The April issue of the Blacklick Creek Watershed Association in Indiana and Cambria counties tells the story of how the group started with a local trail project and moved on to develop some of the most sophisticated mine drainage treatment systems in Pennsylvania, building lots of partnerships along the way.

Here’s their story--

During the planning and construction of the Ghost Town Trail, it became obvious that the Blacklick Creek was severely polluted by acid mine drainage.

Jim and Laurie Lafontaine extended an open invitation to any interested community members and local groups to meet at Pine Ridge Park to discuss Blacklick Creek.

A group of local residents (Joan Hawk, Jim Lafontaine, Janis Long, and Ted Pluchinsky) then gathered to discuss what could be done to clean up the streams.

As a result of these meetings, Blacklick Creek Watershed Association was formed in 1993, as a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization.

At inception, the primary focus was addressing the problems of acid mine drainage (AMD).

BCWA's first President, Jim Lafontaine, lead the organization through the early, formative first five years (1993-1998) laying the organizational foundation and structure, which was highlighted by the watershed hosting a statewide AMD conference in 1996.

His tenure as president gave way to Dr. Robert Eppley (Environmental Scientist, PhD, Chemistry). Dr. Eppley became very instrumental in securing and managing a number of DEP Growing Greener and other grants, resulting in the construction of a series of successful passive AMD treatment systems.

These efforts culminated in the watershed receiving the PaDEP Governors Award for Environmental Excellence. These systems remain in existence today and stand as Dr. Eppley's legacy of being a tireless, environmental advocate for the Blacklick Creek Watershed Association.

BCWA worked with many diverse partners to complete several projects. Some of those partners include the DEP, PA Game Commission, PA Fish and Boat Commission, county officials, township officials, conservation districts, Indiana University of Pennsylvania students and faculty, utilities, and coal mining companies.

BCWA is committed to reduce the effects of AMD in the watershed. The Association has completed 13 mine drainage treatment and reclamation projects in the Blacklick Creek watershed.

Through the funding of Pennsylvania Growing Greener Grant, EPA 319 Grants, Indiana County Conservation District Grants, and grants from private industry, BCWA has constructed passive treatment systems along Coal Pit Run, South Branch Two Lick Creek, Two Lick Creek, Laurel Run, and Yellow Creek.

There are other positive things happening within the watershed. Indiana County Conservation District has installed a lime doser at the Lucerne 3A mine site. The Army Corp of Engineers has constructed a large passive treatment system at the Webster Discharge.

Work continues on the reclamation of abandoned mine lands. There are seven major refuse piles within the watershed.

Re-mining of the Revloc refuse pile has been completed and re-mining of the Beth Energy Mine 31, Colver Mine, Loraine Mine, and Lucerne Mine refuse piles continues. There are only two refuse piles to be re-mined, Vitondale and Tide.

One of the most exciting developments is that the Pennsylvania DEP has proposed to construct a treatment plant at the Wehrum discharge. This will treat two of the larger discharges in the Blacklick Creek watershed.

All of the activity within the watershed has had a positive impact on the streams. The concentrations of iron and aluminum in many of the streams has been reduced. Acidity in many streams has been reduced, raising the pH of the streams.

Macroinvertebrates are beginning to return in several streams and sections of the major stream are visually improving.

Click Here to read a copy of the April newsletter.

For more information on programs, initiatives and how you can help, visit the Blacklick Creek Watershed Association website.

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Related Stories:

In Memoriam: Robert Eppley, Jr. A Passionate Volunteer Restoring The Environment

Gov. Wolf Announces $25 Million In Funding For 12 Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Projects

GAO Report: Pennsylvania Better Positioned To Guarantee Active Mines Are Reclaimed Due To Bonding Changes

[Posted: April 5, 2018]

4/9/2018