ACID MINE DRAINAGE AND IMMEDIATE RESULTS OF REMEDIATION EFFORTS ON SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, TENNESSEE

Signal Mountain, Tennessee began as a coal mining hub in the late 1800’s but as restrictions increased and convenient mineral deposits were mined, the community switched to other sources of income. Abandonment of these mines has led to severe problems with acid mine drainage (AMD) in the area, which forms through the oxidation of sulfur-bearing minerals when exposed to air or water. This region of Tennessee also has a naturally high abundance of pyrite that adds to the drainage from the abandoned mines. The interaction of AMD and groundwater impacts water quality, causing acidic waters containing high concentrations of heavy metals. This study looks at two sites where acid mine drainage has been identified and monitored since October of 2022. These two sites have received federal funding to install remediation technology that is set to be complete by August 2023. Using field data and samples this research provides an overview of the water chemistry, including anion and cation concentrations, heavy metal concentrations, alkalinity, acidity, and pH. Previous data is considered to determine seasonal variations within the system and the impacts of precipitation and evapotranspiration. These data also include a glimpse into the impacts of the construction work and a completed system on the water quality of the local watershed and to determine the effectiveness of the remediation efforts.