Effects of AMD Pollutant Loading on Streams in the Hazleton PA Area

Abstract

A baseline water quality study of streams impacted by acid mine drainage (AMD) within the Hazleton, PA area was undertaken to determine sources of acidity, aluminum, iron, manganese, and sulfate with the long-term objective of development of regional abatement strategies. Sample site locations were identified for the Black Creek, Little Nescopeck and Nescopeck Creek watersheds, consisting of main-stem locations and tributaries both upstream and downstream of suspected AMD sources. Flow measurements were conducted at each sample location to calculate mass loadings of AMD contaminants. Data will be used to prepare Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) reports to determine the required percent removals of acidity and total Al, Fe, and Mn in order to comply with PA water quality standards. Discharge from the Jeddo Tunnel was found to be the largest source of AMD contamination in the Little Nescopeck and Nescopeck Creek watersheds, with an average pH of 4.30 and contributing average mass loadings exceeding 7750 kg/day (17,000 lb/day) of acidity, 1350 kg/day (2900 lb/day) Al, 390 kg/day (860 lb/day) Fe, and 630 kg/day (1350 lb/day) Mn to the Little Nescopeck Creek based on two sampling expeditions. Discharge from the Jeddo Tunnel was compared to historic water quality data for this source, demonstrating improvement in water quality over time. Discharge from the Gowen Mine was the major source of AMD contamination to Black Creek, which also flows into Nescopeck Creek. This discharge had pH less than 4.0 and contributed average mass loadings of 4820 kg/day (10,600 lb/day) of acidity, 715 kg/day (1575 lb/day) Al, and 480 kg/day (1050 lb/day) Mn to Black Creek based on four rounds of sampling and flow measurement. AMD from Jeddo Tunnel and Gowen Mine are among the largest sources of pollutants in the Middle Susquehanna River system. Continued monitoring and field sampling of the streams and discharges within the study area is recommended so that seasonal variations in water quality and flow can be determined in order to evaluate AMD abatement strategies.