News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 1999

ODNR TO REDUCE ACID MINE DRAINAGE NEAR CAPTINA CREEK
IN BELMONT COUNTY AS PART OF RECLAMATION PROJECT

ST. CLAIRSVILLE, OH -- A project to reduce acid mine drainage affecting Captina Creek in Belmont County is underway as part of a $56,000 reclamation project by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

"We are working aggressively to reclaim Ohio's old abandoned mining sites, including the reduction of acid mine drainage that affects our streams and watersheds," said ODNR Director Sam Speck. "Reclaiming this site will significantly help to improve our environment and to restore the aquatic habitat of Captina Creek."

According to ODNR, acid mine drainage is a result of a coal refuse pile that continues to discharge into the creek, despite previous reclamation efforts in the early 1980s. The continued drainage problem prompted the state to develop a plan to further reduce the discharge.

The Captina Creek Reclamation Project will include construction of two diversion ditches that will carry acid mine drainage into two 100-foot limestone corridors, that help reduce the acidity of water. As water passes through the limestone corridor, it will flow through three one-acre ponds designed to increase oxygen and remove pollutants before flowing into Captina Creek. The project will involve constructing one new pond and improving two existing ponds.

ODNR expects a majority of the work to be completed this fall, with the complete reclamation project concluding in the spring. Contractor for the project is Triple A Construction of Barnesville.

The Captina Creek Reclamation Project is located in York Township off State Route 148.

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For Further Information Contact:
Terry Van Offeren, ODNR Division of Mines & Reclamation
(614) 265-1094