Salem No. 2 Mine still a concern

As local environmentalists consider ways to clean up other problem sites on the lower waters of the Loyalhanna Creek, work has been under way for some time to address drainage from the old Salem No. 2 Mine, located in Keystone State Park near New Alexandria.

Pam Primas, environmental educator at the park, noted the mine discharges its drainage into a local stream, which in turn empties into the Loyalhanna Creek: "The orange discoloration has always been an eyesore."

At least, she said, the mine is downstream from the park's central lake, which has not been affected by the drainage.

Following previous attempts to treat the acid drainage with an alkaline injection process, state officials took a different approach last year.

Primas noted both federal and state funding was tapped in order to "de-water" the mine this past year. She explained about 4.8 million gallons of acidic water was pumped from the mine into two temporary holding ponds.

After treatment, the water was released into a local tributary to the Loyalhanna Creek and the ponds were filled in and are being reclaimed.

According to Primas, that first phase of the overall project was intended to produce "a more consistent mine drainage, so we're able to see what the flow will be."

Also, "The water will be tested through the end of this year, to get an idea of its chemistry," Primas said.

Both factors will help determine the design of the project's second phase, which will involve development of a series of ponds to passively treat the mine drainage.

In the ponds, which will include a wetlands, contaminants will precipitate out before the water continues toward the creek.

As many as seven ponds are envisioned.

"We're trying to find a good site for them," said Primas. "Nothing is finalized."