Lowber Iron Oxide Project
In August, the remaining iron sludge was removed
from the channel at Lowber. The mine discharge was diverted to a
temporary channel so that iron would not be released to Sewickley Creek
during recovery operations. Sludge was removed from the channel
using a pump operated by Keystone Vacuum and an excavator operated by
Stoy Excavation.
Approximately 120,000 gallons of slurry were pumped
into six large tanks (rented from Baker Tanks). The slurry was then
dewatered using a belt press operated by US Filter.
A filter cake was produced that was stored on site. During
September, October and November the filter cake was delivered to Hoover
Color Corporation, where it will be processed into a burnt sienna
pigment. Hoover reports that the pigment is being used in wood
stains. Pruet Shaeffer, a paint manufacturer in McKees Rocks,
produced two batches of paint (primer and finish) that will be
distributed to watershed groups. A building contractor plans to
use the finished pigment as a concrete colorant in a new DEP building
in California PA.
Word was received in September that the
Association’s proposal to construct a large iron oxide production
system had been funded by the DEP’s Growing Greener Program.
Planning and permitting activities began immediately.
Notification of the project was made to the Pennsylvania Natural
Diversity Inventory. Concerns about a rare plant, the Scouring
Rush, were raised. A botanical inventory of the site was
conducted, but the Scouring Rush was not found. Additionally, no
plants of special concern were located in the project area.
Notification of the project was provided to the Pennsylvania Historical
and Museum Commission. The Commission reported no problems with
historical features and authorized the project to proceed. A
wetlands delineation was conducted of the site and 1.4 acres of
wetlands were mapped. The presence of the wetlands will affect
permitting applications. Discussions were initiated with
permitting personnel at the DEP and the Army Corps of Engineers.
A field meeting between all parties is scheduled
Plans to remove debris associated with
previously demolished coke ovens were developed. The
material represents a high spot on the site that must be removed.
Removal of the material was discussed in a site meeting with the
Westmoreland Conservation District. A potential disposal site,
located in Lowber, was inspected and tentatively approved by the
District. An erosion and sediment control plan and NPDES
application are currently being prepared for this activity and will be
forwarded to the District for review and approval.
The Association continued to pursue the purchase of
land associated with an abandoned railroad that dissects the
site. Negotiations with two landowners progressed and tentative
agreements were made. Survey and legal documents necessary to
complete the transfers are being developed.
The Sewickley Creek Watershed Association promotes the
conservation of natural resources, monitors and improves water quality,
and advocates wise land use practices in the Sewickley Creek Watershed.
As such the Association shall use its resources to educate the
citizens of the watershed as to sound environmental practices. In
addition, the Association will seek out and cooperate with government
agencies, interested organizations, businesses and individuals to
implement programs to improve water quality and encourage proper land
use.
