Heather Run # 2

This 15-acre abandoned strip mine in Kingwood, WV, intercepted a major tributary and diverted flow into abandoned deep mine workings in the Upper Freeport coal.  This allowed the acidification of the surface flow and discharged low pH and high mineral content water into Heather Run.  Wet seals, dry seals, and bat gates were designed to address the 21 various mine openings.  Anoxic drains were used to gather mine discharges and ALDs were used for primary flow conveyance. An alkaline flume was used to treat and aerate a mine discharge with 3.4 pH water.  Stream banks were stabilized and a floodplain was created.

The design concept was to reconstruct natural drainage patterns to eliminate mine capture of surface flow, to remove and isolate toxic materials, and to reclaim in such a manner as to control mine pool elevations and promote bat habitat. Reclamation methods using alkaline addition (i.e. limestone flume and channel linings) were used to treat site runoff.

Hatch Mott MacDonald (HMM) was retained to serve as prime consultant on this job and used subcontractors to provide survey and drilling services. HMM personnel provided on-site supervision of all aspects of the project. Geologists and Mining Engineers evaluated existing mine maps, historical data, and geotechnical information to determine groundwater and mine pool relationships. All design, CADD, construction specifications, and contract documents were prepared in HMM’s Morgantown office.

Project Highlights:

• Used a variety of mine seal designs to permanently seal mine openings
• Disposed of potentially acid-producing materials on-site
• Used anoxic drains to convey mine discharge
• Used alkaline materials to treat or enhance site discharges to Cheat River

Sustainability Elements:

• Preparation of stormwater management control plan
• Design and utilization of bat gates for Indiana bat species
• Natural Stream Design principles were used to reconstruct floodplains