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Saint Vincent College Contact: Environmental Results: 3 passive AMD systems created to treat 2.4 miles of impacted stream. 260 pounds of iron removed from the water daily (a 90 percent reduction). 2,000 elementary students and 200 Girl Scouts participated in wetlands education. 1,000 individuals toured interpretive trails, 875 people participated in the annual symposium and more than 1,200 visitors accessed Saint Vincent's website. |
Demonstration, Education & Outreach A Hands-On Approach to Environmental Literacy
Since 1997, Saint Vincent College and the Loyalhanna Mine Drainage Coalition have constructed three passive wetland systems on 20 acres of property, donated by the Saint Vincent Archabbey. The wetlands are intended to restore the water quality of the Loyalhanna watershed by treating AMD discharges from 2.4 miles of Four Mile Run. Recent data indicates that the wetlands capture and retain more than 260 pounds of iron oxide daily, which has reduced the iron content of the discharges from Monastery Run and Four Mile Run by more than 90 percent. The center organizes various events and programs throughout the year to draw attention to watershed issues. One popular event is the annual Summer Institute in Watershed Restoration, which provides opportunities for faculty and students from regional colleges to participate in chemical and biological field studies. Two students even presented their results at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society. Wild and Wonderful Wetland Experience tours introduce third- through sixth-graders to the chemistry and biology of AMD remediation wetlands. Students investigate mysterious orange water, dissect weird wetland plants, inspect creepy crawlers and learn about the people needed to build a wetland. This hands-on experience gives students a firsthand look at important environmental issues while having lots of fun. The center's website, http://facweb.stvincent.edu/EEC, provides background information on AMD and wetland treatment systems, shares project information and results and descriptions of environmental education programs. Online teaching will also be available during the 2001-2002 academic year. "One of the lessons we try to convey to the community
is the necessity of teamwork to accomplish our results. Without the cooperation
of local, state and federal agencies, and local foundations and corporations,
the remediation of the AMD discharges and the development of educational
programs would not have been possible." |
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Copyright © 2001, Environmental Fund for Pennsylvania
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