Most individuals are familiar with the orange coated stream bottoms of the coal mining regions.  Hundreds of streams throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama are affected by abandoned mine drainage (AMD).  AMD is caused by the oxidation of materials surrounding the coal, forming a mild acid similar to vinegar.  Metals, such as iron, aluminum and manganese, are leached from these materials killing most aquatic life.  There is hope!  Utilizing the developing technology of passive treatment, watersheds are being restored.

Mining History Coal has been mined in the United States since the mid 1700's.  It has powered the industrial revolution and has helped win two world wars.  Thousands of men have lost their lives during the slow and painful evolution of mining.  More...	Chemistry Abandoned mine drainage is the result of materials, normally found buried deep underground, becoming exposed to water and oxygen.  Pyrite is the primary material responsible for the formation of AMD.  More...
Passive Treatment By utilizing environmentally friendly materials, such as limestone and compost, acidity and metals can effectively be removed from the discharge.  Passive treatment systems range from a simple limestone filled ditch to a Vertical Flow System with miles of piping.  More...	Land Reclamation Thousands of acres of abandoned minelands are spread across the United States.  Through the use of circulating fluidized bed coal ash, gob material at these sites can be neutralized and the landscape restored to the orginal contours.  More...
Glossary Terms related to mining and abandoned mine drainage.  More...	Solve the Problem! Form a public-private partnership and combat the problems of abandoned mine drainage!  More...