An Investigation of How Surface Coal Mining Affects Water Quality.

• Main Author: Moore, Sara
• Format: Others
• Published: Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University 2010
• Subjects: Environmental Sciences; Physical Sciences and Mathematics
• Online Access: https://dc.etsu.edu/honors/5; https://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1008&context=honors

Surface coal mining has become the ideal method for extracting coal from the Appalachia Mountains. However, surface coal mining generates large amounts of waste which may decrease the water quality in central Appalachia. This research is an attempt to determine whether surface coal mining negatively impacts water quality. This research consists of a literature review in addition to an analysis of data obtained through the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. This data was analyzed at three separate locations along the Clinch River, VA to determine trends and cycles in pH, temperature, total hardness, and chloride, sulfate and metal concentrations. After analysis of data, it was concluded surface mining did not negatively impact water quality at these three locations. In addition, more research must be done to make a more accurate, concise conclusion between water quality and surface mining.