Nutrient Reductions as Co-Benefit of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Treatment: Quantifying Nutrient Load Reductions for Restored Stream Segments in AMD-impacted Watersheds

Authors

• Ben Hayes
• Weixing Zhu
• R. John Dawes
• Charles A. Cravotta
• Robert Hughes
• Gregory Moyer
• Travis Tasker
• James Shallenberger
• Michael A. Hewitt
• John Dawes

Description

Abandoned mine drainage (AMD) has long-lasting impacts on water quality and stream health in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Nutrient reductions have been proposed as a co-benefit of AMD treatment and watershed restoration. Yet, nutrient load reductions have not been sufficiently quantified for restored stream segments and in AMD-impacted watersheds. To address such knowledge gaps, STAC solicited input from AMD experts working within the Chesapeake watershed, specifically asking them to respond to a set of six technical review questions. Collectively, their responses point to information and data gaps, as well as provide a framework that could lead to improvements in the Bay Watershed Model accounting for possible nutrient reductions that are attributable to AMD remediation. Recommendations from STAC and based on gathered technical reviews are included.