Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3744-3828

Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2024

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

Emily Garner

Committee Member

John Quaranta

Abstract

This thesis includes two main topics: 1) evaluation of probable maximum precipitation (PMP) for West Virginia to predict current and future PMP, and 2) utilizing acid mine drainage (AMD) sludge as a reclamation plan.

Probable maximum precipitation (PMP) is essential for dam design as well as for the inspection, operation, maintenance, and repairs of these facilities. West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Dam Safety utilizes the 6-hr, 10-mi2 (26-km2) PMP established by Hydrometeorological Report (HMR) 51 based on the analysis of extreme rainfall. These PMP are outdated because there have been unaccounted for extreme rainfall events that have occurred since 1978. In addition, a zone of uncertainty around the Appalachian Mountains exists, including West Virginia, because of the orographic effects of Appalachia. The objective of this research was to determine the PMP throughout West Virginia by studying the area of uncertainty and consider rising dew points to predict future PMP. This study created an updated PMP map of West Virginia, focusing on the maximization of the 1942 Smethport, PA storm. A watershed-specific analysis was conducted at all dams in the state with an approximate watershed area of 10-mi2 (26-km2). Current PMP estimations and projections for 2100 were determined. Iso-lines were determined to develop the new updated PMP map for West Virginia that displays current and future PMP estimations. Statewide increase of PMP for the 6-hr and 24-hr, 10 mi2 PMP of 6.35-9.88 inches were estimated, compared to currently used values. Increases of 12.43-16.93 inches by 2100, were estimated. Results suggest that the greatest values of PMP occur in the western region of the state; lowest values of PMP occur in the south-eastern part of the state. The study should be expanded including locations outside of the state boundary to reduce interpolation error. Storm analysis was not completed for this work, and the Smethport, PA storm (1942) was considered the governing storm for the entire state. The Smethport storm is likely not the governing storm for the eastern panhandle and Potomac highlands portion of the state. This area, eastern panhandle, and Potomac highlands should be considered for additional analysis. The updated PMP map will be a resource for those involved in dam inspection, repair, design, and modification.

Treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) results in a hydroxide sludge that must be managed. The cost associated with AMD sludge disposal is high, and there needs to be a reclamation plan used to help reduce the cost. The objective of this research was to evaluate the use of AMD sludge, a waste by-product, as a soil amendment to support vegetation establishment and persistence. Fifteen study plots (three repetitions of five treatments) were created in Monongalia County, West Virginia. The treatments included topsoil mixed with AMD sludge in volumetric ratios: 1) 25% AMD sludge/75% topsoil (25AMD), 2) 50% AMD sludge/50% topsoil (50AMD), 3) 75% AMD sludge/25% topsoil (75AMD), 4) 100% AMD sludge (100AMD), and 5) 100% topsoil (Topsoil, control). Ground cover, soil moisture, soil electrical conductivity, and soil temperature were monitored for each plot from May 25, 2023, to October 23, 2023. At the end of the data collection phase, soil and above-ground biomass samples were collected from each plot. Statistical analysis for all measurements, and final measurements were conducted using R-Studio and compared. Major results suggest that mean ground cover for the AMD treatment was significantly less than all other treatments when considering only final ground cover and was significantly less than all other treatments when considering the full study duration; mean soil moisture for the AMD treatment was significantly greater than all other treatments when considering the full duration of the study.

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