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. In December 2005 the system was evaluated by Hedin Environmental under a Technical Assistance Grant. It was recommended that SAP 2 be drained and trenched to examine the cause of plugging. 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 is recommended that the two vertical flow ponds be rebuilt, and that the Mn removal limestone bed be converted into another vertical flow pond. The CCWA is currently seeking funds for renovation of the system.