West Virginia Forum

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West Virginia Forum on Water Sampling Programs
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West Virginia Department of Environmental
ProtectionOffice of Abandoned Mine Lands

• Sheila M. Vukovich
• Environmental Resources Specialist

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AML mission statement
To protect public health, safety, and property
from past coal mining and enhance the environment
through reclamation and restoration of land and
water resources
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land reclamation
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water restoration
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at-source treatment
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in-stream treatment
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Why sample and what?
streams and mine drainage

• determine current stream conditions
• identify and characterize sources of pollution
• evaluate effectiveness of reclamation

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• determine current stream conditions

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Does stream support designated uses?
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If not, where and why is it impaired?
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Is stream acidic or iron laden?
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Does stream contain aluminum?
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• identify and characterize sources of pollution

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Are sources of pollution from seeps?
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Are sources from underground mines?
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chemistry and flow?
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• evaluate effectiveness of reclamation

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Are treatment systems functioning to decrease
metals or acid?
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treatment examples
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Is there an improvement in aquatic life?
Do streams show improvements in chemistry?
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AML source and stream sampling locations
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AML source sampling locations
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AML watershed study sampling areas
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filter
field sampling
coordinates
grab sample
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flow
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field variables
dissolved oxygen
pH temperature conductivity
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lab analyses
pH conductivity acidity alkalinity sulfate total
suspended solids
iron aluminum manganese magnesium calcium
dissolved metals ferrous/ferric iron
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Sampling frequency

• streams are sampled at least three times prior to
  watershed treatment
• streams are sampled quarterly following
  initiation of treatment

• sources are sampled monthly for 12 months prior
  to reclamation
• treated sources are sampled quarterly following
  reclamation

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sample and data handling

• water samples fixed and iced according to
  Standard Methods

• data stored in Access database

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West Virginia Department of Environmental
ProtectionOffice of Abandoned Mine Lands105
South Railroad StreetPhilippi, WV
26416 sheila.m.vukovich_at_wv.gov facsimile
304.457.5613 phone [phone], ext. 3246
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THANK YOU
sheila.m.vukovich_at_wv.gov facsimile
304.457.5613 phone [phone], ext. 3246