Natural Resource Extraction: Modern Remediation Techniques in Response to Acid Mine Drainage

Abstract

ABSTRACT HORINE, MATTHEW. Natural Resource Extraction: Modern Remediation Techniques in Response to Acid Mine Drainage. (Under the direction of Linda Taylor). ! The solid and liquid wastes generated from modern and abandoned mine sites can contain materials that aid in the production of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). AMD is a source of water pollution and environmental degradation for areas around the world with historic and modern natural resource extraction operations. As the formation and impacts of AMD are better understood, the development of site specific remedial methods continually evolves. Currently in the United States there are several governmental agencies that tend to the management of active mines and the reclamation of abandoned or closed mine sites. With water quality limitations enforced, recommended management techniques are implemented using a range of remedies such as active (i.e., involving chemical and mechanical inputs), passive (i.e., utilize natural processes), and source control treatment methods. Active and passive methods tend to pool and remediate already impacted mine effluent, while source control methods avoid the creation of polluted discharge. As each mine will differ regarding physical characteristics, the criteria for deciding on a treatment method will vary greatly among site specific needs. The intent of this project is to present a simple perspective on the advantages and disadvantages of modern techniques used to mitigate acid mine drainage. It will also contain a brief history of the governmental agencies created in response to abandoned and surface coal mines within the Appalachian region.