Using a mass balance to understand the geology and geochemistry of a reservoir receiving and discharging acid Mine drainage

摘要

Howard-Williams Lake is a 14.5 acre reservoir located in an abandoned coal mine in Perry County, Ohio. Historic underground mining of the Middle Kittanning No. 6 coal seam was followed by strip and auger hole mining in the early 1960s. After mining had ceased the lake began to deteriorate. With a pH of 3.0 and acidity values of 300-400 mg/L, the reservoir has no plants or fish currently surviving in the lake. Reclamation of spoil piles adjacent to the lake to the north in the late 1980s was not successful in reducing the acidity of the lake. Currently, papermill sludge is being used on the reclaimed area to the north to promote vegetation but the reservoir has shown no signs of improving. The goal of our project is to transform the lake into a fishable and swimmable one.