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Remediation of Abandoned Mine Lands |
Based upon detailed mapping and evaluation of boring logs, the native material downslope and underlying the northern portion of the spoil consists of poorly indurated volcaniclastic sandstone and lahars of andesitic composition. Inspection of the only sedimentary outcrop in the area revealed calcite filling fractures within the sandstone. The presence of calcite in these sedimentary units was further confirmed by x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of core samples. Calcite was found in nine of 13 samples collected from the sedimentary units immediately downslope or underlying the spoil.
These analytical results and corresponding observations are indicative of buffering of the acidic groundwater by calcite in the sedimentary units. This is further supported by an observed groundwater pH of 7.1 from a well near the northern limits of the spoil piles. The well was completed in the sedimentary unit immediately underlying the saturated acidic spoil and calcite was found in sedimentary unit core samples collected from the well boring.
This paper demonstrates the potential for passive natural chemical buffering and associated treatment at sites with acid mine drainage (AMD). Such potential buffering should always be considered and investigated. The investigation should include mapping and evaluation of formation mineralogy coupled with evaluation of the groundwater geochemistry.
John Sciacca, P.G., URS Corp. John Sciacca is a Professional Geologist with 26 years professional experience. He holds a Masters Degree in Geology from the University of California, Davis and is a Geosciences Manager for URS Corporation. He currently provides hydrogeologic consulting services for investigation and remediation projects. Mr. Sciacca has used and interpreted DPT for numerous applications. Examples include: CPT analysis for monitoring network design and conceptual/numerical model refinement; CPT and DP sampling for dissolved phase/DNAPL plume definition; and, DPT to support in situ chemical oxidation and electrical resistance heating projects.