The USGS Energy Resources Program Activities in Pennsylvania Coal Mine Discharges Acidic drainage from abandoned and active coal mines has contaminated thousands of miles of streams and associated ground water in Pennsylvania and is the most extensive water-pollution problem in the State. Elevated concentrations of sulfate and metals make the water unfit for most uses and are toxic to aquatic organisms. These studies have been supported by funds and services from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Office of Surface Mining, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources, the Philadelphia Water Department, and the Somerset County Conservation District. Coal companies and the Pennsylvania State University also have participated in these studies.
USGS studies provide a basis for identifying discharges and selecting remedial actions.
Potentially acidic rock was segregated during mining and subsequently buried in mine backfill as compacted layers below the plant root zone but above the water table. Selective handling did not significantly affect concentrations of metals in ground water at the mine studied. Additions of alkaline materials typically were inadequate to neutralize acidity from oxidation reactions within the mine spoil. Research into procedures for preventing acid-forming oxidation reactions by adjusting quantities and combinations of alkaline additives and nutrients is continuing. Coal Availability Conventional Federal and State coal-resource estimates do not account for the multitude of societal and physical restrictions to mining that could limit it or affect costs.