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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Design considerations and construction techniques for successive alkalinity producing systems

Conference ·
OSTI ID:361643
 [1];  [2]
  1. Natural Resources Conservation Service, Somerset, PA (United States)
  2. Southern Alleghenies Conservancy, Bedford, PA (United States)

Successive Alkalinity Producing Systems (SAPS) have been utilized for several years for the passive treatment of acid mine drainage. The SAPS technology is an effective method for inducing alkalinity to neutralize acid mine water and promote the precipitation of contaminating metals. Several design considerations and construction techniques are important for proper system function and longevity. This paper discusses SAPS design, water collection and introduction to the SAPS, hydraulics of SAPS, construction, operation and maintenance, and safety, and found that these factors were critical to obtaining maximum alkalinity at several SAPS treatment sites in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Taking care to incorporate these factors into future SAPS will aid effective treatment, reduce maintenance costs, and maximize long term effectiveness of successive alkalinity producing systems.

OSTI ID:
361643
Report Number(s):
CONF-9805185--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English