Abstract: Abandoned Mines and Their Impact on the Environment: Case Studies from Franklin and Sterling Mines, NJ and Rondout Quarry, NY

Mossbah M. Kolkas, C. E. Nehru

Water logged abandoned mines have an impact on the environment. In this project we selected abandoned mines from two sets of different ore bodies to learn about their environmental impact. Franklin and Sterling Pb-Zn mines, NJ and the limestone quarry in Rondout formation, NY were selected as case study examples. In the Pb-Zn mines metalimestone is the country rock and in the Rondout quarry limestone is the country rock.

Soil and water samples from selected strategic locations were analyzed for toxic and related heavy metal elements such as Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr and U. The levels of concentrations of these elements varied from one location to another according to the chemistry of the ore body and the ground water movement throughout the area. In particular Cd, Cr and U concentrations were variable from Franklin to Sterling mine. However, in the Rondout limestone (cement) quarry, higher concentrations of Cr and lower concentrations of Pb and Zn were noted.

We conclude that ore body chemistry, mine dumps and tailing contaminated ponds along with the ground water movement throughout the area have an impact on the ground water and nearby river/stream contaminant chemistry in the areas.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90954©1995 AAPG Eastern Section, Schenectady, New York