Volunteers are conducting water quality sampling in the Kiski River and its tributaries, paying special attention to the passive water treatment systems that clean up polluted coal mine water.

The Kiski Watershed Association monitors two passive abandoned mine drainage systems along the lower Kiski River: The Booker site in Kiskimere, Parks Township, and Wolford Run in Bell Township.

The passive systems are a series of settling ponds that capture the orange-colored water emanating from abandoned coal mines. The high levels of iron in the mine water settle into ponds lined with limestone, which helps clean the water before it reaches the Kiski or one of its tributaries.

“Volunteers are needed to ensure abandoned mine drainage systems are functioning properly,” said Chelsea Walker, a watershed association board member and a watershed specialist with the Westmoreland Conservation District.

The recent water samples taken from the Booker and Wolford Run sites will determine whether maintenance is needed. The test results can be used for grants to pay for the drainage systems and analysis of water samples, Walker said.

Genay Hess, watershed association president, said the Booker system is a “real success, taking 90% of iron from the water.”

There are two passive treatment systems in the Lower Kiski River and more upstream. Over the years, volunteer watershed groups have applied for grants to install the systems to help improve the water quality of area waterways.

“These abandoned mine drainage systems are the reason why the Kiski River has recovered from significant pollution from our coal mining past,” Walker said. The improved water quality has brought back bald eagles, freshwater mussels, hellbenders and an abundance of fish, she added.

To get involved and learn more about water testing and other volunteer work, contact the Kiski Watershed Association by sending an email to chelsea@wcdpa.com or visiting the association’s Facebook page.

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