Instructors: Dr. Leslie Shoemaker, Dr. Jian Shen, Jon Ludwig, Andrew Parker, John Riverson, Teresa Divers

U.S. EPA Region 3, with the support of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) and Tetra Tech, Inc., has developed a comprehensive Mining Data Analysis System (MDAS) to address Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements for waterbodies exhibiting mining-related metals and pH impairments. MDAS was designed to support TMDL development in areas impacted by any combination of abandoned historical mining operations, currently permitted mining activities, and considerable natural contributions. The system is capable of efficiently simulating large watersheds with high spatial resolution for assessment and allocation to multiple point and nonpoint sources. MDAS integrates a geographical information system (GIS), comprehensive data storage and management capabilities, a dynamic watershed model, and a data analysis/post-processing system into a convenient PC-based windows interface. Nearly 1,500 metals and pH TMDLs have been developed using MDAS for streams and lakes throughout West Virginia.

The course is designed to introduce participants to MDAS and its application to TMDL development for impaired waters in mining-impacted areas. It consists of daily lecture-style presentations and extensive hands-on computer exercises. Course instructors include MDAS developers and engineers who have applied the system and developed mining-related metals and pH TMDLs for more than 200 impaired rivers and lakes throughout the country. Specific course objectives include:

• Provide a general background on mining-related TMDL issues
• Provide insight into approaches for development of approvable, defensible, and technically credible mining-related TMDLs
• Provide instruction in the use of MDAS and its application to TMDL development

Who Should Attend

Federal, state, and local government personnel and other professionals associated with watershed management, TMDL development, nonpoint source programs, water quality modeling, NPDES permitting, mining, and other related programs. Participants should have an understanding of the TMDL process and some familiarity with GIS, water quality modeling concepts, and personal computing using the Windows operating systems.

Topics:

• Overview of TMDLs
  
• Introduction to Metals Issues in TMDL Development (specifically Mining and Acid Mine Drainage)
  
• Metals Criteria
  
• Overview of MDAS
  
• Issues and Concerns related to Mining TMDL Development (source identification, allocation considerations, data needs)
  
• Mining TMDL Case Studies