Study finds mine-drainage treatment cost effective, but far more costs lay ahead

New research led by the University of Pittsburgh shows that state and federal appropriations allowing Pennsylvania to treat abandoned mine drainage works to both successfully and cost effectively clean up the acidic water—particularly to the benefit of affected vulnerable communities. But their research also shows that current appropriations to the state are insufficient for long-term treatment of all mine drainage while also needing to address other abandoned mine hazards such as sinkholes.