The Effects of Acid Mine Drainage in Kanawha County, West Virginia

Alexander Pall*, Melissa O'Neal* and Sarah Cayton*, West Virginia Water Research Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506p>

Field (Broad Category): Environmental Science & Sustainability (Oral-Science & Technology) 

Student’s Major: Environmental, soil and water sciences 

Acid mine drainage is the outflow of acidic water from metal mines or coal mines. Cane Fork, located in the Cabin Creek Watershed in Kanawha County, West Virginia, is impaired by acid mine drainage from pre- Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) mining activity. Based on data collected by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), one specific tributary contributes 1,579 pounds per year of aluminum, 208 pounds per year of iron, and 665 pounds per year of manganese to Cane Fork. This has had major impacts on the environment near the area, destroying the ecosystem. To begin the process, we placed water measuring instruments, called sondes to see the specifics of the water quality. The data we received confirmed our hypothesis that the water was severely contaminated. It has been determined that the Cane Fork valley is very narrow with steep slopes on either side of the valley. To install a proper passive treatment system large enough to treat Cane Fork, could compromise the integrity of the valley slopes and cause catastrophic landslides. Due to issues with the terrain, the office of abandoned mine lands and reclamation has partnered on the project and will be installing lime dumps to treat Cane Fork for a trial period. We expect that adding lime to the water will neutralize the acidity in the water and help return the water back to a normal state. 

Funding: The Office of Abandoned Mine Lands and Reclamation 

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: WVU's Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP) & accompanying HONR 297-level course