Public invited to view Jennings mine drainage system

Staff report

SLIPPERY ROCK, PA.

The Jennings Environmental Education Center, Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition, and Stream Restoration Inc. will celebrate the rehabilitation of the Jennings abandoned mine- drainage passive treatment system Oct. 7.

The celebration begins in the Jennings classroom, 2951 Prospect Road, at 11:30 a.m. Light refreshments will be provided. Attendees will have the option to walk or ride a shuttle to the nearby project location. Make a reservation by calling 724-794-6011 or visiting www.apps.dcnr.state.pa.us/Calendar.

Jennings has long been an important demonstration, education and research facility for mine-reclamation practices and the passive treatment of abandoned mine drainage, according to a education center release.

Field applications of various technologies have been installed at Jennings by numerous agencies and organizations.

In 2012, after 15 years of successful operation, the Jennings vertical-flow pond, a form of passive treatment, was completely rehabilitated, and was made possible through the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement’s Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program, WPCAMR’s Quick Response Program, Harsco Minerals, Jennings Environmental Education Center, BioMost Inc., Stream Restoration Incorporated’s O&M Technical Assistance Program, and local citizen volunteers.