vicinity of
the Borough of Blossburg and the Village of Morris Run.
The proposed demonstration project is recommended: (1) to demonstrate effective
techniques for mine drainage abatement, (2) to reduce a specific mine drainage
problem, and (3) to restore portions of a mined area to their approximate originial
surface grade. Techniques to be demonstrated include: restoration of strip pits
utilizing agricultural limestone and sewage sludge as soil conditioners, burial of
acid-forming materials within strip mines that are to be restored, and reconstruction
and lining of a stream channel.
7.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
c. COSATI Field/Group
Watersheds
Mines (Excavations)
Drainage
Coal Mining
Pollution Abatement
Tioga County, PA
Acid Mine Drainage
Surface Mine Reclamation
08/H, 08/G
3. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Release to Public
19. SECURITY CLASS (ThisReport)
Unclassified
21. NO. OF PAGES
71
20. SECURITY CLASS (Thispage)
Unclassified
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73)
63
OUSGPO: 1976 — 657-695/5438 Region 5-11
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