Hedin, R. | 36th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mining & Reclamation, 3-7 June, Big Sky, MT, 34 slides, 2019

The Anna S Mine supported underground and surface coal mining activities in the Bloss coal seam since the 1890s. Mine drainage had a low pH with elevated concentrations of Al, Fe, and Mn. Daylighting significantly worsened the chemistry of the mine drainage and caused severe water quality problems in Babb Creek and Pine Creek. In 2003-2004, two passive treatment systems were installed with vertical flow ponds and constructed wetlands. Since their installation, the systems have continuously produced net alkaline effluents that contribute to the restoration of good water quality in the creeks. In 2010, both creeks were removed from the degraded stream list and reclassified as high-quality coldwater fisheries. System operation and management include sampling, routine maintenance, and major maintenance projects in 2014 and 2016 when the organic substrates in the vertical flow ponds were replaced. The presentation highlighted degradation caused by daylighting operations, natural improvements in water chemistry in decades since mining completion, and the benefits and cost of the passive treatment. https://www.asmr.us/Portals/0/Documents/Meetings/2019/PowerPoints/5A_200_Hedin.pptx More information http://www.wbsrc.org/babb-creek.html