Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance
Helping revitalize the Shamokin Creek Watershed for over 25 years
Our mission is to partner with local government, businesses, and citizens in clean-up efforts, provide educational opportunities for residents living within the watershed to learn about Abandoned Mine Land issues, and restore Abandoned Mine Lands to a condition supportive of commercial and residential development and recreational uses.
What is Acid Mine Drainage?
Acid mine drainage is the result of the exposure of pyrite to oxygen and water. Pyrite is found in association with coal deposits, and when weathered, releases iron and acidity to the waters. Once these waters reach the surface, iron oxidizes and precipitates iron hydroxide (yellow boy) on the stream bottoms, choking out most aquatic life.
How Are We Treating Acid Mine Drainage?
Mine drainage can be successfully treated by active chemical addition, however, this method has high building and maintenance costs. Passive treatment methods, which are far less expensive, have begun to be used to treat mine drainage. A successful method involves the use of limestone to reduce the acidity and ponds to collect the yellow boy.
“Over the past 25 years, our group has had many successes. Students and citizens of our valley have been educated as to why Shamokin Creek’s aquatic life is depleted and how it can be fixed. Treatment sites have been built, thousands of trees have been planted and tons of trash has been collected. Fish now live in some tributaries where fish haven’t lived for 100 years. Our goal of a cleaner Shamokin Creek has been achieved but not completed.”
— Steve Motyka
Get Involved
Are you ready to take the next step? By becoming a member today, you can help us restore aquatic life.