Big Run Watershed Restoration: A Mine Drainage Remediation Success Story (60 PDH Mins.)

Recorded January 19, 2021 Level: Intermediate The webinar provides an overview of a two decade long watershed remediation project. The project addressed a variety of challenges based on differences in geology, mining techniques and methods, passive and active treatment technologies, and space limitations. Overcoming these challenges resulted in watershed restoration of a fishable resource. Big Run Watershed is located in southwestern Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Over seven miles of named streams were heavily impacted by abandoned surface and underground mines which operated in various coal seams. A comprehensive restoration effort spanning over two decades was undertaken to restore the watershed. Efforts included a watershed assessment, acquisition of grant monies for design and construction, construction of multiple treatment systems, and long term maintenance. As a result, life was returned to approximately seven miles of names streams and the streams now support fishing. About our presenter: Terry Schmidt is a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania. Terry grew up in Southwestern Pennsylvania, enjoying the outdoors including fishing in areas where some local streams were impacted by pre-law pollution. One of Terry’s personal goals was to help achieve improvements that can turn lifeless streams into thriving reproducing trout streams. Big Run is just one example of several watersheds that have been restored to a fishable condition. Terry worked in surface coal mines in Somerset County, holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mining Engineering from Penn State, and has worked as a professional engineering consultant for over 30 years.