The objective of this project is to treat the influent water of the Project 70 Ditch to meet PADEP water quality standards as well as incorporate recreational areas into the design to benefit the community.
Sponsored by: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Team Members
Abigail Idiculla Tanner Scott Khaled Budeir Marabelle DeLaurentis
Instructor: Dr. Bill Burgos
Project Poster
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Project Video
Project Summary
Overview
Cold Stream watershed is part of the Moshannon Creek watershed, a subwatershed of the Susquehanna River’s Western Branch. Pennsylvania’s historical abandoned surface and deep mining operations formerly affected about two miles of Cold Stream with acid mine drainage (AMD). In the 1970s, Project 70 Ditch was built to save the stream’s cold water fishery, yet it only diverted AMD downstream. The Moshannon Creek Watershed Association (MCWA) tasked our team–Squirrel Nest, INC.–with treating Project 70 Ditch.
Objectives
We designed a passive treatment system with two goals in mind: treat influent water to meet the PA Department of Environmental Protection’s (PADEP) water quality standards and integrate recreational areas for the surrounding community
Approach
-Data Collection: we collected data from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC), eMapPA, and MCWA.
-Assessment of Surrounding Area: we completed a Site Assessment Report, which detailed the site history and current conditions.
-System Design: According to Project 70 Ditch’s influent water chemistry and community values, we designed a passive treatment system with a pump, drainable oxic limestone bed, pond, and wetland units.
-System Sizing: we utilized AMDTreat to size treatment units, taking into account flow rate, water chemistry, and a 20-year system life cycle.
-Land Area Calculation: Using AMDTreat, we determined Project 70 Soccer Field can treat 800 gallons of water per minute.
-Cost Estimation: AMDTreat also helped us estimate capital, operation & management, and net present value costs.
-Collaboration with Local Authorities: Squirrel Nest hopes to work with Centre and Clearfield County and build a new soccer field, designating the old soccer field for our treatment system.
Outcomes
After evaluating all treatment options, we chose the more cost-effective and community-friendly solution. The limestone bed-pond-wetland treatment train’s net present value equals $2.5 million while treating 800 gallons of water per minute and incorporating recreational and educational community areas.