On May 2, the Monday Creek Restoration Project (MCRP) held a dedication ceremony for the completion of their Shawnee Steel Slag Leach Bed in Shawnee, Ohio. The project is a water quality treatment facility, and was constructed as a cooperative effort between the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), the Office of Surface Mining, the Village of Shawnee, and Rural Action.
Mike Steinmaus, the Coordinator of Monday Creek Restoration Project, was master of ceremonies for the event. Also on hand for the dedication were Michelle Decker, Executive Director of Rural Action; Barbara Flowers of ODNR; Mayor John Arkley from the Village of Shawnee; and State Senator Tim Schaffer, who represents Ohio’s 31st District.
The facility utilizes an alkaline-producing steel slag to buffer acidic water in Monday Creek as it runs past Shawnee. The design of this system is unique since the steel slag bed utilizes water from the village wastewater treatment plant. This is possibly the first project in Ohio to use effluent water for treatment of acid mine drainage. The project demonstrates an innovative and cooperative approach to improving water quality in acid-laden streams, and is the latest large-scale project completed by MCRP.
For more information on MCRP, or to get involved with their programs, contact Mike Steinmaus (mcrp@mondaycreek.org) or call their offices (740.394.2047).