English

Abstract

The complexities of remediation and restoration of abandoned mine lands with acid mine drainage require cost effective investigations that are coupled with in situ parameter measurements and monitoring, sometimes in near real-time. Off-the-shelf as well as innovative, state-of-the-art instrumentation and equipment can be readily adapted to site characterization and monitoring, and can be linked to various digital data transmission technologies for remote sites lacking power and easy access. Data, once received, can be readily displayed on web sites or incorporated into a GIS. At the Elizabeth and Ely abandoned mine sites in Vermont, we have employed various types of instrumentation to monitor surface and ground water hydrology, meteorology and water chemistry, depending on the application. To characterize temporal variations in drainage sources and metal loading during spring runoff at Ely Mine, we used Hydrolab data sondes for in situ measures of water temperature, conductivity and pH at 20-minute intervals. For laboratory chemical analyses, we obtained water samples at timed intervals automatically using an ISCO suction sampler in conjunction with water level measurements using a pressure transducer in a calibrated weir. Stage, along with air and water temperatures and rainfall, were measured at 5-minute intervals and stored on a Campbell data logger powered by a battery charged by solar panels. At the Elizabeth Mine, acid mine discharge and various water quality parameters are monitored continuously at five remote sites, three near the points of discharge of seeps from tailings. Data are stored on Campbell data loggers and periodically transmitted via radio to a cell phone for transmission and rapid graphical display on a web site. In addition, we used ISCO samplers triggered by intense rainfall to collect water samples in 15-minute intervals, allowing us to characterize the total storm loading during summer thunderstorms.