Overview of Acid Mine Drainage Control Strategies

by Jeff Skousen, West Virginia Univ, Morgantown, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Energy in the 90's

Abstract:

Since 1970, regulations requiring proper overburden sampling techniques to obtain representative geologic profiles and outline specific overburden analysis to determine acid-producing, neutral, or alkaline-producing layers to prevent Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) have been emphasized. Once the layers are identified, overburden handling and placement plans can be developed. Preventative technologies have shown control on the small scale but not on large scale operations. The Acid-Base Account continues to be the dominant method for overburden analysis. Prevention and control of AMD lies in the actual removal,storage,and placement of overburden materials. Alkalines and phosphates can reduce the total acid load from the backfill. The prevailing approach to prevent AMD is to ascertain the amount of acid-producing materials on a site, establish proper handling and placement, and make certain that special handling is carried out.

Subject Headings: Acids | Drainage | Control systems | Coal mining | Alkalinity and acidity | Site investigation | Phosphate

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