CONSTRUCTED WETLAND FOR MINE DRAINAGE TREATMENT LORBERRY JUNCTION WETLAND PROJECT

摘要

A 0.931 ha constructed wetland for mine drainage treatment was installed in the Swatara Creek Watershed in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The wetland is located within an interstate highway interchange. The project is unique in that it is designed to treat acid mine drainage in a stream that has a large flow, at times in excess of 54,500 m~3/day, and elevated pollutant concentrations. The upstream pH is 6.3, and upstream Fe concentration [Fe] is on the order of 10 mg/L. The wetland was completed during the spring of 1999. Preliminary water quality sampling results shows improvement to the quality of the stream. The project was a team effort that involved the Pennsylvania Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP), Transportation (PennDOT), and Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Schuylkill County Conservation District, EPA and many others. The design, coordination, construction, pitfalls, and results demonstrate the team effort that is needed to make a successful project.