Ecological efforts to clean Huff Run of mine runoff show positive results - Canton Repository

MINERAL CITY – Years ago, fish trying to survive in a creek known as Huff Run endured a challenging and not-so-healthy experience.

A major part of the problem was the presence of a mining byproduct known as acid mine drainage.

But a group overseeing the Huff Run Watershed Restoration Partnership is saying efforts are succeeding to restore ecological life to the 10-mile creek.

"These issues have been around for decades, ever since we started mining for coal," said Marissa Lautzenheiser, of the nonprofit organization Rural Action. "We are seeing the fish and bugs. What we are trying to do now is improve the habitat."

Rural Action has taken the lead in the project to restore the ecological health of Huff Run. Huff Run is a waterway extending from Rose Township in western Carroll County to the Mineral City area of Tuscarawas County's Sandy Township. Huff Run flows into Conotton Creek.

What is science behind the Huff Run cleanup?

The cleanup has involved the use of what Lautzenheiser refers to as "project sites." These sites collect drainage from abandoned mines where treatment is then applied to reduce the acid level. Limestone, which has alkaline properties, is used.

"All of them are unique," Lautzenheiser said. "The water that comes out of the mines is polluted with acid mine drainage. We identified where those mines were discharging this acid mine drainage. We built big wetland areas filled with limestone. Limestone is an alkaline by nature, so it balances the acid mine...

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