Ten-Year Results from Bactericide Treated and Reclaimed Mine Land

Abstract

In 1984 a reclamation project was undertaken by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources on abandoned coal refuse near East Springfield, Ohio. The site was divided into two areas and each was reclaimed using standard, accepted reclamation practices. However, one area also received a controlled release bactericide treatment of ProMac Products to prevent acidification. Perforated PVC pipe drains were installed in each area at a depth of about Sm from the surface to create artificial seeps which could be monitored. Over a period of five years water quality, soil microbiology and vegetative biomass were measured and compared between the bactericide treated and untreated sides. Results from the first five years were previously reported when monitoring was terminated. Five years later, in 1994, ten years after reclamation, the site was revisited. Water quality, soil microbiology, and vegetation were analyzed to determine the long term effects. of controlled release bactericide treatment for reclamation. The site continues to show distinct differences between the bactericide treated and the untreated parcels. Especially evident are the differences in vegetation. Volunteer vegetation has become established on the bactericide treated side, whereas loss of vegetation has led to severe erosion on the untreated side.