De Sale Mine Drainage Treatment System Featured On EPA Website

The De Sale mine drainage treatment system in Slippery Rock Watershed in Butler County was recently featured on a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency "Greener Cleanup Case Studies" webpage highlighting state-of-the-art technologies for restoring the environment.

In 1999 eight acres of abandoned mine land spoil was reclaimed using 35,058 tons of alkaline material and a passive mine water treatment system installed as part of this project. The project prevented over 180 tons of acidity and 60 tons of metals from entering the stream and dramatically improved water quality for two miles.

There are now three De Sale mine drainage treatment sites operating in the watershed.