Stewardship
in action at Solar Mine. |
The
Solar Mine Discharge Anoxic Limestone Drain (ALD) treatment
system removes about 21 tons of iron yearly from
the headwaters of St. Patrick's Run, a western tributary
to Raccoon Creek. The Independence Conservancy retained Hedin
Environmental of Pittsburgh to assess existing site
conditions and develop maintenance strategies to maximize the useful life of the system. Funding for the engineering study was
provided by Canaan
Valley Institute. Project value $25,000. Hedin found that the system is highly effective at removing iron and reducing acidity, and, with proper maintenance, should remain functional for another 30 years.
The
Solar Mine Discharge is located in Findlay Township,
Allegheny County, near Bald Knob. This discharge is
a result of construction of Section 54C, known as the
Findlay Connector, part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike
Commission's Southern Beltway project. The treatment system is visible from the road shoulder, just past the Bavington-Santiago Exit of I-576 westbound.
