Bilger Run AMD Treatment
Bilger Run is a tributary to Kratzer Run, which then flows directly to Anderson Creek. Bilger Run is the largest tributary to Kratzer Run. Bilger Run begins north of route 219, and flows south east. It meets Kratzer Run near Route 879 east of Grampian. Much of the Bilger Run watershed has been mined, and it was often times written off as a dead stream with little hope of recovery. Target areas within the watershed were identified in the Anderson Creek Assessment. One of the proposed projects has been to treat a discharge from one of the many strip mines.
This project was constructed in 2008, and consisted of an anoxic limestone drain (ALD). This type of system uses limestone to raise the pH of the water. The limestone is buried to prevent the water from coming in contact with oxygen. As the water exits the system the metals dissolved in it react with oxygen to become a solid. An existing pond was also enhanced to serve as a place for these metals to settle. The treated water then enters Bilger Run.
This project was constructed in 2008, and consisted of an anoxic limestone drain (ALD). This type of system uses limestone to raise the pH of the water. The limestone is buried to prevent the water from coming in contact with oxygen. As the water exits the system the metals dissolved in it react with oxygen to become a solid. An existing pond was also enhanced to serve as a place for these metals to settle. The treated water then enters Bilger Run.
ACWA worked with many partners to have this project completed. A special thanks goes to Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pike Township, Clearfield County Conservation District, PADEP–Moshannon District Mining Office and Clearfield County Senior Environment Corps. ACWA also worked closely with the land owner Nick Sadoti. The project was funded by a grant from the EPA Section 319.