PROJECTS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION CINCINNATI, OHIO ------- MINE DRAINAGE POLLUTION CONTROL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION 1968 ------- 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: ------- 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 ------- FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION IN-HOUSE RESEARCH ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- GRANTS AND CONTRACTS AWARDED UNDER SECTIONS 5 AND 6 FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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) ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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) ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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 ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- |