2001 National and Appalachian Region Awards: Vindex Reclamation Project, Maryland | |
Water coming from the doser mixes with the acid water
Completed reclamation
Acid mine drainage leaving the site was creating a chemical barrier to fish migrating into the upper reaches of the Potomac River. In order to eliminate this barrier, a mechanical lime doser to neutralize acid loadings was constructed. The doser has eliminated the chemical barrier to fish migration upstream and dramatically improved the water quality of the river. Enlarged Photo (26 KB file)
With the mining operation abandoned, public health, safety, and environmental conditions at the site deteriorated. Dangerous highwalls ran parallel to and within 15 feet of the county road, dangerous unstable refuse piles were causing landslides onto roads and streams. Open portals and air shafts threatened public safety, and unauthorized burning of garbage had caused burning of the abandoned coal refuse and other abandoned facilities. This was Maryland’s single most complex, time consuming , and costly Abandoned Mine Land project. It required over 55,000 man hours of work, cost more then twice Maryland’s total annual Title IV grant allocation, and required three years to complete. Enlarged Photo (45 KB file)