I-99 Acid Rock Drainage Remediation System

Construction of 15 miles of new highway near State College had exposed approximately one million cubic yards of rock containing pyrite (known commonly as Fools' Gold), leading to high acidity and heavy metal-laden drainage contamination to a high-quality stream, groundwater and surface water, and residential water wells. Skelly and Loy designed a remotely monitored and controlled collection and treatment system that neutralizes the drainage and reduces heavy metal levels to National Pollution Discharge Elimination System standards. A small portion of the drainage is treated using an experimental, passive treatment process to assess its potential application for acid mine drainage treatment at sites throughout Pennsylvania.

Winner:2014 American Consulting Engineers Companies of Pennsylvania Diamond Honor Award
Winner:2014 American Consulting Engineers Companies National Engineering Excellence Recognition Award

Markets:Transportation
Services: Water Resources, Natural Resources, Environmental, Engineering, Permitting