The effects of acid mine drainage and the potential for the biological recovery of Contrary Creek in Louisa County, Virginia

Abstract

Contrary Creek, which has been subjected to acid mine drainage for almost 100 years, was studied from April 1974 through March 1975. Physical and chemical samples were collected monthly, and biological samples were collected quarterly. Physical properties examined were temperature, width, depth, and substrate. Chemical properties examined were dissolved oxygen concentration, alkalinity, hardness, pH, conductivity, sulfate, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc. Biological samples were collected both quantitatively by Surber sampler and qualitatively by D-frame aquatic dip net to examine the community structure of each station.

Water quality was greatly depressed especially in areas of the main creek and the tributaries flowing from the mine sites. Stations located near the Sulphur Mine had very poor water quality. Stations located farther upstream at the Boyd-Smith Mine had water quality that was improved over those at the Sulphur Mine. Stations located at the Arminius Mine, in general, had better water quality than those stations downstream. The biological impact of the acid mine drainage on the main creek was severe. Densities were extremely low and the dominant organisms were those recognized as acid tolerant. The clean water tributaries and reference area are generally healthy habitats with potential as centers for biological recolonization.