Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3194-7499

Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Committee Chair

Leslie Hopkinson

Committee Member

Nathan DePriest

Committee Member

Emily Garner

Abstract

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a legacy contaminant, impairing Appalachian watersheds despite decades of regulatory work and investment in remediation. This study analyzes and evaluates the performance of seven AMD treatment systems (5 passive and 2 active) as well as thirteen untreated sources in the headwaters of Deckers Creek. Monthly influent and effluent samples measuring pH, major metals, and acidity were collected from January 2024 through 2026 to assess variability in treatment performance, and engineering site visits were conducted for each treatment system. Based on these two components, recommendations customized for each individual treatment system were made, and the implementation of additional treatment for the untreated sources was also considered. Generally, the observed failure mechanisms observed at the existing treatment systems could be resolved with regular maintenance. The most common issues for the systems studied included hydraulic bypassing, clogging and blockages, equipment failure, and sludge accumulation. Additionally, untreated sources in the watershed remain a substantial source of pollution that require the construction of additional treatment systems or integration into an existing system. Each untreated source and treatment system contributing 5% or more to the total pollutant load in the watershed were prioritized via a ranking system with the following categories: pollutant load contribution, length of stream impacted, and ease of implementation. The highest score (12), and therefore the highest priority, was the Ingrand Mine treatment system which had severe hydraulic bypassing of three out of four influent sources. Because of this treatment failure, it contributed to approximately 16% of the total pollutant load in the watershed and is a priority for a future remediation project. Other ranked AMD sources included 4 untreated sources which made up 5-28% of the total pollutant load. These findings underscore the importance of regular AMD treatment system maintenance as well as the need for additional watershed group support.

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