Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Spring 4-30-2024

College/Unit

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program/Center

Center for Resilient Communities

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Bradley Wilson

Abstract

When mines close, they simply do not disappear. They cannot be buried or forgotten about. The implications of mining leave a lasting history and impact not only on our lands but on the people as well. Abandoned mine lands are areas of our community and environment that have been destroyed due to the extraction of coal and other minerals. Mining results in the destruction of landscapes, contamination of waterways, and the emission of harmful chemicals to our communities.
Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is a resultant water pollutant that is derived from mining practices, active or abandoned. This pollutant forms from pyrite, which is a common component in coal, when it chemically reacts with air or water to form sulfuric acid and dissolved iron. These heavy metals give the water its red to orange color and sulfuric smell (rotten eggs). This pollutants causes corrode pipes and structures, pollute groundwater, impair water use, reduce the amount of oxygen available to fish and other aquatic life, and expose community members to toxic chemicals.1
Across West Virginia, there are 6,509 abandoned mine land problem areas. Regardless if coal mining companies have a reclamation plan or not, remediation can still take years to restore landscapes. Across West Virginia, we have seen the establishment of acid mine drainage treatment sites, most commonly established by watershed organizations. They are our leaders in making sure our waterways are safe for people and ecosystems. Decker’s Creek is one of the many watersheds that is affected by AMD in West Virginia, which covers about 64 square miles and contains 47 identified problem areas. We have been working with Friends of Deckers Creek (FODC) to analyze water quality monitoring information and create a GIS map that includes these data points, while also reviewing historical data collected by FODC regarding AMD status and community exposure along the creek.

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