Concentrations of nitrate in water from three of four wells at this site decreased after nitrogen applications decreased. Nutrient management also stopped the upward trend in concentrations of nitrate in surface water. 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. As the results of these studies become available, they will be disseminated in a variety of technical and nontechnical reports to local, State, and Federal agencies and the public.