Milk Run Project Update August 2019. Click here to open.

Milk Run Project Update 7/20/18

The Montour Run Watershed Association's (MRWA) has been involved in efforts to construct a passive water pollution treatment system on what is known as MKR3 discharge, the single largest source of aluminum pollution in Montour Run.  The Milk Run passive system is designed to annually remove 72,000 pounds of acid and 7,000 pounds of aluminum from the MKR3 abandoned mine drainage (AMD).

The receiving stream, Milk Run, is located along Mahoney Road in North Fayette Township, Allegheny County (click here to open a location map Opens a New Window. ). Additional information regarding the project may be obtained at http://www.mrwa.info/MRWA-news-releases.pdf Opens a New Window. . This project was made possible with funding by Range Resources Corporation ($949,089), the US Office of Surface Mining ($180,000), and The Foundation for Pennsylvania Waterways ($20,000).

Other entities providing vital support to the MRWA Milk Run effort include Continental Communities, LLC; the Allegheny County Conservation  District (ACCD); the not-for-profit Stream Restoration Incorporated (SRI); Independence Conservancy; Great Rentals, LLC; the Washington County Conservation District; and PA Department of Environmental Protection.

All necessary permits for construction of the passive treatment system have been obtained by MRWAs contractor, BioMost, Inc. (http://www.biomost.com/ Opens a New Window. ). After delaying the start of work due to the excessively wet spring, clearing of vegetation at the site began in early July.  A photograph showing tree removal progress is below.

Earth moving and construction equipment are being moved to the site this week followed by the start of construction. Click here to open a conceptual site plan Opens a New Window. .

The MRWA plans to provide periodic updates.