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OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING
BIN REPORT
TITLE: Southern Population of the Copperbelly Water Snake: Population Trends and Identification of Potential Threats to the Species or its Habitat
SUBMITTING PARTNER BUREAU: Office of Surface Mining
Originating Office: Mid-Continent Regional Coordinating Center, Alton, IL
BIN NUMBER: OSM01CR99
BRD REGION: Central
DESCRIPTION OF NEED: Detailed information is needed on the status of the southern population of the Copperbelly Water Snake in the conservation agreement area of Southern Indiana, South East Illinois, and Western Kentucky. Are the numbers of Copperbellys increase or decreasing? What human or environmental factors present specific threats to either the species or its remaining habitat? Can Copperbellys be reestablished in wetlands restored by surface mining?
Research is needed that would better define the existing habitat, population sizes and location, population dynamics, and identify environmental factors that may pose a potential threat to the continued existence of the species in its southern population.
MANAGEMENT PROBLEM WITH NEED: Surface coal mining continues to disturb some of
the last remaining Copperbelly habitat. Although the Copperbelly is covered by a conservation agreement, the status of the remaining populations of Copperbellys is still unknown. The effectiveness of the conservation agreement to protect the Copperbelly and mitigate disturbances from surface mining is also unknown.
BUREAU CONTACT: Mid-Continent Region - Kimery Vories - (618) 463-6463 x 103; e-mail:kvories@osmre.gov
BRD PRIMARY CENTER: Columbia Environmental Research Center, Brazos Field Research Station; College Station, Texas
BRD PRIMARY CONTACT: Susan Finger
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY00):
A summary report is near completion on the distribution and habitat requirements of the copperbelly water snake (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta). Preferred habitat for this species is in wetland or swamp areas and along the forested edges of streams, ponds, or lakes. The species is federally listed as threatened. Historically its range extended throughout much of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Kentucky. However, loss of habitat has restricted this range. The summary report generated through this BIN effort will identify information on other environmental factors that may be influencing the distribution of this species.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: March 13, 2000
PREPARED BY: Susan Finger; 573-876-1850, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY99): CERC has discussed this new BIN issue with OSM and has agreed to the following approach. CERC is compiling the scientific information available on this species including the current range, habitat requirements, and potential threats to existing populations. Based on the outcome of this assessment, specific research projects will be identified in cooperation with OSM. The current BRD contact is stationed in Texas and after completion of this life history synopsis, the lead for specific research on this species may best be accomplished through a BRD Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: December 18, 1998
PREPARED BY: Don Clark; 409-862-2366, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Brazos Field Research Station; College Station, Texas
OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING
BIN REPORT
TITLE: Alabama Acid Mine Drainage Impacts: Identification, Characterization, and Prioritization
SUBMITTING PARTNER BUREAU: Office of Surface MiningOriginating Office: MCRCC
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 (FY00):
The Alabama Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit was assigned as the primary point of contact for this BIN in FY99. BRD scientists and students continue to work with the Alabama Department of Mines to provide information on measuring the success of this restoration work. Efforts are supported through the OSM Clean Streams Initiative. Biological monitoring is continuing on the Cane Creek watershed. Two manuscripts have been published from this effort.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: March 13, 2000
PREPARED BY:
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY99): 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
OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING
BIN REPORT
TITLE: Biological Indicators Geared to Assessing Impacts of Acid Mine Drainage on the Ecosystems of Receiving Streams
SUBMITTING BUREAU: Office of Surface Mining
BIN NUMBER: OSM01CR98
BRD REGION: National
DESCRIPTION OF NEED: The agency has initiated a program to restore streams in Appalachia from the effects of coal mining. The development of biological indicators to assist in determining the effects the AMD is having on the stream would be extremely useful in determining the most effective restoration method.
MANAGEMENT PROBLEM WITH NEED: The need for more tools in treating AMD, the number one environmental problem related to coal mining.
BUREAU CONTACT: Kimery Vories (618) 463-6463 ext. 103
BRD PRIMARY CENTER: CERC
BRD CENTER CONTACT: Jim Fairchild
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY00):
The BIN is being addressed through a combinations of studies focusing directly on evaluating biological responses to historic mining practices and evaluating bioindicators that identify contaminant exposure and effects. CERC in cooperation with the Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends Program has completed a methods protocol document describing procedures for evaluating indicators of contaminant exposure and effects on aquatic organisms. This USGS Information and Technology Report (1999-0007) was provided to Kim Vories at a meeting in Alton last month. A companion document that provides a summary of information necessary for interpretation of each method is currently at the Government Printing Office and will be provided to OSM in the near future. In addition, scientists at CERC have been involved in the USGS Abandoned Mine Lands Program and will be providing information generated through this initiative to OSM on a regular basis. Although this initiative is focusing on western mining issues, much of the resultant information is directly applicable to evaluating fish health and population responses to acid mine drainage.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: March 13, 2000
PREPARED BY: Jim Fairchild; 573-875-5399 ext. 1871, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201 and Susan Finger, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: March 13, 2000
PREPARED BY: Jim Fairchild; 573-876-1871, and Susan Finger, 573-876-1850, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY99): Communication that was initiated through the BIN process in 1996 has continued with OSM during the last year. CERC has several projects investigating methods directly applicable to information needs identified by this BIN. On-going projects involve research addressing acidification issues resulting from both coal and hard rock mining. Issues of interest to OSM relative to invertebrate community response to physical and chemical stream conditions are also being addressed by Mid-Continent Ecological Science Center and Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center. In June 1998, CERC scientists gave a presentation on BRD research capabilities relevant to OSM needs in the "Mid-Continent Regional Coal Symposium." CERC also participated in a USGS planning session (November 1998) in Reston, VA to develop a USGS strategy for addressing Eastern Coal Mining Issues.
As a part of this session, Jim Fairchild presented a paper on "Biological Recovery of Fish and Invertebrate Communities Following Reclamation of an Abandoned Coal Mine". OSM was represented by Mike Robinson. In conversations with Kim Vories, we have established that a database consolidating information on biological responses to acid mine drainage, with a particular emphasis on coal mining areas, would be a useful tool to OSM. Such a database could be supported through BRD's National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) program and a proposal is currently being prepared in cooperation with OSM to request funding to begin this effort. This proposal will also directly related to OSM needs identified as OSM02CR98 and OSM03CR98.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: December 18, 1998
PREPARED BY: Jim Fairchild; 573-875-5399 ext. 1871, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201 and Susan Finger, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY98): Contacts between Kim Vories, OSM contact, and individuals from ECRC were initiated in 1996 and have continued as a result of many common interests. OSM needs to know how to assess the success of restoration in streams impacted by acid mine drainage. They are aware of on-going BRD efforts in this area. Numerous telephone exchanges have occurred between BRD and OSM contacts. A meeting was held on September 16th at the OSM offices in Alton, IL to discuss ways to assist OSM in better defining their needs, thus increasing the success of the BIN process. The need to assist OSM in summarizing existing information on acid mine drainage was discussed and OSM provided an example of such a summary on coal combustion products that they had sponsored in 1996. A synthesis of existing information would be helpful in identifying future needs and in formulating new budget initiatives. OSM was provided with web site addresses for the USGS Acid Mine Interest Group and for the USGS Abandoned Mine Lands Initiative. Short descriptions and updates of existing BRD studies (including those from other regions) were provided to Kim Vories.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: November 14, 1997
PREPARED BY: James Fairchild, Environmental and Contaminents Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201
OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING
BIN REPORT
TITLE:Determining Aquatic Organism Indicators to Determine Different Levels of Stream Improvement
SUBMITTING BUREAU: Office of Surface Mining
Originating Office: OSM Headquarters
BIN NUMBER: OSM02CR98
BRD REGION: Central
DESCRIPTION OF NEED: Many aquatic species have different levels of tolerance to stream quality. Some have the ability to tolerate heavier loadings of metals and lower pH levels. If such species could be identified as indicator species and correlated to various levels of stream pollution or improvement, it would be helpful to OSM staff in determining the relative success of Clean Stream Initiative projects. In addition, it would be useful in determining the effects of mine drainage on receiving streams in general.
MANAGEMENT PROBLEM WITH NEED: OSM has a need for quick and dependable methods for its field staff to be make reliable assessments of levels of stream quality relative to AMD or its remediation.
BUREAU CONTACT:
Headquarters - Fred Fox (202) 208-2527; e-mail:ffox@osmre.gov
Appalachian Region - Vann Weaver (412) 937-2858; e-mail:vweaver@osmre.gov
Mid-Continent Region - Kimery Vories (618) 463-6463 x 103; e-mail:kvories@osmre.gov
Western Region - Greg Reed (303) 844-1473; e-mail:greed@osmre.gov
BRD PRIMARY CENTER: CERC
BRD PRIMARY CONTACT: Jim Fairchild; 573-875-5399, ext. 1871
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY00):
This BIN requires information similar to OSM01CR98 and is addressed by the continued development of monitoring techniques that will allow managers to evaluate the success of restoration measures. As stream conditions improve, useful measures of this improvement have to be more sensitive than those indicators of stream injury. CERC has been developing methods that use benthic communities to monitor stream improvement (SIS 404).
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: December 18, 1998
PREPARED BY: Jim Fairchild; 573-876-1871, and Susan Finger, 573-876-1850, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY99): Discussions with OSM and meetings in both Columbia, MO and Alton, IL have taken place over the last three years. CERC provided copies of EPA's Rapid Bioassessment Protocols to OSM. These methods provide information on potential toxic effects in stream ecosystem. During 1999, CERC will complete a study at one of the Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative sites (Alabama) focused on evaluating the benthic invertebrate fauna in stream reaches affected by acid mine drainage. Effects on aquatic communities will be determined and benthic species composition of these communities will be compared to known range of tolerances for benthic invertebrates. Although this project provides some specific information on the relative sensitivities of benthic invertebrates, it does not provide the comprehensive assessment required to adequately address this BIN. For this reason, BRD is preparing a proposal in cooperation with OSM for funding through BRD's National Biological Information Infrastructure program to facilitate increased understanding of this issue. OSM BIN 01CR98, 02CR98, and 03CR98 are all closely linked. Consolidation of available information will be an important step in providing a useful tool for OSM in assessing impacts of mining and evaluating the success of restoration measures.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: December 18, 1998
PREPARED BY: Jim Fairchild; 573-875-5399 ext. 1871, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201 and Susan Finger, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201
OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING
BIN REPORT
TITLE:What are the Target Levels of Pollution Reduction to Achieve Stream Restoration and Return it to a Healthy Ecosystem
SUBMITTING PARTNER BUREAU: Office of Surface Mining
Originating Office: OSM Headquarters
BIN NUMBER: OSM03CR98
BRD REGION: Central
DESCRIPTION OF NEED: Many of the efforts toward stream restoration occur through the Abandoned Mine Lands program. They are not restricted by the effluent limitations or the active mining regulatory program. In an abandoned mine land project, there may be certain water borne pollutants, such as aluminum, which hamper aquatic organisms in trace amounts, while other pollutants may only be harmful at relatively high concentrations. Concerning acid mine drainage, OSM needs better information on ecosystem specific target levels of pollutants that would be detrimental to resident aquatic organisms.
MANAGEMENT PROBLEM WITH NEED: Existing OSM water quality effluent limitations are specific to active mining operations. Most Clean Streams Initiative projects are associated with abandoned mine lands where these effluent limitations do not apply. OSM needs good scientific information to guide water treatment efforts associated with Clean Streams Initiative projects.
BUREAU CONTACT:
Headquarters - Fred Fox (202) 208-2527; e-mail:ffox@osmre.gov
Appalachian Region - Vann Weaver (412) 937-2858; e-mail:vweaver@osmre.gov
Mid-Continent Region - Kimery Vories (618) 463-6463 x 103; e-mail:kvories@osmre.gov
Western Region - Greg Reed (303) 844-1473; e-mail:greed@osmre.gov
BRD PRIMARY CENTER: Columbia Environmental Research Center; Columbia, Missouri
BRD PRIMARY CONTACT: Jim Fairchild; 573-875-5399 ext. 1871
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY00):
Research in support of this BIN continues in several projects associated with the Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends Program and in projects associated with the Abandoned Mine Lands Initiative. Both research areas will provide insight into biological measures that reflect conditions in streams affected by contaminants and degraded water quality conditions. In addition, these projects will result in publications and databases that will offer OSM readily available information on tools to assist in setting restoration goals. Specifically, the BEST program is creating databases that will define baseline responses for many of the measures of biological injury. CERC is also involved in the Department of Interior=s Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) program that focuses on identification and restoration of injured resources and their associated habitats. CERC is working with Department of Interior=s NRDA program managers and the Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance to revise a comprehensive biological injury document combining information from many BRD Centers. CERC will continue to work with OSM to address the BIN.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: March 13, 2000
PREPARED BY: Jim Fairchild; 573-876-1871 and Susan Finger, 573-876-1850, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY99): This BIN requires similar scientific input to BIN OSM01CR98. Discussions with OSM also indicate that they share a common need with BLM (BIN BLM09CR98) for information on maximum concentrations of contaminants in water and sediments that will allow some level of recovery in mining affected watersheds. Information requested through this BIN would provide important information for restoration of affected aquatic ecosystems. This specific issue was identified by BRD at a USGS planning session (November 1998) in Reston as an important area of research. It has also been identified as an important product in a recent strategy document developed by USGS divisions on Abandoned Mine Lands. The proposal being developed for funding through USGS National Biological Information Infrastructure for OSM BIN OSM01CR98 would also address this BIN. This proposal would compile a database consolidating information on documented biological effects resulting from contaminant exposure n acid mine drainage areas. Identification of effects levels will provide an initial step in establishing target remediation levels. OSM understands the magnitude of accomplishing this BIN; we have initiated discussions about planning a conference focused on important issues such as this one.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: December 18, 1998
PREPARED BY: Jim Fairchild; 573-875-5399 ext. 1871, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201 and Susan Finger, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201
OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING
BIN REPORT
TITLE:Native Species for Mined Lands
SUBMITTING BUREAU: Office of Surface Mining
Originating Office: Mid-continent Coordinating Center
BIN NUMBER: OSM05CR98
BRD REGION: Central
DESCRIPTION OF NEED: Detailed information is needed as to which native species have been successfully established on surface mine lands and the best models for their establishment.
MANAGEMENT PROBLEM WITH NEED: The land use of undeveloped lands is commonly changed to improved pasture following mining in the Midwest because of perception that establishment of native species is too difficult and expensive.
BUREAU CONTACT: Kimery Vories (618) 463-6463 ext. 103
BRD PRIMARY CENTER: CERC
BRD CENTER CONTACT: James Fairchild
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY00):
CERC continues to seek opportunities for funding in support of this BIN. During FY99, Missouri Department of Natural Resources and OSM identified Tebo Creek and Cedar Creek watersheds in Missouri as requiring additional remediation work. As a result, Missouri Department of Natural Resources has provided funding to monitor a multi-year restoration effort in the Cedar Creek drainage. Regrading, revegetation, and treatment of acidic sources are involved in this effort. However, at this point, CERC=s active involvement in this effort is focused on aquatic resource and water quality monitoring.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: December 18, 1998
PREPARED BY: Jim Fairchild; 573-875-5399 ext. 1871, Columbia Environmental
Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY99): Contacts with Missouri Department of Natural Resources and OSM have identified Tebo Creek and Cedar Creek watersheds in Missouri as requiring additional remediation work. This may include regrading and revegetation offering opportunities to develop techniques for introduction of native species. Additional work on herbicide risk assessments has been conducted which may facilitate use of herbicides to remove non-native species. This is an area that BRD needs to develop with OSM through internal or external funding mechanisms. Development of future OSM/BRD budget initiatives in this area would be useful.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: December 18, 1998
PREPARED BY: Jim Fairchild; 573-875-5399 ext. 1871, Columbia Environmental
Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY98): Jim Fairchild agreed to act as a contact on this issue although his expertise was limited in this area since this BIN was not addressed for OSM last year. This is an area that BRD needs to develop with OSM through internal or external funding mechanisms. Development of future OSM/BRD budget initiatives in this area would be useful.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: November 14, 1997
PREPARED BY: James Fairchild, Environmental and Contaminants Research Center,
4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201
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