Simulation of ground-water flow in a mined watershed in eastern Ohio

A 43-acre watershed in Muskingum County, Ohio, was studied to determine the hydrologic consequences of strip mining for coal. A quantitative description of the effects on the ground-water flow components of the hydrologic system has been obtained using digital models.

The premining watershed was characterized by nearly flat-lying sedimentary rocks of the Pennsylvanian System. Underclay beneath the two major coal beds formed bases for perched zones, creating three separate aquifers. Recharge to the ground-water system occurred mainly by percolation of precipitation. Most of the discharge from the top and middle aquifers occurred by downward leakage to the underlying aquifers. A smaller amount of discharge occurred as springflow or streamflow near the intersections of the underclays and land surface.

Mining has destroyed the top aquifer, and has replaced the bedrock by spoil material. Water levels in the spoils are at a much lower altitude than existed in the premining top aquifer because of a combination of (1) a larger hydraulic conductivity, (2) areal variations of the hydraulic characteristics of the confining bed, and (3) a slower rate of recharge from precipitation caused by removal of vegetation and soil compaction. Covering of previously exposed portions of the middle aquifer and a lower hydraulic head in the spoils has allowed less recharge to the middle aquifer. Additional flow is induced across the western boundary of the watershed and has reduced the outflow across the eastern boundary. Discharge from the middle aquifer as downward leakage and streamflow is less than before mining.