Becker, G., Wade, S., Riggins, J. D., Cullen, T. B., Venn, C., & Hallen, C. P. (2005). Effect of Bast Mine treatment discharge on Big Mine Run AMD and Mahanoy Creek in the Western Middle Anthracite Field of Pennsylvania.
Abstract: The Bast Mine (reopened in 2001) and Big Mine are two anthracite coal mines near Ashland, PA, that were abandoned in the 1930's and that are now causing drastic and opposite effects on the water quality of the streams originating from them. To quantify these effects, multiple samples were taken at 5 different sites: 3 along Big Mine Run and 2 from Mahanoy Creek (1 upstream and 1 downstream of the confluence with Big Mine Run). At each site, one set of the samples was treated with nitric acid for metals survey, one set was acidified with sulfuric acid for nitrate preservation, one set was filtered for sulfate and phosphate tests, and one set was unaltered. Measurements of pH, TDS, dissolved oxygen, and temperature were made in the field. Alkalinity, acidity, hardness, nitrates, orthophosphates and sulfates were analyzed using Hach procedures. Selected metals (Fe, Ni, Mg, Ca, Cu, Zn, Hg, Pb) were analyzed utilizing flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Drainage from the Bast Mine is actively treated with hydrated lime before the water is piped down to Big Mine Run. pH and alkalinity values were much higher at the outflow compared to those in the water with which it merged. The two waters could be visibly distinguished some distance downstream. pH values decreased, sulfate and dissolved iron increased and alkalinity was reduced to zero until the confluence with Mahanoy Creek. The high alkalinity, turbidity, TDS and calcium values in Mahanoy Creek were somewhat reduced downstream of the confluence with the much lower discharge Big Mine Run.
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Haferkorn, B., Mueller, M., Zeh, E., Benthaus, F. K., Pester, L., Lietzow, A., et al. (1999). Schaffung von Tagebauseen im mitteldeutschen Bergbaurevier; die Wiederherstellung eines sich selbst regulierenden Wasserhaushaltes in den Braunkohleabbaugebieten des Freistaates Sachsen (Nordwestsachsen), des Landes Sachsen-Anhalt und des Freistaates Thueringen. Creation of open-pit lakes in central Germany mining district; the reclamation of some self-regulating water balance in abandoned lignite regions of the Saxony Free States Northwest Saxony), of the Saxony-Anhalt state and Free States. Berlin: Lmbv.
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