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Linkages Between Acid and Metal Load Reductions from AMD Attenuation to Ecological Recovery in Little Raccoon Creek, Ohi

This study by Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs evaluates the improvements in water quality in Little Raccoon Creek through AMD treatments and surface reclamation. It aims to assess the potential for full biological recovery in the creek and identify limiting factors. Using historical data from various sources, the research highlights the importance of reducing aluminum levels for targeted restoration efforts. The findings suggest that with continued restoration focus, Little Raccoon Creek has the capacity to achieve full recovery.

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Linkages Between Acid and Metal Load Reductions from AMD Attenuation to Ecological Recovery in Little Raccoon Creek, Ohi

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  1. Linkages between acid and metal load reductions from AMD attenuation to ecological recovery in Little Raccoon Creek, Ohio. Raccoon Creek Partnership www.raccooncreek.org Contributing authors: Jen Bowman, Brett Laverty, Kelly Capuzzi, and Mitch Farley Author: Ben McCament Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs at Ohio University

  2. Little Raccoon Creek Coal Mining

  3. Little Raccoon Creek AMD Treatment Projects Mulga Run Middleton Run (Salem Road) State Route 124 Seep Flint Run and Lake Milton Buffer Run

  4. Little Raccoon Treatment Projects Totals $ 4,952,358 4065 683

  5. Purpose and Goals • To evaluate mainstem chemical and biological water quality changes over time • Determine limiting factors of full biological recovery • Look at potentials for full recovery of mainstem with future AML projects

  6. Data Sources Biological • ODNR Division of Wildlife (1951-1952) • Ohio EPA (1984, 1995, 2005-7) • USGS (1990,1999) Chemical • ODNR Division of Wildlife (1951-1952) • Ohio EPA (1970’s – 1995) • USGS (1972 – 2004) • ODNR Division of Mineral Resources Management (1996 – 2008)

  7. 1952 Division of Wildlife Study pH 3.9 Fish Population Poor Fair Good no fish pH 4.3 no fish suckers, bullhead catfish suckers, crappie, bluegill bullhead - channel catfish pH 5.5

  8. LRC Mainstem Biological Fish Data

  9. LRC Mainstem Water Chemistry Little Raccoon Creek river mile 24.55 • Consistent net-alkaline conditions and pH between 6 & 8

  10. LRC Mainstem Water Quality Little Raccoon Creek river mile 12.71 • Trend of decreasing Net-Acidity and increasing pH over 30+ year period

  11. WWH Criteria

  12. Net-Alkalinity

  13. pH

  14. Iron

  15. Aluminum IBI

  16. Controls on Fish Community

  17. Aluminum: Sources and Effects

  18. Targeted Restoration

  19. Conclusions • Over past 3 decades water quality has improved in Little Raccoon Creek due to natural attenuation, surface reclamation, and AMD treatments • Little Raccoon Creek has the potential to fully recover with future restoration focus on aluminum reduction.

  20. Questions

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