WEST SIDE OF KETTLE CREEK

In January 2007, Hedin Environmental completed an investigation of the west side of Lower Kettle Creek. This area had been subjected to limited study and much speculation regarding the presence of deep mines and possible in-site and/or hydrological solutions to the mine drainage problems. The purpose of this project was to investigate the hydrogeology and to provide recommendations for mitigation, reclamation, relocation, and/or treatment of the numerous discharges to Kettle Creek, including Butler Hollow.

The investigation documented AMD production by two dozen AMD discharges. The sites were prioritized according to stream impact, public visibility, and treatability. The first priority is KC204, a drain from a deep mine comlex that discharges highly acidic water. A large pool of acid water was discovered trapped behind a subsidence feature. Failure of this earth plug would release millions of gallons of AMD and devastate Kettle Creek and the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.

Trout Unlimited has submitted a request for funds to stabilize this situation.