Ground-water hydrology before, during, and after coal strip mining of a small watershed in Coshocton County, Ohio

Water-Resources Investigations Report 83-4155
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Abstract

Ground-water conditions before, during, and after surface mining of a small watershed are described as part of a study to determine the effects of mining on hydrologic systems. The watershed was underlain by stratified sedimentary rocks containing three aquifers. The top and middle aquifers were perched above clay beds that underlay the major coal seams; the lowermost aquifer is part of a regional aquifer system and neither water levels nor water quality have been affected by mining. Replacement of the top aquifer by spoils during mining has caused many changes in the land surface, recharge rates, discharge rates, saturated thickness, water-table gradient, hydraulic conductivity, storage, and water quality. Changes in the middle aquifer include: the amount of recharge from precipitation, amount of leakage through the overlying clay bed, and water quality in some areas. Resaturation of the mining spoils during postmining has been slow and irregular, however, water levels in wells in the middle aquifer have remained virtually unchanged. The water quality in the mining spoils is significantly poorer than water in the original aquifer. Specific conductance concentration of water in the spoils is 2 ,020 micromhos per centimeter and sulfate is 940 milligrams per liter. Water levels and water quality in the deep aquifer have not been affected by mining. (USGS)

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Ground-water hydrology before, during, and after coal strip mining of a small watershed in Coshocton County, Ohio
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 83-4155
DOI 10.3133/wri834155
Year Published 1983
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description iv, 40 p.
Country United States
State Ohio
County Coshocton County
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