Description

Jacob Welch
Civic Action Project
Acid Mine Drainage
Salisbury, PA

I am focusing on the pollution in rivers and streams caused by coal mine drainage. The streams and rivers in the area are becoming polluted with sulferic acids from coal mine drainage causing harm to wildlife in and around it.
According to, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Pennsylvania has produced over 25% percent of the nations total coal output. Drainage from thousands of abandoned mines has contaminated more than 3000 miles of streams and rivers. these streams are contaminated with acids, metals and sediment causing the fish population to die as well as plant and insect. Pennsylvania loses approximately 67 million dollars annually that would be generated if sport fishing was restored in affected areas.
I have found that some people have been trying natural ways of filtration to lessen the amount of acid drainage. it has affected the many popular fishing streams and rivers. the damage is so great that it will not be able to recover without help from government and environmental organizations.
Some communities are using wastewater treatment plants or Anoxic Limestone Drains to neutralize the acids. Costs range from 4 to 16 million for a treatment plant. Only a fraction of the amount Pennsylvania losses annually.
Reporting any drainage before it reaches waterways can drastically help the issue.