Remediation

Since the organization began in 1994, Mountain Watershed Association has restored 70% of Indian Creek, reducing the length of impaired stream miles in the watershed from 47 miles to 14. The first abandoned mine discharge treatment system was developed in the Indian Creek watershed in 2001. Since then, we have developed 5 treatment systems to divert contaminated mine water, filter out pollutants, and direct the cleaned water back into the stream.

A Brief Explanation of Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD)

Coal extraction from both surface and deep mines exposes rock layers that contain minerals, such as iron, aluminum, and manganese. When these minerals are exposed to water and air, they can become dissolved in water and create a chemical reaction, sometimes coloring the water red (iron), white (aluminum), or have no effect on the water clarity and color. 

This metal-rich water can flow from runoff on surface mines and seeps from abandoned underground mines that fill with water over time. The Indian Creek watershed is impacted by dozens of abandoned underground coal mines that leach contaminated water from the mine pool into the mainstem and tributary streams of Indian Creek. We typically refer to this as abandoned mine drainage, or AMD. If left untreated, chronic pollution from AMD will impair or kill much of the aquatic life within streams.

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Our Abandoned Mine Discharge Projects

Abandoned coal mines, some taken out of commission over 100 years ago, are a major source of pollution impacting stream health in the Indian Creek watershed. MWA has developed a number of projects to implement treatment systems that remediate areas impacted by abandoned mine discharges. Click on the pictures to learn more about each remediation project.

News & Updates

Call to Action: Sign on to the Letter “DEP, Do Better for the Laurel Highlands”

April 26, 2023

Over the last decade, the Laurel Highlands has witnessed continued efforts by industry to expand resource extraction in the region. Coal, a resource that experiences “boom and bust” cycles in…

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brown and black insect on green leaf

Spotted Lanternfly Arrives in the Laurel Highlands

March 23, 2023

As temperatures rise and spring emerges here in the Youghiogheny River watershed, a new threat to our environment has emerged. The pesky Spotted Lanternfly has been identified in both Fayette…

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Nearly 200 Acres Along Rasler Run To Be Protected

March 6, 2023

MWA is proud to announce that we are now the sole owners of 186.17 acres of property in the Indian Creek Valley Gorge. The property is located in Springfield Township…

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