Askam Wayside: Student Work
EC began the Askam Wayside project by inviting students from Solomon Plains Jr. High School to visit the Askam site. There, our partner EPCAMR, discussed the differences in passive versus active AMD treatment systems, and exactly how Askam's oxidizer system worked.
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Askam Wayside: Student Work
The 7th and 8th grade students were broken into groups, each responsible for designing a specific sign at the Askam exhibit, under the direction of their teachers, Jared Meehan (pictured here) and Meredith Falcheck.
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Askam Wayside: Student Work
One of the completed student signs, discussing the problems of AMD.
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Askam Wayside: Student Work
Another example of the students' signs, this one providing an overview of the Askam treatment system.
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Askam Wayside: Student Work
EC then took the students' ideas for the interpretive signs and had them professionally reinterpreted. Designs were sent to Fossil Industries for printing on high-pressure laminate.
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Askam Wayside: Trail Construction
Meanwhile, EC used additional grant funds to construct a walking path along the Askam system, beginning at the boreholes and ending at the polishing cell. Also added was a parking lot to accommodate buses when visiting. Dozens of individuals visit the Askam site annually through tours given by EPCAMR.
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Askam Wayside: Trail Construction
View of walking trail along settling pond.
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Askam Wayside: Trail Construction
EC Site Supervisor, Richard Ruggiero, marks location for interpretive sign installation.
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Askam Wayside: Trail Construction
First interpretive sign, adjacent to one of the Askam boreholes that discharges AMD into Nanticoke Creek..
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Askam Wayside: Trail Construction
Second interpretive sign, installed next to the Maelstrom Oxidizer.
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Askam Wayside: Trail Construction
Third interpretive sign, at the outlet of the settling pond/polishing cell.
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Askam Wayside: Community Education
Now open to the public, the wayside trail offers individuals and groups an opportunity for learning more about AMD, the Askam system, and watershed protection. Pictured is a group of students visiting in April 2017 from Hartwick College in New York.
