Air/Water Pollution Report - April 11, 1988 - Constructed Wetlands Gaining Popularity as 'Natural' Way to Control Acid Runoff

Oct 13, 2026

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April 11, 1988 issue of Air/Water Pollution Report highlights constructed wetlands as a growing “natural” treatment method for acidic mine runoff and other nonpoint-source pollution. Mining companies increasingly adopt the man-made marsh technology, with TVA’s program building artificial cattail marshes to address acid drainage and related contaminants. The report contrasts wetland successes with cases needing chemical treatment, explains best-use conditions for water acidity, and notes ongoing research into vegetation performance and toxic metal reduction. It also mentions applications to agricultural and urban runoff.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time28 min

AccessFree to download

CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS GAINING POPULARITY AS 'NATURAL' WAY TO CONTROL ACID RUNOFF

S # 化慧力AR/WATER pollution report Weekly Report on Environmental ProtectionNIVERSITY Vo1.26 No.5⑤ April 11,1988 Page 141 景 EPA Chief Likes 'Group of Nine!Air Proposal…… ……Page 142 最1Data Shows 1980s Have Warmest Years on Record …… ……Page 145 Denver Considers Banning Woodburning Fireplaces…… … …Page 146 SLANTS &TRENDS FROM THE OVAL OFFICE:President Reagan last week signed the Montreal protocolcalling for a 50%reduction in world consumption of chlorofluorocarbons.Mean-while,Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Thomas reiterated hisintent to seek speeded-up review of controls set by the protocol in light of newscientific data showing that ozone depletion is worse than scientists previouslythought.He called the data "really sturoing"during an interview with A/WPRlast week and said ratification of eheprofocol by the necessary countries shouldproceed while steps to tign begn(Pe more on Thomas see pp.143-44)。 21988 NO IDLE THREAT:Senate Mjority Leader RobertByrd(D.-W.Va.)said last weekthat he feels"more threatened thisyear by acid rain legislation than in anyother year_before,"in part becauee 46 colleagues have requested "early Senateaction on S.1894"(A/WPR,Apnt4,1988,p.138)。During an April 5 speech tothe Chemical Manufacturers Association,Byrd urged the chemical industry to op-pose the bill "at the grass roots level,"predicting that "things could happenover the next few months"on the measure that the Senate Enyironment and PublcWorks Committee approved last fall. BAD NEWS BILL:Byrd emphasized that enactment of the measure would have a veryundesirable impact on West Virginia's economy.The cost of acid rain provisionswould be exceedingly exorbitant"for U.S.industry,resulting in higher util-ity bills and affecting industries other than the coal-mining industry.ButByrd did not rule out the possibility that other provisions in the bill,spon-sored by Sen.George Mitchell(D.-Maine),could be approved as amendments toseparate,unrelated measures. 暑染善 STAYING ON THE HIT LIST:EPA Chief Thomas said last week that he plans to re-move only Dallas-Fort Worth from his list of 14 metropolitan areas where con-struction bans could be imposed this year for failing to attain federal CleanAir Act standards. Dallas-Fort Worth is the only one that will make that show-ing,"Thomas said when asked by A/WPR what other areas on the list might haverevised state implementation plans approved by EPA and the threat of sanctionslifted.Thomas added that Atlanta "has the potential"to be removed from thelist "but probably won't." EDITOR's NOTE:A/WPR will have a new look beginning next week,April 18,1988. | I'ublisher:Leonard A.
Eiserer
Editor:Donna Engelgau
Chief Correspondent:
Bruce Detlefsen
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electronically via NewsNet(800)345-1301. | | | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | April 11,1988 ## CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS GAINING POPULARITYAS'NATURAL'WAY TO CONTROL ACID RUNOFF Artificial wetlands are gaining popularity with mining companies as the wayto treat acidic mine mine runoff,researchers studying the man-made marshes say,and the technique,long used to treat sewage,is being explored as a way to con-trol agricultural nonpoint source pollution. "A lot of [coal mining company]contractors and consultants are picking upon [wetlands],"environ

FAQs

Why are constructed wetlands becoming popular for acid mine runoff?

Researchers and mining-related contractors view constructed wetlands as an effective, explored alternative for treating acidic mine drainage and related runoff, including agricultural nonpoint source pollution.

What does TVA’s constructed wetlands program do?

TVA’s program builds artificial cattail marshes to treat acidic runoff from coal mines, coal wash facilities, and ash disposal ponds, and it evaluates both successes and situations requiring added treatment.

When do constructed wetlands need additional treatment?

If the wetland system becomes stressed due to overly acidic water, it may require chemical treatment such as sodium hydroxide to eliminate acidity and improve water treatment outcomes.

Oct 13, 2026

Upload by Jasmine