USING MINESOIL AND OVERBURDEN ANALYSES TO LOCATE A HIGHWAY IN WEST VIRGINIA

Abstract

Appalachian Corridor H will pass through Beaver Creek watershed in Tucker County, West Virginia. Some of this area has been affected by surface mining of Upper Freeport Coal. The resulting mined lands are currently producing acid mine drainage, and have the potential to produce more if disturbed. In order to document soil development and to predict impacts of disturbance on water quality, a study was initiated to evaluate properties of the minesoils that may be affected by highway construction. Six sampling sites were located on both minesoils and native soils, and both will be disturbed during road construction. Soil profiles were described and horizons were sampled for laboratory analysis. Analyses of pH; total carbon and sulfur; and acid-base accounting were completed for the soils. The pH values ranged from 3.2 to 5.0. Total sulfur was generally low, ranging from 0.01% to 0.64%. Several rock cores drilled along two proposed routes by a private firm were sampled and analyzed by acid-base accounting procedures. The cores indicated generally acidic rock units in this region and the potential of producing additional acidity if unweathered rocks and minesoils are exposed to the atmosphere. The minesoil and core data have been used to assist the West Virginia Division of Highways in locating the corridor through the mined areas.