Remediation and Stabilization of Slopes Exhibiting Acidic Water Runoff

摘要

The objective of this experiment was to find a cost effective, durable solution for the remediation and stabilization of sites producing Acid Rock Drainage (ARD). A barrier layer of PennzSuppress D~? is an integral part of the system as it prevents wash-off of neutralizer before it has effectively treated the acid and mineral pollution caused by pyrite weathering. The efficiency of the barrier coating with three different neutralization strategies was tested to find the most effective combination. Each test site of approximately 93 square meters (1,000 square feet) has comparable conditions, including contamination amount and type, environmental exposure, application, grade and geology. The treatment types are: 1. Penn State Slurry, barrier coating, compost, seed, mulch 2. Magnesium Oxide, barrier coating, compost, seed, mulch 3. Calcium Carbonate, barrier coating, compost, seed, mulch 4. No neutralizer, barrier coating, compost, seed, mulch 5. No neutralizer, barrier coating, seed, mulch Treatment types 1, 2, 3 and 4 were used for the experiment performed in State College, Pennsylvania at an area of I-99 construction adjacent to Route 322. During a preliminary test in Lewistown PA, (about 56 kilometers (35 miles) south of State College) treatment types 4 and 5 were used. The objective of the preliminary test was to determine the need for the compost and to demonstrate the use of this technology as a sealant and promoter of vegetative growth on pyrite contaminated or erosion prone areas. Buffering capacity for each neutralizer type was determined and used when calculating the application rate. Laboratory tests were done to confirm the neutralizer treatment amounts and their compatibility with the barrier layer. For ease of application and efficiency, the process was designed to allow all neutralizers, the barrier layer and seeds to be applied utilizing a hydro-seeder truck and spray applicator. The compost was applied with a blower to obtain the height needed due to the grade of the slope. Application of calcium carbonate, barrier material, compost, seed and mulch in a layered manner has been shown in this experiment to effectively treat acid effluent from exposed iron pyrite. This technology has the potential to effectively treat immovable areas of exposed iron pyrite and marcellus shale, ARD, waste coal piles, coal mine run-off, erosion prone slopes, and vegetation resistant areas.