Espy Run Wetlands / Wetlands Enhancement
Constructed wetlands treatment systems are an established method for improving polluted waters, including those contaminated by acid mine drainage (AMD). Typically, affected waters are diverted from a stream into a large, shallow pond in which three key processes occur to naturally treat AMD-contaminated water:
- The movement of water into the pond adds oxygen to the water, accelerating the precipitation of iron from the iron hydroxide suspension.
- The containment of water in the pond increases the time iron particles have to settle to the pond’s floor.
- Natural vegetation in the pond, such as grasses and cattails, filter iron and trap it.
Using this design, Earth Conservancy constructed its first wetlands system in 1996. Located in the Loomis Park area of Hanover Township, the Phase I wetlands was to address iron-laden waters flowing from a seep near Espy Run, a tributary to the Nanticoke Creek. Soon thereafter, a second wetlands system (Phase II) was constructed off of Dundee Road in 1999. The success of both these initiatives spurred expansion of the Phase I system. Water from the discharge was channeled over two weirs, activating the oxidization process, into two parallel holding ponds. A polishing cell was then added at the system’s outlet, adding to the iron’s removal before the water’s return back into Espy Run. Funding for the initial Espy Run Constructed Wetlands and its expansion was provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Earth Conservancy.
Espy Run was considered a pilot project. It resulted in improved water quality and, as a byproduct, also increased vegetation and animal life in the area. Seeing the opportunity for even greater efficacy, EC applied for and was awarded a Brownfields Cleanup grant from the EPA in 2009. Support was also given for consulting services from Hedin Environmental through a grant from Trout Unlimited; and for engineering services from the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts. The enhancement of the Espy Run wetlands was completed in 2011.