LERMD20
LERMD20 is a mine discharge that forms the headwaters of a tributary to Little Elk Run, a tributary of Elk Run in Jefferson County . This project was highlighted as the top-priority project by the “Elk Run and Little Elk Run Restoration Plan,” which was completed by HE and EADS in May 2002. Treatment system construction was completed in the spring of 2004.
The purpose of this project is to construct a passive treatment system to treat LERMD20. The total project area is approximately 5 acres. Young Township is the project sponsor, and the project was funded by the Growing Greener Program.
The goal of this project is to improve the water quality in Little Elk Run and Elk Run by:
- Removing iron, aluminum and acidity from LERMD20
- Adding excess alkalinity to Little Elk Run
In order to construct the system, it was necessary to move a 6” gas line and to remove the existing coal crop. This was accomplished using a Government Financed Construction Contract (GFCC). This work was completed during the spring and summer of 2003.
Groves Excavating of Falls Creek, PA was chosen as the treatment system construction contractor through a bidding process. The treatment system consists of two parallel down-flow compost beds. Water flows down through the compost to a gravel underdrain. The water is then introduced into the bottom of an up-flow limestone bed. Water exits the limestone bed to a series of pipe on the top of the limestone, then flows to a settling pond and wetland. It is possible to flush the limestone bed in the direction opposite of normal flow and remove accumulated solids.
The above photo shows an overview of the LERMD20 system during the early stages of construction. The compost beds are shown in the foreground. The limestone bed is behind the compost beds. The settling pond and wetland will be in the background by the green hill.
On May 12, 2004 , water was allowed to flow through the system for the first time. On May 17, 2004 , samples were taken at the following locations:
- LERMD20 is the discharge, “After” data represents the wetland discharge.
- LER5 is Little Elk Run below the tributary that carries the discharge.
- LER1 is the mouth of Little Elk Run.
- ER100 is Elk Run below Little Elk Run
|
pH |
Net Acid (mg/L) |
Iron (mg/L) |
Aluminum (mg/L) |
||||
Point |
Before |
After |
Before |
After |
Before |
After |
Before |
After |
LERMD20 |
2.9 |
7.4 |
233 |
-111 |
15.0 |
0.5 |
11.0 |
0.1 |
LER5 |
3.9 |
6.8 |
75 |
-73 |
5.5 |
1.6 |
4.4 |
0.2 |
LER1 |
4.5 |
6.5 |
28 |
-8 |
2.0 |
0.5 |
2.2 |
0.5 |
ER100 |
6.5 |
6.8 |
-25 |
-24 |
1.0 |
0.2 |
0.9 |
0.2 |
“Before” Data is the average quality from the Restoration Plan
These data indicate vast improvements in water quality and restoration of over half a mile of cold water stream. Monitoring will be continued in order to assess the long term performance of the system.
DEM Surveying and Consulting of Brookville performed mapping and surveying for this project.
