Rare Earth Elements
An exciting study led by Dr. Heileen Hsu-Kim and her student Anna Altman from Duke University, in partnership with Dr. Ben Hedin from Hedin Environmental, is currently involved in the analysis of acid mine drainage (AMD) solids from several passive treatment systems located in Western Pennsylvania.
Two of the systems assessed thus far, the Jennings and McIntire systems, were designed by BioMost, Inc. and currently operated/maintained by Stream Restoration Inc., DCNR’s Jennings Environmental Education Center, and the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition.
This research is focusing on critical materials (e.g. rare earth elements (REEs)) in AMD solids, which are important components of many advanced technologies, including consumer electronics, batteries, health care instruments, and much more.
Currently, the United States largely depends on other nations for our supply of REEs, but increased interest in extracting REEs from mining waste has led to interesting and inspiring research projects such as this.
Ben says that he knows the critical materials are in AMD solids, so the project will assess how these materials are bound to AMD solids.
Anna explained that much of her research will involve metal analysis of the collected samples using a technology called inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) which uses a high-energy plasma to excite photons from elements, allowing the detection of elements at low concentrations.
Additionally, Anna said that she will take a close look at the AMD solids to see how the REEs may be bound to the surface using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
Findings on how REEs bind to AMD solids could pave the way for future insights for potential ways we could extract these critical materials from wastes right here in Pennsylvania.
The SRWC is extremely excited to have our systems involved in this study, and we are looking forward to the results!
Treatment System Monitoring
Over the past year, Stream Restoration Inc. has monitored over 30 passive treatment systems in PA, 20 of which treat acid mine drainage (AMD) entering Slippery Rock Creek.
Field measurements are taken and water samples are collected for lab analysis so that we can understand the chemistry of the water.
Results have indicated that the systems in the Slippery Rock Creek Watershed are currently working well to remove heavy metals and neutralize the acidity of the water.
Throughout the sampling trips, we ran into many cool critters, such as red spotted newts (top right) and sandhill cranes (middle).
All of the pictures below [Click Here for photos] were taken during SRWC sampling events and goes to show the passive systems can also serve as homes for these awesome animals.
Passive treatment systems often mimic what would be found in natural wetlands, so it is no wonder that they provide great habitat for many species.
Statewide AMD Conference
Are you involved in abandoned mine reclamation or just simply interested in learning more?
Well you’re in luck because the 27th annual PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation (AMR) Conference is now open for registration and accepting proposals for presentations.
Each year this three-day conference starts with a field tour of multiple systems and reclamation sites to share inspiring examples of successful projects, followed by two days of informative talks from environmental professionals with a vast array of backgrounds.
The talks never fail to provide valuable insights on reclamation programs, treatment technologies, and partnerships.
The 2025 PA AMR Conference will take place on October 14-16 at Toftrees Golf Resort in State College PA. Registration is open until Friday, October 3, 2025 and can be completed here.
Jennings EE Center
Jennings Environmental Education Center had an exciting day on Wednesday, March 12th, thanks to the seventeen trained PA Bureau of State Park and Game Commission staff who conducted a successful controlled burn on the Jennings Blazing Star Prairie.
Their expertise allowed for this burn to be carried out while accounting for environmental conditions such as wind and humidity, as well as out of concern for potential impacts on wildlife.
In a groundbreaking achievement, this fire featured possibly the first all-female fire squad within Pennsylvania State Parks history, consisting of seven women who played vital roles in executing the burn.
This milestone highlights not only the dedication of the team but also the increasing representation of women in fire management roles.
The burn spanned approximately 18 acres, including not only the prairie, but also a vital section of the prairie habitat expansion area.
This marked the first time this area was burned, a significant step towards enhancing habitat quality for local flora and fauna, including the endangered massasauga rattlesnake.
Why do we use fire? Fire was once a part of the natural cycles of our fields and forests before European colonization, but of course now we must put out wildfires in populated areas.
This has actually led to a loss of biodiversity, especially in habitats like the prairie and other similar ecosystems.
Many plants and animals depend upon these habitats for their survival.
At Jennings, these species include, but are not limited to, wildflowers like blazing star, Culver’s root and rosinweed; and animals like Baltimore checkerspot, woodcock, box turtle, indigo bunting, bluebird and the eastern massasauga rattlesnake.
[Celebrate The Bloom! July 26
[The Celebrate The Bloom! blazing star educational celebration will be held on July 26.
[Make plans to visit the only prairie ecosystem in Pennsylvania at the Jennings Environmental Education Center in Slippery Rock, Butler County.]
The KIDS Catalyst
Do the word search for animals that make Pennsylvania Streams their home.
Don’t forget the Brook Trout color page!
Click Here to read the entire Catalyst. Sign up for your own copy.
For more information on programs, projects, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition website. Follow them on Facebook. Click Here to sign up for regular updates.
The Butler County-based Coalition was established in 1994 to restore land, water and wildlife resources in the Slippery Rock Watershed.
Related Articles This Week:
-- PA Trout Unlimited, 17 Other Environmental, Conservation Organizations Expressed Opposition To Proposed DEP Changes To Spill Reporting Requirements [PaEN]
-- DEP: Getting Stuff Done For The Chesapeake Bay: Pennsylvania’s Impact During Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week [PDF of Article]
-- University Of Maryland Chesapeake Bay & Watershed Report Card Shows Declined Health From 2024, Presents Long-Term Improvement [PaEN]
-- $100/Well Bounty Established For Previously Unknown Oil & Gas Wells Abandoned By Conventional Well Owners Under New Program Funded By Oil Region Alliance; 4 Penn State Extension Workshops Set [PaEN]
-- Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition: Rare Earth Elements Study At Passive Mine Drainage Treatment Systems; Controlled Burn All Female Crew; Statewide AMD Conference [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- Senators Yaw, Martin: PA Senate Resolution Designates June 8-14 As Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week In Pennsylvania
-- Interfaith Partners For The Chesapeake Bay: Celebrating Juneteenth & Solstice Around The Watershed
-- PennLive: Sinkholes Have Caused Millions In Property Damage; Is The State Doing Enough About Them? [Buzzi Unicem Cement Pumping Water Out Of A Quarry In Northampton County]
-- Beaver Times/Inside Climate News- Jon Hurdle: PA Fracking Company Surrenders Water Permits, Can’t Get Enough Water Out Of Big Sewickley Creek In Beaver County
[Posted: June 10, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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