Acid mine drainage creates problems for state’s aquatic life, streams

By SUSIE XU
Collegian Staff Writer

Treating and preventing acid mine drainage is a major component of the H2000 package introduced earlier this month by state Rep. Camille "Bud" George, D-Clearfield.

Acid mine drainage, a statewide problem, results from mining activities that disrupt the natural flow of water. These mining activities expose bodies of water to coal and other contaminants, causing it to become acidic.

The polluted water then turns the stream water orange and poisons any aquatic life.

"(Acid mine drainage) chokes out the water," said Roxanne Shiels, watershed coordinator at Spring Creek Watershed Community and the ClearWater Conservancy. "It's pretty serious."

Pennsylvania has the most acid mine drainage by volume in the nation, according to the Pennsylvania Environmental Network. Environmental problems related to mining affect 45 of the 67 counties in the state.

In streams polluted by mining activities, the pH could be as low as 3 or 4,

Shiels said. The average pH of streams is 7, which is neutral. The more acidic a solution is, the lower its pH level.

"Each unit is a really substantial difference," Shiels said.

Most aquatic life cannot survive in such acidic conditions, she added.

Mining reclamation, which involves reusing old, abandoned mines instead of contaminating new areas, is one resolution to the problem, Shiels said. Another solution involves using lime to neutralize the acidic streams.

If the H2000 package is passed, it will provide funding to activate these solutions.

Roy Zug, senior project manager of Gannett Fleming Inc., an environmental firm in Clearfield, said although efforts are being made to prevent the pollution, areas are being overlooked.

"(Acid mine drainage) is being addressed through re-mining and reclaiming previous mining areas. I don't know that funding wouldn't be a big help," Zug said.