Acid mine drainage makes waters a rusty orange color (image via EPA)
When coal is mined in Pennsylvania, other minerals and metals including iron sulfide and aluminum are exposed and left behind. They’re typically harmless as long as they stay dry, but…
Ryan: “As you get more precipitation, your water table increases. If you have too much groundwater it can fill up voids in underground coal mines that were generally dry.”
Daniel Ryan of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission says this creates acid mine drainage that can seep into and pollute nearby waterways.
Modern mines are required to protect water resources, but efforts to reduce damage from old abandoned coal mines will be required for years to come.
Get Schooled:
- Read the EPA’s explanation of Acid mine drainage.
- Check out this map of abandoned mines in Pennsylvania.
The fine print:
- This segment was produced in partnership with Cornell University’s Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future and made possible by the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds.
