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Evaluation of a surface application of limestone for controlling acid mine discharges from abandoned strip mines, Sewellsville, Ohio. Final report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7127841

A 150-acre drainage basin in an unreclaimed coal strip mine in east-central Ohio was studied and extensively monitored to determine the effect of a surface application of limestone on the ground water quality. Prior to the limestone treatment the ground and surface water of the basin was acidic due to pyrite oxidation in the spoil. The results of this field study and simultaneous laboratory experiments showed that the maximum amount of alkalinity that can be generated by a surface application of limestone is not sufficient to reduce the ground water acidity generated by pyrite oxidation. Additionally, the amount of limestone applied was not sufficient to significantly decrease the rate of pyrite oxidation nor provide neutralization and thereby produce neutral or alkaline discharges from the abandoned coal strip mine sites.

Research Organization:
South Carolina Univ., Columbia (USA)
OSTI ID:
7127841
Report Number(s):
PB-84-148535
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English