CCWA Projects

This passive treatment system is located about 1.5 miles east of the village of Glasgow, adjacent to PA 253 where it crosses Muddy Run in northern Cambria County. The treatment system was constructed and operated by C&K Coal Co. (Pit 431) from about 1998 until 2004, when C&K declared bankruptcy. The site treats a very bad flow of acid mine drainage from a large abandoned surface mine to the southeast. Typical flow into the system is 40-200 gal/min with 150 mg/L iron, 50-140 mg/L aluminum, 150-200 mg/L manganese, pH 3.3-3.8, and acidity 800 mg/L as CaCO3. This acid drainage is a major source of the contamination affecting many miles of Muddy Run. The system consists of two large vertical flow ponds (SAPS) and extensive wetland channels, plus a large limestone bed originally built to remove manganese (see map below). During periods of high flow, the passive system was inadequate, and C&K utilized caustic in several additional ponds to supplement the passive system.

After the bankruptcy of C&K, CCWA volunteers inspected the system and have been flushing the two VFP?s monthly since 2005 in an attempt to continue the treatment capability of the system. However, SAP 2 was plugged and most water was overflowing in 2005. SAP 1 continued to accomplish considerable treatment.

A preliminary evaluation in 2005 recommended excavation of SAPS 2 to determine the cause. This recommendation was accomplished under another TAG grant in 2007. The main cause of plugging was accumulation of several inches of red mud and clay on top of the compost layer. Also, the compost layer was compacted and the limestone layer was partly cemented. The compost and limestone layers were highly variable in thickness, and much smaller than the pond dimensions. It was recommended that the two vertical flow ponds be rebuilt.

A grant of $174,000 was received from the state in 2008 for rebuilding the system. In 2009, the renovation was designed by Hedin Environmental, and in July 2009, Smith Excavating and Contracting of Renovo started construction, finishing in November 2009.

Iron precipitate was removed from both ponds, a new underdrain and limestone layer was added to SAP 2, and new compost-limestone layers were added to both ponds. Flow through the ponds started in December 2009, and in February 2010 effluent from SAPS 1 is net alkaline and no iron or aluminum is present in the final outflow.