What mines in Pa contribute to acid mine drainage?
Acid mine drainage from abandoned coal mines has contaminated more than 3,000 miles of streams in Pennsylvania and it is the most extensive water-pollution problem affecting watersheds in Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania USGS website).
Where is acid mine drainage?
Acid mine drainage can be released anywhere on the mine where sulfides are exposed to air and water — including waste rock piles, tailings, open pits, underground tunnels, and leach pads.
Is acid mine drainage regulated?
TO RECOVERY 664 (1992). Accordingly, it appears that any mining wastes, including acid mine drainage, which are regulated by SMCRA will not be enforced by the Environmen- tal Protection Agency (EPA), but by the Department of the Interior (DOI).
What type of mines typically have acid mine drainage?
Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is currently the main pollutant of surface water in the mid-Atlantic region. AMD is caused when water flows over or through sulfur-bearing materials forming solutions of net acidity. AMD comes mainly from abandoned coal mines and currently active mining.
What mining companies can solve the problem of acid mine drainage?
The most prevalent method for treating AMD contamination is the addition of alkaline reagents such as lime, limestone, sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide. This treatment aims at neutralizing acidic water and the precipitation of heavy metals.
What two acts ensure that mining operations do not contaminate water?
These laws outline the responsibilities of several federal agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in regulating mining operations. Other acts, such as the Safe Drinking Water Act, can be relevant to specific mining operations.
Why is acid mine drainage a problem?
Problems associated with mine drainage include contaminated drinking water, disrupted growth and reproduction of aquatic plants and animals, and the corroding effects of the acid on parts of infrastructures such as bridges.
How can we stop mountaintop mining?
Top 3 Ways to Rid U.S. Need for Mountaintop Removal Coal
- 1 Be Energy Efficient. One answer is that opportunities for energy efficiency in the US are huge.
- 2 Invest in Renewable Energy.
- 3 Stop Exporting Coal.
What loophole legalized mountaintop removal?
Back in 2002, the Bush administration created a loophole by adopting a regulation defining mining spoil from surface mines (and other similar wastes) as “fill material” to be regulated by the Corps—essentially legalizing mountaintop removal by allowing the dumping of mining waste into waterways.
What are the acid mine drainage set-aside program implementation guidelines?
The Acid Mine Drainage Set-Aside Program Implementation Guidelines (PDF) establish uniform procedures to ensure the AMD Set Aside Program is implemented in a scientifically sound and cost effective manner in order to maximize the stream miles restored with the funds available.
How does acid mine drainage affect water quality?
Water quality has been significantly affected by acid mine drainage from coal mining practices in a manner that adversely impacts biological resources. The unit contains lands and waters that meet both the following requirements.
What are the levels of the Pennsylvania mine?
The Pennsylvania Mine was initially developed in 1879. It produced gold, silver, lead, copper and zinc and had its biggest production year in 1893 when it shipped 7,000 tons of ore. The mine was developed on six levels, known as A, B, C, D, E and F with F being the lowest level. Adits were constructed at levels C and F.
What was the Pennsylvania mine used for?
The Pennsylvania Mine was initially developed in 1879. It produced gold, silver, lead, copper and zinc and had its biggest production year in 1893 when it shipped 7,000 tons of ore. The mine was developed on six levels, known as A, B, C, D, E and F with F being the lowest level.