In the early 20th century, the area around Blackleggs Creek in Indiana County was a hotbed of coal mines. Now abandoned, their legacy continues to impact the stream. The Blackleggs Creek watershed is relatively small (roughly 45 square miles) yet has an astonishing 52 abandoned mine drainage (AMD) discharges. For years, nothing was done to […]
AMD Treatment and Alternative Energy
Abandoned mine drainage (AMD) treatment at Upper Saxman Run in Westmoreland County is a groundbreaking achievement. What began as a simple idea to use the energy from the flowing water of the Upper Saxman Run AMD discharge to produce electricity has turned into one of the most sophisticated projects ever tackled by the Loyalhanna Watershed […]