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Office of Surface Mines Research Needs
TITLE: Alabama Acid Mine
Drainage Impacts: Identification, Characterization, and
Prioritization
SUBMITTING BUREAU: Office of Surface Mining
Originating Office: MCRCC
DATE SUBMITTED: March 1, 1998
BIN NUMBER: OSM02CR99
BRD REGION: Central
DESCRIPTION OF NEED: Remediation of acid mine drainage (AMD) sites are currently under way under the Clean Streams Initiative in Alabama. No data exists, however, to identify, classify, and prioritize such sites for possible inclusion under the Clean Streams Initiative as sites for remediation. The State of Alabama has begun to develop partnerships with the Alabama Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit at Auburn University, and other groups to begin to identify, sample, and interpret water quality data on AMD impacted sites and make biological assessments necessary to guide the restoration of these ecosystems.
MANAGEMENT PROBLEM WITH NEED: In the coal mining regions of Alabama, streams are degraded by abandoned, unreclaimed mines that have released AMD over the last 100 years. Reduced abundance and diversity of fish and invertebrates has been documented in studies assessing Alabama streams impacted by AMD. Previous reclamation of abandoned mines has addressed public safety hazards (highwalls, open shafts, etc.), but little has been done to reduce negative impacts on aquatic organisms in these environments. The Clean Streams Initiative provides an innovative approach to AMD cleanup through partnerships of various Federal and State agencies, universities, and local interest groups. A comprehensive study of the aquatic resources impacted by AMD is needed to determine those areas most in need and those areas most likely to respond to restoration treatments.
BUREAU CONTACT: Mid-Continent Region - Kimery Vories - (618) 463-6463 x 103; e-mail:kvories@osmre.gov; Alabama Dept. of Mines - Walter Cartwright - (334) 242-8265
BRD PRIMARY CENTER: Alabama Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit; Auburn, Alabama
BRD PRIMARY CONTACT: Elise Irwin; 334-844-9190
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION: Have been in contact with Jeanne O'dell regarding this BIN need. The State of Alabama, Department of Industrial Relations Office performed restoration work on Cane Creek, using OSM's Clean Streams Initiative funding. Biological monitoring along Cane Creek is ongoing, and began prior to the beginning of the restoration project. This year, biological monitoring will continue on Cane Creek, and restoration efforts will focus on Red Branch. This tributary has elevated aluminum and iron levels, and is negatively impacting the restoration work along Cane Creek.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: May 10, 1999
PREPARED BY: Elise Irwin, Alabama Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit; Auburn, Alabama; 334-844-9190; eirwin@acesag.auburn.edu
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