Projects

Abandoned Mine Drainage

Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) is the primary cause of pollution in the Schuylkill River headwaters, producing metal-laden and sometimes highly acidic discharges in telltale orange and silver plumes, easily visible in the surface waters. Acidity and metals interfere with vegetative growth, aquatic life, and both ground and surface drinking water resources.

More Overview


  • Pine Knot Tunnel Study

    Every day, tunnels underlying the 20 square mile Pine Knot Tunnel study area drain 35 million gallons of Abandoned Mine Drainage polluted water into Schuylkill River headwaters. This project provides a conceptual design and feasibility study for remediation and mitigation of AMD pollution at a collection of sites.

  • Reevesdale South Dip Tunnel

    An Oxic Limestone Drain system with two wetland ponds treats approximately 900 gallons per minute of Abandoned Mine Drainage that would otherwise flow directly into Wabash creek, a tributary of the Little Schuylkill River.

  • Pine Forest

    An anoxic limestone drain was installed at this site to address aluminum, manganese, and acid discharge into Mill Creek, a Schuylkill River headwater tributary.