PROJECTS
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
CINCINNATI, OHIO
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MINE DRAINAGE POLLUTION CONTROL
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
1968
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MINE DRAINAGE POLLUTION CONTROL
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Stream pollution resulting from mining operations is a serious problem
in the United States. Annually approximately 500 billion gallons of mine
drainage containing 5 to 10 million tons of acid pollute over 10,000 miles
of surface streams and more than 15,000 acres of impounded waters. Recogniz-
ing the significance of the mine drainage pollution problem, the Federal
Water Pollution Control Administration (FWPCA) of the U. S. Department of
the Interior has launched a program to prevent and control this source of
pollution.
To find solutions to the complex mine drainage problem, FWPCA has
initiated a broad research program, including research by its own staff
and support of research and development by industry, universities, State
Government, and research firms. Research and development grants and
contracts were made available under the 1966 amendments to the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act.
During fiscal year 1968, the number of mine drainage projects supported
by FWPCA increased several fold. For those who have interests in this
field, this formal listing of current projects has been compiled. As
other projects are initiated, addenda to the loose-leaf folio will be
made available. Those wishing to receive these new sheets, as issued,
may request them of:
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Mine Drainage Pollution Control Activities
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
U.S. Department of the Interior
4676 Columbia Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45226
Other information and application forms for research and development
grants and contracts can be obtained also from the Mine Drainage Pollution
Control Activities, or from:
Office of Research and Development
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
U.S. Department of the Interior
633
Washington, D. C. 20242
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FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
IN-HOUSE RESEARCH
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PROJECT TITLE: Acid Mine Drainage Demonstration Project #1
PROJECT SITE: Coalton, West Virginia
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This project was initiated in 1964 near Elkins, West
Virginia. Here a large drift mine had been extensively strip rained along
the outcrop. As much as 80,000 pounds of acid was discharging daily to
Tygart River from the mining complex. The project sought to determine
what might be the effects on water quality in the receiving stream if water
were diverted away from the deep mine and if land reclamation were applied
to the surface mines. During this reclamation, some 450 subsidence holes
were filled and 12.5 miles of surface mines were reclaimed. Both wet and
dry mine seals were built. The reclamation work was completed in November
1967. In the spring of 1968 the disturbed land was revegetated to prevent
erosion and water pollution.
The effectiveness of the reclamation project in reducing
water pollution is now being determined through a program of water samples
and analysis, and air S£unpling of the atmosphere within the mines.
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PROJECT TITLE: Chemical Treatment of Mine Drainage
PROJECT SITE: Norton, Vest Virginia
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Methods of chemically treating mine drainage will be studied.
Initial studies will be conducted to optimize the neutralization of acid
mine drainage with lime and limestone.
The chemical treatment of residues from other mine drainage treatment
processes will also be studied. Initial tests will be conducted on the
treatment of the brine from a reverse osmosis unit treating acid mine
drainage.
Project was initiated in 1968.
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PROJECT TITLE: Handling and Disposal of Residues from Mine Drainage
Treatment Systems
PROJECT SITE: Norton, West Virginia
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The handling and disposal of sludges and brines produced by mine
drainage treatment systems are major problems. This investigation will
determine the characteristics of these residual materials and evaluate
various methods of handling and disposing of them. Initial studies will
include disposal to abandoned strip pits and underground mines of reverse
osmosis brine and neutralization process sludges.
Project was initiated in 1968.
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PROJECT TITLE: Reverse Osmosis Treatment of Mine Drainage
PROJECT SITE: Norton, West Virginia
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This is a cooperative project between the Office of Saline Water
and FWPCA to study the treatment of acid mine drainage by reverse osmosis.
Areas being studied include: membrane life under acid conditions, maximizing
water recovery rates, salt rejection, iron removal and membrane cleaning.
Project was initiated January 1968.
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GRANTS AND CONTRACTS
AWARDED
UNDER SECTIONS 5 AND 6
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT
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PROJECT TITLE: Sulfide Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage
PROJECT NUMBER: WPRD 271-01
GRANTEE: Bituminous Coal Research, Incorporated
350 Hochberg Road
Monroeville, Pennsylvania 15146
PROJECT SITE: Allegheny County, Monroeville, Pennsylvania
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $77,690
FEDERAL GRANT: $54,380 - Awarded June 1968
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 6, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This project involves laboratory process studies on the recovery
of sulfide reagents from sludge, production of sulfides from coal refuse
material and optimization of various unit operations in the sulfide
treatment of acid mine drainage process. Engineering and costs evaluation
of the system projected to full industrial scale operation will be made.
If these evaluations are favorable, a pilot plant and later a demonstration
plant will be considered.
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PROJECT TITLE: Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage - Sulfur and Iron Recovery
PROJECT NUMBER: 1A-12-52V
CONTRACTOR: Black, Sivalls and Bryson, Incorporated
7500 East 12l.h Street
Kansas City, Missouri ^126
PROJECT SITE: Kansas Ciiv, Missouri
TOTAL PHOJECI COST: $250,000
FEDERAL GRAM: $250,000
CONTRACT PERIOD: April 18, iVbV through April 17, 1970
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
A process has been described whereby acid mine drainage will be
i.rea*. ed '.o produce a high quality wa. er and iron and sulfur will be recovered
fron the wasUs material. During this project the feasibility of this process
will be dol ernined and laboratory studies will be conducted on some of the
unknown areas.
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PROJECT TITLE: Acid Mine Drainage - Pilot Plant Evaluation
PROJECT NUMBER: U010 DO
ORANTEE: Carnegie-Mellon Institute
U*00 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
TOTAL PROJECT COST:
FEDERAL GRANT: $W>
PROJECT PERIOD: Ociober 1, 1V68 through September 30,
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The runosc of ;.he research is ..o advance the understanding of the
effect of microbiological factors of formation of acid mine drainage. It
is intended -o demonstrate the feasibility of a meihod for quantification
of baolorical-chcmical reactions and I heir rates of production of acid mine
wa! P-r. The s;udy involves a systematic applicai ion of selected environmental
and ->h -sical factors into a labora. ory test model :o simulate acid mine
drainage formation conditions as i.hey occur in ..he field ar>i to measure
i heir --ffccL.
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PROJECT TITLE: Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage - Desulfating
PROJECT NUMBER: 14-12-518
CONTRACTOR: Catalytic Construction Company
1528 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Iyl02
PROJECT SITE: Norton, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
TOTAL PROJECT COST: 403^,000
FEDERAL GRANT: W30,UOO
CONTRACT PERIOD: April 7, 1V6V through April 6, 1V71
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The barium sulfate ion exchange process for the treatment of acid
mine drainage will be studied. Specifically small laboratory feasibility
studies will be conducted at Norton, West Virginia. The marketability of
barium sulfate will be determined and a feasibility of the basic desul-
fating process as applied to the treatment of acid mine drainage will
be studied. If applicable, a pilot plant will be constructed and the
process further evaluated.
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PROJECT TITLE]: Microbiological Removal of Iron from Mine Drainage Waters
PROJECT NUMBER: WPRD 36-01-68
GRANTEE: Continental Oil Company
P. 0. Drawer 126?
Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601
PROJECT SITE: Ponca City, Oklahoma
TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT COST: $115,996
FEDERAL GRANT: $75,886 - Awarded August 8, 1967
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 6, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The removal of iron from acid mine drainage waters will be examined
using two different microorganisms. First, iron oxidizing bacteria will
be used to convert the iron from the ferrous form to a ferric iron precip-
itate. Then sulfate reducing bacteria will be utilized to precipitate the
iron as iron sulfide. Upon completion of the laboratory testing, field
studies will be accomplished using lagoons.
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PROJECT TITLE: Research, Development and Field Testing of Mine Water
Pollution Abatement Methods
PROJECT NUMBER: 14-12-453
GRANTEE: Halliburton Company
Duncan, Oklahoma 73533
PROJECT SITE: Clarksburg, West Virginia
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $322,000
FEDERAL CONTRACT: $322,000 - Awarded July 1968
Research and Development Contract awarded under Section 6, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
To conduct research and development of techniques and materials
for rapid building of bulkheads to permit more efficient mine sealing
(grouting). Laboratory and field work will be conducted to develop
more efficient pneumatic placement of plugs and bulkheads and render them
impermeable after placement. Further techniques will be developed for
plugging a high flow mine and the feasibility of developing plugs of
controlled permeability will be determined. The work to be performed, will
expand present knowledge so as to have greater applicability of this
sealing method as well as provide more realistic assessment of the
technique's limitations in controlling mine drainage.
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PROJECT TITLE: Xicrobial Mediation in Generation of Acid Kine Wastes
PROJECT NUMBER: IUQIO DTC
GRANTEE: Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
PROJECT SITK: Cambridge, Massachusetts
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $27.018
FEDERAL GRAN1: $25,667
CONTRACT PERIOD: July 1. Iv6«' through June 30. 1970
Research and Devcloomen- Grant awarded under Sec:ion 5, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJEC'] DESCRIPTION:
1. 'io develon a field method which permits measurements of the
svnihe'ic activity of auto\rophic iron bacteria in situ.
2. To perform field studies wi'h carbon-1/*.
3. a. Measure insitu, the activity of autotrophic bacteria directly
or indirectly involvr-d in oxidation of pyritic agglomerates.
b. Compare microbial activity of various locations in the mine,
.i.e.. vapar nhase and liquid phase reaci ion sites, and interrelate these
findinrs wi>h results on chemical analysis for pH, Fe (II), Fe (III),
acidity, SO^-2.
U. Comparison of mine wa'. ers which differ i.n 1 he rate of acidity
production in an attempt, to elucidate the chemical and biological factors
responsible for th^se differences.
5. Evaluation of the results with regard 1 o possible modes of con-
trol of microbial activity.
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PROJECT TITLE: Oxidation of Iron in Acid Mine Waters
PROJECT NUMBER: PH 36-66-10?
GRANTEE: Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
PROJECT SITE: Cambridge, Massachusetts
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $40,000
FEDERAL CONTRACT: $40,000 - Awarded March 1966
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The purpose of this project is to study the oxidation of ferrous
iron under acid mine drainage conditions. The following specific areas
will be studied: to determine rate of air oxidation of ferrous iron in
the presence of sulfate within the pH range 2-5, to determine rate of
ferric iron hydrolysis within the pH range 2-5, to investigate the
colloid-chemistry properties of hydrolyzed iron (III), and to investigate
the above under the effect of the following catalysts (Mn+2, Cu+2, Si(OH)i ,
. Project win end December 1968.
Publications: Kinetics of the Oxidation of Ferrous Iron, Phillip Singer
and Werner Stumm, Second Symposium on Coal Mine Drainage Research, Mellon
Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 1968.
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PROJECT TIVLE: Treatment of Acid Mine Drainane - Foam Fractionation
PROJECT NUMBER: LU-12-/v96
CONTRACTOR: Horizons, Incorporated
2905 East 7vih Street
Cleveland, Ohio 4410A
PROJECT SI-'E: Cleveland, Ohio
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $^9,300
FEDERAL GRANT: U9.300
CONTRACT PERIOD: February 28. 1969 throurh January 31, 1970
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
1. 'Io find a single detergent or simple mixture of detergents t.hat
would remove iron manganese, alui.iinum, and Calcitun under mine drainage
conditions.
2. To locat-- dei.ergents thai would be specific to each ion indiv-
idually.
3. To prepare a repor. indicating ohe feasibility of removing
iran. manranese. al'iminun, and calcium from acid mine drainage by foam
fraction and estimated cost of such a process LO treat flows of 0.1 and
1 mp.d.
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PROJEC'l TITLE: Treatmen . of Acid Mine Drainage - Reverse Osmosis
PROJECT NUHHKR: U-12-525
CONTRACTOR: r,ulf General Atomic, Incorporated
P. 0. Box 008
San Diep,o, California
PROJECT SITE: Norton, Wesu Virginia
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $107,155
FEDERAL GRANT: $107,155
CONTRACT PERIOD: April 7, 1969 through October 1^
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
1. SurjTjlv engineering services and equipment npcessary to provide
••>ne t.,000 r.nd reverse osmosis plant for operation on mine drainage including
SF . s of hifh sr:l.cctivity and irr.ermedia-.e selectivii.y-nifh flux modules.
2. Conduct and supervise, FWPCA personnel in conducting a series
of fi'ild test ox^eriJnfinJ..s on each of two mine drainapo sites LO determine
-ho applicability of reverse osmosis 10 producing water for discharfe into
S'reams or for domestic or industrial purposes.
3. Conduct laboratory experiments and investigations to support
i he2 overall oro^ram.
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PROJECT TITLE: Flocculai-ion and Clarification of Mineral Suspensions
PROJECT NUMBER: WP-01^7
GRANTEE: University of Minnesota
Minneapolis. Minnesota !;5/t55
PROJECT SITE: Minneanolis, Minnesota
FEDKRAL GRANT: fy,2«8
CON'IRACT PERIOD: January 1. 1^6'- through December 31, 1969
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The proposed investigation will be aimed at developing a mechanisn
for the combined use of a multivalent cation and a polymeric flocculani,
arrivinp a', i he most effective choice and use for Lhe control of water
nollu ion problems, and establishing ^he effed. of size distribution on
floe fornaj ion and clarificat ion.
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PROJECT TITLE: A Pilot-Scale Study of Acid Mine Drainage
PROJECT NUMBER: Contract No. 14-12-97
GRANTEE: Ohio State University Research Foundation
1314 Kinnear Road
Columbis, Ohio 43212
PROJECT SITE: Vinton County, Ohio
FEDERAL CONTRACT: $40,301 - Awarded June 30, 196?
$39,000 - Additional fund awarded August 1968
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 6, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The project is designed to establish a systems research approach
to the investigation of acid mine drainage. The study will attempt to
define the controlling factors and to assess the significance of acidic
conditions in abandoned or currently inactive mines, and in areas of
future mining. Attempts will be made to assess the characteristics of
acid formation, to establish systems to monitor adequately the variables
selected, and to attack the problem with suitable abatement measures.
The activities will include two types of research: (l) research
concerned with a comprehensive chemical, bacteriological study of the
sulfide-to sulfate reaction to establish the rate-controlling mechanism;
the sequence of intermediate reactions; and the significance of intermed-
iate substances in the process; and (2) research directed toward designing
and establishing a complex and well controlled experimental (model) area
where the effects of mining on acid mine waters and on the general recovery
of the mining area can be investigated and evaluated on a continuing
basis.
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PROJECT TITLE: Acid Mine Drainage - An Analysis of the State of the Art
PROJECT NUMBER: WP-01328-01
GRANTEE: Ohio State University Research Foundation
1314 Kinnear Road
Columbus, Ohio 43212
PROJECT SITE: Columbus, Ohio
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $32,044
FEDERAL CONTRACT: $32,044 - Awarded February 1968
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 5, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Phase I
This phase, comprising the first six months, has the primary purpose
of producing an immediate critical review of available acid mine drainage
information, and of the approaches in use toward solving the overall
problem. This review will be compiled in an interim report which will
identify significant accomplishments, and will provide a sound base for
immediate planning of comprehensive and coordinated research needs and
areas of greatest potential for the solving of the acid mine drainage
problem.
Phase II
This phase, comprising the second six month period, will be
essentially a continuation of Phase I in that work can be continued as
required in any of the areas reviewed. This final phase of the work will
terminate upon submittal to FWPCA of the major State of the Art report in
early 1968.
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PROJECT TITLE: Study of the Sulfide-to Sulfate Reaction Mechanism
PROJECT NUMBER: WP-00340-0?
GRANTEE: Ohio State University Research Foundation
1314 Kinnear Road
Columbus, Ohio 43212
PROJECT SITE: Columbus, Ohio
TOTAL COSTs $24,934 - Awarded June 1968
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 6, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This project is designed to point out the important physical and
chemical parameters related to the kinetics of the sulfide-to sulfate
reaction. The data observed will be interpreted in light of suggested
mechanisms to explain the observed kinetics.
Project Period: June 1, 1968 - May 31, 1969 (1 year)
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PROJECT TITLE: Lime/Limestone Neutralization of Acid-Mine Drainage
PROJECT NU11BER: 14010DAX (WPRD-272)
GRANTEE: Peabody Coal Company
301 North Memorial Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63102
PROJECT I»3TiJ: rfill Scarlet Mine, Carrier Mills, Illinois
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $692,000
FEDERAL GRANT: $472,400 - Awarded August 7, 1968
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This project is for the design, construction, and operation of a
full-scale demonstration plant for the neutralization of acid mine drain-
age from the Will Scarlet Mine utilizing lime and limestone.
Time of project: 2~ years
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PROJECT TITLE: Construction of Mine Water Treatment Plant at
Hollywood, Pennsylvania
PROJECT NUMBER: WPRD-34
GRANTEE: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Mines & Mineral Industries
660 Boas Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
SUBCONTRACTOR: Pennsylvania State University
PROJECT SITE: Hollywood, Pennsylvania
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $1,000,000
FEDERAL GRANT: $700,000 - Awarded June 1968
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 6, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This project is constructing a 300,000 gallon-per-day acid mine
water neutralization treatment plant to be experimentally operated to
evaluate performance and costs. Plant design is suited to obtaining cost
data for the application of this type of facility by the coal industry
and is amenable to experimenting with innovations to reduce costs and/or
operational problems. The plant is designed for two basic processes,
with variations to permit five separate process options. The University
will arrange for the purchase, delivery, and installation of plant equip-
ment and building construction, plus proper display of the facility.
Using various neutralizing agents, the operational program will consist
of individual two-week process periods and two-day sub-periods for
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Project WPRD-31* (Con' t.)
testing specific combinations of variables. Tests will be conducted to
determine plant capacity and to evaluate such process elements as flash
mixing, settling, sludge disposal, sludge handling, filtration, influence
of pH, the use of catalysts to enhance oxidation of ferrous iron, micro-
biological oxidation of ferrous iron, corrosion, and sludge scaling.
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PROJECT TITLE: Optimization and Development of Improved Chemical
Techniques for the Treatment of Coal Mine Drainage
PROJECT NUMBER: WPRD-63
GRANTEE: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Mines & Mineral Industries
660 Boas Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
SUBCONTRACTOR: Bituminous Coal Research
PROJECT SITE: Monroeville, Pennsylvania
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $150,000
FEDERAL GRANT: $105,000 - Awarded January 17, 1968
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 6, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The project is conducting laboratory studies to develop an improved
process for the control and prevention of water pollution by drainage from
coal mines. This will include a literature search, bench-scale studies
and process design, evaluation and application. The basic process is
the use of limestone for neutralization. Various catalysts for increasing
the iron oxidation rate will also be evaluated.
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PROJECT TITLE: Neutralization and Precoat Filtration of Concentrated
Sludges from Mine Water
PROJECT NUMBER: WPRD-150
GRANTEE: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Mines & Mineral Industries
660 Boas Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
SUBCONTRACTOR: Johns-Manville Products Corporation
PROJECT SITE: Sites in Pennsylvania to be selected
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $100,770
FEDERAL GRANT: $70,539 - Awarded June 1968
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 6, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The project is directed at providing a cost-effectiveness evaluation
of various neutralization processes in the treatment of acid mine drainage.
Sludge disposal problems will be studied with emphasis on precoat filtration.
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PROJECT TITLE: Application of Bacteriophages to Eliminate Mine Acids
PROJECT NUMBER: WPRD-164-01-68
GRANTEE: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Mines & Mineral Industries
660 Boas Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
SUBCONTRACTOR: MSA Research Corporation
PROJECT SITE: Washington and Green Counties, Pennsylvania
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $123,723
FEDERAL GRANT: $86,484 - Awarded June 1968
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 6, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This project will provide data to demonstrate the feasibility of
using organisms to inhibit the activity of acid producing bacteria. This
will include investigations into the isolation, identification and culture
of these inhibitory organisms. Cultures will be developed from natural
"sweet" waters of nearby mines and the organisms then tested for their
inhibitory action on those bacteria normally present in acid mine effluents.
If inhibitory action is proved, 10,000-15,000 gallons of such "sweet"
waters will be pumped into two different types of acid-producing mines.
The effluents of those mines will then be monitored over a period of
several months to establish the effect of the inoculation.
Concurrently, studies will be carried out to determine the rates
of movement of bacteria and of potential inhibitory organisms through
synthetic coal piles.
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PROJECT TITLE: Study of the Use of Inert Gases to Eliminate Acid
Pollution from Abandoned Deep Mines
PROJECT NUMBER: WPRD-22?
GRANTEE: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Mines & Mineral Industries
660 Boas Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
SUBCONTRACTOR: Cyrus William Rice & Company
PROJECT SITE: Ohiopyle State Park
Fayette County, Pennsylvania
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $54,1A3
FEDERAL GRANT: $37,900 - Awarded May 1968
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 6, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Phase I
An abandoned drift mine of approximately 200 acres will be sealed,
and air blowing and monitoring equipment installed. The air leak rate
from the mine will be determined by correlating variable air input rates
to barometric pressure and temperature changes in the mine. Phase I will
require about six months to complete. If filling a mine with inert gas is
found feasible at the completion of Phase I, a second phase of actually
filling the mine will be considered.
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PROJECT TITLE: Study of the Use of In situ Precipitation of Sludge
Resulting from Reaction of Mine Water with Low Cost
Additives in an Abandoned Mine to Prevent Mine
Drainage Pollution
PROJECT NUMBER: WPRD-242
GRANTEE: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Mines & Mineral Industries
660 Boas Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
SUBCONTRACTOR: Parsons-Jurden Corporation
PROJECT SITE: Cambria County, Pennsylvania
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $325,034.60
FEDERAL GRANT: $227,524.20 - Awarded June 1968
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 6, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This project is developing and testing an in situ technique for
injecting a mixture or slurry of various neutralizing and filler
materials into an abandoned mine. The initial phase of the study will
involve a four month series of laboratory tests to confirm the technical
feasibility of the method and to evaluate site selection.
Phase II will be the pilot installation and demonstration of the
technique, treating part, or all, of an abandoned mine.
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PROJECT TITLE: Use of Latex as a Soil Sealant to Control Acid Mine
Waste Drainage
PROJECT NUMBER: WPRD-252
GRANTEE: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Mines & Mineral Industries
660 Boas Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
SUBCONTRACTOR: Uniroyal, Incorporated
PROJECT SITE: Clearfield County, Cooper Township, Pennsylvania
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $259,770
FEDERAL GRANT: $181,839 - Awarded June 1968
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 6, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The project is attempting to provide a latex rubber seal between
surface water and an underground mine. This will reduce the amount of
water percolating through the soil into the mine and reduce the flow of
mine waters. The project will proceed in three phases:
Phase I
Laboratory Investigation - to study soil characterization
of core samples - determining percolation rates, pH profiles
and analyzing the mineral content, bacterial content, and
particle size of the soil. Soil sealants will be tested to
determine the best formulation.
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Project WPRD-252 (Con't.)
Phase II
Preparation of Field Application - to study the natural
characteristics of the soil and its acid characteristics for
coagulation of the latex.
Phase III
Application and Field Evaluation - to demonstrate application
of the latex to the soil, coagulation, and evaluation of the
properties of the test site and the contiguous control area.
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PROJECT TITLE: Evaluation of Pollution Abatement Procedures in the
Moraine State Park, Butler County, Pennsylvania
PROJECT NUMBER: WPRD-260
GRANTEE: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Mines & Mineral Industries
660 Boas Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
SUBCONTRACTOR: Gwin Engineers
PROJECT SITE: Butler County, Pennsylvania
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $21,600
FEDERAL GRANT: $15,120 - Awarded June 1968
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 6, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The project seeks to ascertain the effectiveness of various remedial
procedures which have been applied to a large Western Pennsylvania State
Park so that judgment may be made relative to widespread application of
the procedures to specific pollution abatement projects. Water quality
and quantity measurements will be made at sampling points throughout the
Muddy Creek Watershed*
Time: August 1, 1968 through July 30, 1971, (3 years)
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PROJECT TITLE: Abatement of Acid Mine Drainage Pollution by
Reverse Osmosis
PROJECT NUMBER: WPRD-261-01
GRANTEE: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Mines & Mineral Industries
660 Boas Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
SUBCONTRACTOR: Haven Industries
PROJECT SITE: Site in Pennsylvania to be selected
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $39,426
FEDERAL GRANT: $27,598 - Awarded June 1968
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 6, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The project consists of two phases:
Phase I
This phase is to establish general technical parameters for the
design and construction of a 10,000 GPD reverse osmosis pilot
plant.
Phase II
This phase is to design, construct and operate at 10,000 GPD
reverse osmosis pilot plant for 90 days to define optimum
parameters for construction of a 250,000 GPD plant.
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PROJECT TITLE: Catawissa Creek Mine Drainage Pollution Abatement Process
PROJECT NUMBER: WPRD-2&
GRANTEE: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Mines & Mineral Industries
660 Boas Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
SUBCONTRACTOR: Gannett, Fleming, Corddry, and Carpenter, Incorporated
PROJECT SITE: Schuylkill and Luzerne Counties, Pennsylvania
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $522,200
FEDERAL GRANT: $365,5W> - Awarded June 1968
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 6, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The project is designed to confirm previous estimates of cost and
effectiveness of mine drainage pollution abatement procedures and to evaluate
the prevention of mine drainage by plugging three existing drainage tunnels
within an isolated pocket of coal known as the South Green Mountain Basin.
The principle is to inundate the mine to prevent the formation of acid.
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PROJECT TITLt: Study of uhe Use of Inert Gas to Eliminate Acid Pollution
from Abandoned Deep Mines
PROJECT NUMBER: U010 EFL
GRANTEE: Department of Mines & Mineral Industries
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
660 Boas Street
Harrisburp, Pennsylvania 17102
SUBCONTRACTOR: Cyrus ton. Rice & Company
PROJECT SITE: Ohiopyle State Park. Fayette County, Pennsylvania
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $f.i?.8&>
FEDERAL GRANT: &*5.884
CCN1RAC1 PERIOD: July 1, l«J6v through June 30. 1V70
Research and Development Gran;- awarded under Seciion 6b, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
I1- is proposed to continue the study on the use of inert gas, pre-
"iously funded as WPRD-22?. It is planned to study two mines, (15 acres
and 50 acres resped ively) and to determine the gas requirements needed
to naint.ain a positive pressure in each of these mines during barometric
cycles. The maintaining of positive pressures of inert gas will displace
all of the oxygen, thus greatly reducing the acid forming potential of
these mines. The information thus gained should be applicable to a great
many mines.
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PROJECT TITLE: Development and Optimization of the Limestone Treatment
of Coal Mine Drainage
PROJECT NUMBER: LW10 EIZ
GRANTEE: Depanmen. of Mines & Xdneral Industries
Commonweal'i h of Pennsylvania
660 Boas Street
Harrisonrp. Pennsylvania 17102
SUBCONTRACTOR: BUuminous Coal Research
PROJECT SITE: PiUsburph, Pennsylvania
TOTAL PROJEC1 COST: $106,^80
FEDERAL GRANT: $?/».l. 3 6
CONTRACT PERIOD: Jul' 1, 196° through June 30, 1970
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 6b, Federal Water
Pollution Control AcL.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Phase I. Labora. on Studies
1. Chendcalcomr-oHtlcmand physical properties of limestones such
as panicle size, surface area, densii.y, and others as necessary for evalu-
a:.ion will be. dc'.enuined. Neutralizai.ion curves, effected by the change
in r>H resul-ing from .he addi'-ion of limestone and a suitable oxidizing
apent 10 simulated and/or acvual mine water, will be used to evaluate the
limes'ones as neutralizing agents for mine water. The number of limestones
o be examined will be determined as T,ime perr'iii.s and will be selected on
consultation wii,h industry and with the project sponsors.
2. Data obtained from these neutralization curves will be verified
b.v treating one actual mine wa,er with the limestone after evaluation as
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discussed under (l) on .-he preceding page. Both batch scale and one-gallon-
per minuLr continuous flow :ests will be utilized with examination, as
necessary, of sludge properties wi'.h the objective of improving settling
of the sludge.
Phase II. Evaluation of Field Research Uniis (s)
Data from Phase I on preceding page and from previously mentioned
studies (WPRD-63-01-68 and CR-75), oarticularly from the continuous flow
experiments, will be used to evaluate field research units for limestone
treatmen,. of actual mine waters at the site of discharge. Choice of the
mine drainage siue(s), conditions for treatment, and effluent standards
will be specified as nan- of ohe engineering study and recommendation.
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PROJECT IIYLE: Dei-ecl-ion and Location of Concealed Abandoned Underground
Mines and Associated Drainage by Geophysical and Geo-
chemical Techniques
PROJECT NUMBER: 1A010 EHN
ORANTFE: Department of Mines & Mineral Industries
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
660 Boas Street
Harrisbure, Pennsylvania 17102
SUBCONTRACTOR: HRB flan^;-
PROJECT SITE: State Collere. Pennsylvania and various mines within
coiimonwealth.
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $164,780
FEDERAL GRANT: £115.346
CONTRACT PERIOD: July 1, 196? -.hrough December 31. 1970
Research and Development, Grant awarded under Section 6b, Federal Water
Pollu:,ion Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
It is proposed to attempt to detect, the precise location of concealed
mine portals, mine workings, vents, fractures, jointing patterns and slump
zones. In short, t-he detection and location of any avenue of water move-
ment into or ouo of the mine as well as t,he mine itself. This will provide
a more comorehensivfs approach to the general and effective mine sealing
orogram. Selected geophysical and geochemical approaches will be evaluated
in the Laboratory and several (4-6) will be selected as being the most
•••romising for fir Id trstine and evaluation.
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PROJECT TITLE: Feasibility of the Purification of Acid Mine Water by
a Partial Freezing Process
PROJECT NUMBER: WPRD-265
GRANTEE: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Mines & Mineral Laboratories
660 Boas Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
SUBCONTRACTOR: Applied Science Laboratories, Incorporated
PROJECT SITE: State College, Pennsylvania
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $15,000
FEDERAL GRANT: $10,500 - Awarded June 1968
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 6, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The project will assemble from the literature Information pertinent
to the purification of acid mine water, obtain preliminary experimental
test data on the yield and quality of product water obtained by a partial
freezing process operating on typical acid mine water, and make preliminary
flow diagrams and economic evaluations of possible freezing processes for
upgrading the quality of acid mine water.
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PROJECT TITLE: The Use of Inert Gases to Eliminate Pollution from
Abandoned Mines
PROJECT NUMBER: LU2-98
GRANTEE: Cyrus William Rice & Company
15 Noble Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15205
PROJECT SITE: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $25,000
FEDERAL CONTRACT: $25,000 - Awarded May 1968
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 6, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The project will determine the effect on the leaching of pyrites
by water and on acid production in the following mine atmospheres: air
(control), pure nitrogen, nitrogen plus COg, nitrogen plus NH-j, nitrogen
plus C02 plus NH^, and nitrogen plus chlorine, and determine the effect
of pyrite particle size on the reduction of acid production with various
gas atmospheres.
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PROJECT TITLE: Biological Treatment of Acid Mine Water
PROJECT NUMBER: WP-01460-01
GRANTEE: Syracuse University Research Institute
201 Marshall Street
Syracuse, New York 13210
PROJECT SITE: Syracuse, New York
TOTAL COST: $54,341
FEDERAL GRANT: $47,238 - Awarded June 11, 1968
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 5, Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This project is studying anaerobic bacteria and their use in
alleviating acid mine drainage problems. These bacteria generate F^S
while they metabolize the sulfate ion, and thus precipitate ferrous
and ferric sulfides. At the same time, the pH of the water is raised.
These fine sulfide particles have physical characteristics superior to
those of the corresponding metal hydroxides and can be more easily
filtered. This technique has the potential of obtaining a relatively
pure material which may be used for by-product recovery of sulfur and/or
iron, as well as for reducing pollution from acid mine drainage.
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PROJECT TITLE: Inorganic Sulfur Oxidation by Iron Oxidizing Bacteria
PROJECT NUMBER: 14010 DAY
GRANTEE: Syracuse University Research Institute
201 Marshall Street
Syracuse, New York 13210
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $117,575
FEDERAL GRANT: $98,450 - Awarded July 30, 1968
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
To assess the role of inorganic sulfur oxidation in maintaining an
acid environment required for iron-oxidizing bacteria. These bacteria will
be investigated as they oxidize inorganic sulfur and are the common biolog-
ical catalysts found in acid mine water. Cell free extracts and purified
enzymes from sulfur-grown ferrobacilli will be used; physical and chemical
parameters will be examined as regards their effect on the enzymes.
Time of project: 3 years
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PROJECT TITLE: Demonstration of Control of Acid Drainage from Coal
Mine Refuse Piles and Slurry Areas
PROJECT NUMBER: 14010 DDH (WPRD-95)
GRANTEE: Truax-Traer Coal Company
111 North Wabash Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60602
PROJECT SITE: Duquoin, Illinois
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $720,800
FEDERAL GRANT: $490,560 - Awarded October 7, 1968
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
It is proposed to demonstrate suitable procedures for reclamation
of coal cleaning plant refuse piles and associated slurry lagoons for
the elimination of acid drainage. Information desired from this study,
covering measurements of acid and acid production sites, and revegetation
procedures, will provide a basis for the rational and efficient engineering
design of future reclamation projects.
Time of project: 2 years
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PROJECT TITLE: Silicate Treatment of Acid Mine Waters
PROJECT NUMBER: 1A-12-!>60
CONTRACTOR: lyco Laboratories, Incorporated
Waluham, Massachuse .is 02154
PROJECT SHE: Walt ham, Massachusetts
TOTAL PROJECT COST: ,"055.412
FEDERAL GRANT: £ i> 5,412
CONTRACT PERIOD: July 1. 1%9 trough March 31, 1770
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
A study will be conducLed on the use of sodium silicate to treat
acid mine wa er problems. Three areas will be investigated. (1) Treating
^he acid-iron mine discharge, (2) treabir.g the reactive pyrite, and
(3) '-rea^inp .he porous rock strata within i,he mine.
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PROJECT TITLE: Si ream Faunal Recovery after Strip Mine Reclamation
PP.OJECT NUMBER: 18050 DQH
GRANTEE: Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Department of Forestry & Wildlife
108 Price Road
Blacksbur^, Virginia 2&061
TOPAL PROJEC1 COST: $15,02/»
PROJECT COST FIRST YEAR: $7,U7
FEDERAL T-RANT: $6.873
PROJECT PERIOD: October 1, l^B i.hrou^h September 30. 1-/70
PROJECT DKSCRIP1ION:
The obiec'.ives of 'his proposed research are lo monitor waLer qual-
i v in f->ur ribu ari^s which represent various slaves of recovery from
si rip-mine oolluiion and -o conduce studies on the chronic physiological
ac ion of niine effluent on fishes of these waters. The change in water
ouald'y following djfff-renu stages of reclamauion work on National Forest
lands will be used r,o measure the rate of stream recovery as well as to doc-
umem > he com inuinj' damage caused by unreclaimed mines. The sublethal
action of suspended matter and manganese meual will be described as they
affpci. growth rate and condiLion index of two representative species, rain-
bow trou:. and whJLe sucker, in Lhis watershed.
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PROJECT TITLE: Mine Spoil Potentials for Water Quality and Controlled
Erosion
PROJECT NUMBER: 1A010 EJE
GRANTEE: West Virginia University
Morgantown, Wesu Virginia 26506
PROJECT SITE: Morgantown, West Virginia
"OTAL PROJECT COST; $22^,028
FEDERAL GRANT: $156,328
CONTRACT PERIOD: July 1, 1?69 through June 30, 1V71
Research and Development Grant awarded under Section 6b, Federal Water
Pollution Com rol Act.
PROJECT DESCRIPI'IQN:
The ourooso of -.his investigation is \o enable strip mine operators
and soil conserva.ionists to eliminate serious water pollution from mine
spoil. Specific objectives are summarized as follows: (1) To determine
ceri.ain physical and chemical ni-operuies of coal overburden strata thai.
influence suitability of mine spoil for soil formation, and unpolluted run-
off or seepage water. (2) To determine processes and rate of physical
and chemical change of important spoil properties by natural or induced
weathering. (3) To determine interactions between growing plants and prop-
erties of spoil and water. This will also include interactions between
plants and microorganisms and the influence of microbes on mineral mobility.
U) To determine effectiveness of plant cover, microorganisms and related
practices in prevention of erosion, sedimentation, and in reducing acidity
and chemical pollution of water from characterized spoil. (5) To improve
precision of spoil classification.
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Amounts and distrioution of the various reduced and oxidized forms
of sulfur in coal overburden an'i resulting spoil will be determined.
Additionally, the acid neutralizing potential of rocks and spoil will
bo determined in order to show what admixtures are needed to provide spoil
wac,er suitable for a healthy biosphere.
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In its assigned function as the Nation's principal natural resource
agency, the United States Department of the Interior bears a special
obligation to ensure that our expendable resources are conserved,
that renewable resources are managed to produce optimum yields, and
that *n resources contribute their full measure to the progress,
prosperity, and security of America - now and in the future.
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