Feds cutting off acid mine drainage treatment funds
Cumberland Times-News
MCHENRY — Federal funds that pay for the treatment of acid mine drainage are slated to be shut down in 2012, a fact that has residents and agencies in Western Maryland scrambling to show the economic impact of the cleaner waters that now exist because of the remediation of streams and rivers.
“Since 1998, the Maryland Bureau of Mines has constructed and maintained 33 active and passive acid mine drainage facilities (such as lime dosers) in Garrett and Allegany watersheds of which 80 percent benefit the North Branch of the Potomac,” said E. Neil Jacobs, who is coordinating a $40,000 study to show the dollar value of clean waters.
The results of the study will be used to inform federal, state and local officials as well as the public of the consequences of and economic losses resulting from a resurgence of untreated acid mine drainage in the North Branch, according to Jacobs. In addition, untreated drainage will lead to noncompliance with current EPA standards.
Funding for the study comes from the Appalachian Regional Commission, Garrett County, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Department of the Environment and Bureau of Mines.
Organized by the State Water Quality Advisory Committee, the study coalition includes the Tri-County Council for Western Maryland, Trout Unlimited, Western Maryland Resource Conservation and Development Council, and Maryland Economic Development Corporation. The Garrett County Office of Economic Development is the grant manager.
“The observed economic growth from angling, boating and local accommodations has been driven by the improving water quality of the Potomac,” Jacobs said. “Studies in other areas with similar acid mine remediation have also shown a decreased cost of treating drinking water as well as enhanced real estate values.”
Jacobs said a broad base of community support includes help from Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, Western Maryland Guides Association and George’s Creek Watershed Association.
C. Victoria Woodward, chairwoman of the State Water Quality Committee, said the results of the study will be presented at the Western Maryland Acid Mine Drainage Seminar scheduled in the first quarter of 2010.
The study will take six months to complete.
