Skip to main content
Conference Proceedings

Sixth International Conference on Acid Rock Drainage (ICARD)

Conference Proceedings

Sixth International Conference on Acid Rock Drainage (ICARD)

PDF Add to cart

Modelling of Mine Flooding in the Pittsburgh Coal Basin, USA

Coal mining in the Pittsburgh coal seam, in the eastern United States, began in the late-1700s. Since that time numerous mining technologies have been used throughout the basin. Environmental concerns, particularly mine discharge quality, have only been considered since the early-1970s. During the last 20 years, many of the larger underground mines have closed and are now either flooding or already flooded. In order to understand the consequences and potential future effects of this flooding, mine mapping of the basin has been compiled utilising a geographic information system (GIS) with an emphasis on locating barrier pillars between mines. Mine flooding has been monitored at numerous sites utilising pressure transducers and data loggers. These data have been combined with historical data from mining companies and structure contour maps to yield chronological flooding maps of the basin from 1980 to present. Utilising these maps and the indicated flooding rates, future discharge locations have been identified along with estimates of when these discharges are likely to occur. Related work has identified barrier pillar hydraulic conductivities and vertical infiltration rates as a function of overburden thickness. All of this information has been integrated into a groundwater flow model that simulates mine flooding. This model is useful in defining mine to mine interactions as the various mines fill with water, and the testing of various flooding scenarios. The model will be used in evaluating mine discharge rates and evaluating the options for regional mine drainage treatment.
Return to parent product
  • Modelling of Mine Flooding in the Pittsburgh Coal Basin, USA
    PDF
    This product is exclusive to Digital library subscription
  • Modelling of Mine Flooding in the Pittsburgh Coal Basin, USA
    PDF
    Normal price $22.00
    Member price from $0.00
    Add to cart

    Fees above are GST inclusive

PD Hours
Approved activity
  • Published: 2002
  • PDF Size: 0.963 Mb.
  • Unique ID: P200303121

Our site uses cookies

We use these to improve your browser experience. By continuing to use the website you agree to the use of cookies.