Solutions
Big Mill Creek – What We Are Doing
What We Can Do
1. Stop Acid Rain
- Global issue that is being solved by reduction in fossil fuel emissions
2. Put in treatment facilities
- Active limestone treatments
- Passive limestone treatments
- Both increase the buffering capacity
Two Types of Passive Treatments
- Anaerobic Vertical Flow Wetlands (AVFW)
- Limestone Basin
Aerobic Limestone Basin
Advantages
- Simple Design
- Removes iron & aluminum
- Removes acidity
- Produces alkalinity
- May remove manganese
Disadvantages
- Effected by coating
- Potential clogging
- No high metals (Fe & Al)
- Uncertain alkalinity generation
Sizing Guidance
- 4-40 hours detention time
Anaerobic Vertical Flow Wetlands (AVFW)
Advantages
- Accepts toxic waters
- Can treat high acidity
- Not effected by aluminum
- Produces excess alkalinity
Disadvantages
- Effected by high iron loading
- Poor manganese removal
- Complex design
- High capital cost
Benefits Of Improvements
- Improve water quality of Ridgway Reservoir
- Relieve fishing pressure from other streams because Big Mill Creek will be taken off stocking schedule if nothing is done
- Ensure future generations of Elk County anglers will have premium trout streams