A study was performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of surface reclamation of strip mined land upon water quality in streams receiving mine drainage pollution from abandoned underground mines. The water quality was monitored in three phases, prior to the surface reclamation, during reclamation, and after reclamation. The results were then evaluated to determine any improvement in water quality resulting from the construction of the abatement facilities.

Includes bibliographical references (page 26).

A study was performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of surface reclamation of strip mined land upon water quality in streams receiving mine drainage pollution from abandoned underground mines. The water quality was monitored in three phases, prior to the surface reclamation, during reclamation, and after reclamation. The results were then evaluated to determine any improvement in water quality resulting from the construction of the abatement facilities. Fifty-two acres (21 hectares) of abandoned strip mined land were regraded and revegetated to reduce infiltration to the spoil zone and to the deep mine complex. The reclamation was completed at a cost of $131, 650. THe results of the collection and sampling of stream samples over a three year period indicated that the pH and acidity of Campbell's Run had improved and that the acid load had decreased 43% at the mouth of Campbell's Run. However, this improvement could not be directly attributed to the surface reclamation projects. The improvement was determined to be more directly related to the construction of residential and commercial establishments, to the construction of U.S. Interstate 79, and to natural fluctuations in mine pool levels and runoff rates.