PROCEDURE FOR THE ESTIMATION OF THE IMPACT OF ACID MINE DRAINAGE TO SURFACE WATERS AND ITS MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The rehabilitation of a mine producing acid mine drainage (AMD) involves four discrete steps. These are site characterization, the development of an AMD water quality management protocol, a remediation strategy and finally an implementation strategy. This report presents a water quality management protocol for AMD impacted rivers from which AMD discharge standards can be derived. Prediction of AMD contamination within the River Avoca is taken as a case study.