|
|
|
|
|
Media Inquiries
614-265-6860 |
|
|
|
|
|
Aug
19
Written by:
news editor
8/19/2009 1:00 AM
08/19/09 ODNR Division of Mineral Resources Management has received national recognition for a mine land reclamation project that has improved land and water resources of a previously mined area.
ODNR Honored for Innovative Mine Reclamation Efforts
COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Mineral Resources Management has received national recognition for a mine land reclamation project that has improved land and water resources of a previously mined area in Carroll County.
The U.S. Department of Interior Office of Surface Mining announced that the 2009 Appalachian Regional Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Award will be presented to the ODNR Division of Mineral Resources Management for its work on the Belden Acid Mine Drainage Reclamation Project. The project, which is within the Huff Run Watershed, has improved the quality of 4.8 miles of stream. The restoration benefits fish and aquatic insects, improves water recreation and ultimately reduces costs incurred by municipalities for public water treatment.
The ODNR Division of Mineral Resources Management, Huff Run Watershed Restoration Partnership, Inc. and ATC Environmental Consultants partnered to complete the field investigation, design and construction phases of the project. The goal was to identify and address acid mine drainage sources in the watershed, which included mine discharges, seeps and surface runoff. Special care was taken to design and construct the project in a way that met the goals of the landowners and the watershed group who sought to improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat.
As part of the partnership’s plan, positive drainage was established around the mine using reclaimed portions of exposed mine spoils and coal refuse. Passive acid mine drainage treatment systems were also installed. This technology uses sulfate-reducing bacteria or limestone to neutralize acidity and precipitate metals. In this case, two steel slag leach beds and several open limestone channels were created.
The project included an innovative use of a steel slag material provided by Multiserve, Inc. ODNR conducted extensive pre-construction testing of the slag to ensure that toxic metals would not be released in the leachate. The project is one of the first ever to generate alkalinity with steel slag placed in contact with acidic waters.
Approximately 70,860 cubic yards of earthwork and 24,990 cubic yards of resoiling materials were moved to reclaim 15 acres within the project site.
The Interior Department’s Office of Surface Mining began the annual Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards Program in 1992. The program publicly recognizes outstanding abandoned mine land reclamation and publicizes exemplary reclamation techniques. Criteria included: difficulty of achieving reclamation under existing conditions, on-site effectiveness and benefits to the community.
The award will be presented at the National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Program’s annual conference in September.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
-30-
For further information, contact:
Jim Gue, Project Officer
330. 222. 1527
Beth Ruth, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860
Tags:
|
|
|