Effects of Coal-Mine Drainage on Stream Water Quality in the Allegheny andMonongahela River Basins: Sulfate Transport and Trends. National Water-Quality Assessment Program

摘要

This report examines sulfate transport and trends as an indicator of drainagefrom past and present coal mining in the Allegheny and Monongahela River Basins. The report also presents a brief history of coal-mining activities in the study area and a description of the environmental effects associated with mine drainage. A description of the study area and analytical methods used in this investigation are included. To evaluate the spatial distribution of mining effects in the Allegheny and Monongahela River Basins, annual sulfate loads and yields were calculated for 37 water-quality monitoring stations for the 1980 water year. Trends in sulfate loads are presented for 15 of the 37 sites for the period 1965 to 1995. This report will be useful to managers of water resources for evaluating the effects of mining on water quality and evaluating the effectiveness of AMD control measures.