Water quality guidelines for acid mine drainage and strip mine areas in Iowa

Abstract

Extensive literature compilation and investigation of state-of-the-art reclamation in four states contiguous to Iowa were conducted to review: the impact of coal mining upon water quality; the reclamation techniques utilized in countering the adverse effects of acid mine drainage; and the problems encountered in water quality management of strip-mined lands. Field analyses in strip-mine areas of Iowa have demonstrated similar degradation of water quality due to acid mine drainage. Distributions of alkalinity, specific conductance, sulfate and total iron in the streams with watersheds affected by mining were significantly different than those determined for the control streams, according to Chi-square analysis. The water quality is expected to worsen with expanding coal-mining activity unless effective reclamation accompanies this expansion. From the literature and based on the experience of other coal-mining states, certain techniques are considered essential in maintaining a suitable water quality in strip-mine areas. Segregation of acidic and nonacidic cast overburden, isolation and deep burial of spoil and mine wastes, hydrologic isolation of mine and coal processing areas, landscape stabilization through grading and revegetation, and cover or neutralization of abandoned strip-mine areas are the primary elements of successful regional reclamation and rehabilitation efforts. These efforts may be aided by premining analysismore » of mining impacts and planning of reclamation activity suitable to land use potential. Recommendations involving water quality regulations and further research necessary are provided.« less