When we talk about poor water quality in Pennsylvania, abandoned mine drainage almost always takes center stage.  However, an increasingly larger problem, , namely sediment pollution of our streams, is often left out of this conversation.

According to a Department of Environmental Protection study in 2000, mine drainage was a problem in 15 percent of Pennsylvania streams.  This same study also  noted that channel sedimentation was a problem in 19 percent of streams.

A recent project of the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition focused on stream bank stabilization and habitat restoration of an area in Slippery Rock, Butler County, near the Slippery Rock Campground.

In 1997, a new bridge was constructed across Slippery Rock creek on West Park Road heading to Moraine State Park of highway SR108.  Since bridge construction, neighborhood residents directly downstream have noticed accelerated erosion of the stream banks.  One resident lost nearly 75 fee of their backyard to erosion, so efforts were needed to preserve the remaining property.

Construction for this project was performed during August of 2012 by Shaun Busler (who earlier completed the design and permitting) and Ryan Mahoney of BioMost, Inc. The long-term solutions integrated multiple technologies and methods.

For instance, root wad revetment was used both to stabilize the stream bank and to provide in-stream habitat for aquatic life, especially fish, while boulders were utilized to strengthen the base of the slope while also providing support and structure for the root wads.

Brush layering was also placed along the length of the stream bank to provide vegetative support.  In addition, the slope of the bank was reduced to about 4 horizontal to 1 vertical in order to provide a gradual area for the establishment of vegetation and further reduce erosion.

Grass seed was also spread prior to placement of coconut fiber blankets to further strengthen the bank above the water line to deter erosion during high flow events.

This stream bank stabilization project will have preserved and enhanced 200 linear feet of stream bank  Planting of native trees and shrubs in the near future will aid the restoration of natural habitat for wildlife along the stream.

Needless to say, the SRWC is pleased to be a part of a project which both helps to reduce the amount of property lost to the owners along the creek and provides natural habitat.

A special thanks to Deb and Gary Priore, Rich Gasior and Darrel Carney, who provided access to the project site and use of their land to complete the project and to our funding partner, the Foundation for PA Watersheds and to partner Allegheny Mineral for providing the R6 and R7 riprap for the job, which was in short supply!

If you wish to be part of the project, Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition volunteers will be helping in the planting of trees and shrubs this spring.  If you are interested in joining us, please contact Shaun Busler at 724-776-0161.

Check out the Clean Creek Products website for unique pottery gifts made from metals recovered from treating abandoned mine drainage.

(Reprinted from The Catalyst, the monthly newsletter of the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition.)

2/25/2013