Acid Mine Drainage
Powering Progress:
RESPEC and EARTHRES Join Forces for Smarter Mine Reclamation
Terry Schmidt
Vice President, Mining
terry.schmidt@respec.com
Acid mine drainage (AMD) poses persistent challenges for active and abandoned mine sites, requiring innovative solutions that balance environmental restoration and regulatory compliance. Through the strategic integration of EARTHRES into RESPEC, clients now benefit from a seamless blend of expertise in mine water treatment and land reclamation. This collaboration underscores RESPEC’s commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions for the mining sector.
With over 30 years of experience in water treatment and mine reclamation, Terry Schmidt, Vice President of Engineering at EARTHRES a Division of RESPEC (EARTHRES), brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. Schmidt's extensive background includes designing more than 100 passive treatment systems across the Appalachian coal region. His expertise complements RESPEC’s strong history in mine reclamation, particularly in Wyoming and other western states.
A prime example of this synergy is the Sequatchie Valley Coal Corporation (SVC) Area 1 site in Tennessee, a reclaimed coal mine spanning over 200 acres. Once plagued by acid drainage caused by unexpected mineral interactions, the site now boasts a passive treatment system constructed in 1995, which has consistently met effluent standards for nearly three decades. This system safeguards local waterways and demonstrates the lasting value of strategic reclamation.
Looking ahead, EARTHRES will facilitate the design and construction of a modernized active treatment system at the Main Area of the SVC site addressing over 1,000 acres of reclaimed mining area. Scheduled for construction in 2026, this system will treat approximately 1,500 gallons of water per minute, utilizing cutting-edge technology to address AMD challenges more efficiently. Projects like this highlight the transformative impact of long-term planning and technical expertise.
Combining the forces of EARTHRES and RESPEC opens doors to federal funding opportunities under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These programs inject significant resources into addressing AMD and abandoned mine land reclamation, particularly in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and West Virginia. By leveraging federal support and proven capabilities, RESPEC is well-positioned to expand its positive impact to improved environmental conditions through enhanced abandoned mine reclamation.
By uniting their combined strengths, RESPEC and EARTHRES ensure that mining clients receive tailored solutions that address surface and subsurface challenges. Together, they exemplify how collaboration and expertise can transform industry challenges into opportunities for sustainable development.
