The resulting projects will demonstrate the practical, large-scale injection of alkaline combustion wastes into abandoned underground mines to prevent acid production and subsidence. Both WVU and SIUC are working closely with industry, state, and federal agencies to implement and evaluate these projects. Wetlands have been used to treat acid mine drainage from abandoned mines. The method is inexpensive and requires little maintenance. However, it does not always work.
Some wetlands treat water for a few years then fail.
The wetland has purified the water to the extent that it has been populated by a number of wetland animal species. The results indicate that wetlands constructed to these specifications will perform for decades, not just a few years. The program focused on new remediation and site characterization technologies and included, at WVU, studies in bioremediation, excavation, chemical treatment, sensors, field analysis, dewatering, carbon adsorption and database development. The ERWM program conducted the technical assistance project and administered the research program.