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A Hydrological Approach to Control Acid Mine Pollution for Lake Hope
Author(s) -
Ahmad Moid Uddin
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
groundwater
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.84
H-Index - 94
eISSN - 1745-6584
pISSN - 0017-467X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-6584.1970.tb03677.x
Subject(s) - aquifer , coal mining , acid mine drainage , pollution , groundwater , mining engineering , hydrology (agriculture) , environmental science , geology , water pollution , environmental engineering , coal , waste management , geotechnical engineering , engineering , environmental chemistry , chemistry , ecology , biology
Acid mine drainage is a serious problem in the Appalachian region. Coal mining has disturbed the natural ground flow system. The mines are continuously being flushed by this disturbed flow system and producing enormous quantity of sulphuric acid. A study of McDaniel Mine has revealed that the flow is lateral and clay layers under the coal do not allow it to leak into the underlying aquifer. A study of water well logs within 10 miles of Todd Mine revealed the existence of three separate aquifers. A pilot plan for Todd Mine is proposed to discharge the uncontaminated water from the upper aquifer to the lower aquifer under the concept of “weeping wells.” The acid discharge from the mine may be stopped. The extension of this scheme may solve the serious problem of pollution of Lake Hope. The concept may further be extended to other areas of the Appalachian region to control acid mine pollution.