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Meetings were held about once a week on
site with Quality Aggregrates, PA DEP, Knox DMO, Aquascape, and BioMost,
Inc. to aid in the construction of the passive treatment systems.
Click on a date below to view a summary of the meeting.
Construction meeting at Goff Station Reclamation site: 8:00 am 7/5/00 Present at the meeting: Tim VanDyke, Terry Elicker, Roger Bowman, Tim Gillen (PADEP), Jeff Ankrom, Kevin Stiner, Mike Colosimo, and John Stoops (Quality Aggregates), Tim Danehy (BioMost Inc.), and Bob Beran and Jeff Reidenbaugh (Pellegrini Engineers, Inc.) Passive Treatment System
for St. 38 and St. 39
Tim Danehy reviewed the passive treatment systems for St. 38 and St. 39 which included two vertical flow ponds (VFPs), a sediment pond, and a wetland. Flow from the wetland will then enter a larger final wetland. The VFPs will collectively contain 6000 tons of high CaCO3 limestone. Concern regarding excess compaction within the VFPs during construction is to be addressed by using a skid loader in the center and an excavator along the edges to move stone or compost. Altering the proposed drainage from the VFPs to the sediment pond was discussed, particularly with regard to VFP2 which lies to the north. The discharge from VFP2 potentially short circuits a significant portion of the sediment pond. Moving the VFPs to the south was discussed as an option to minimize this. Tim Danehy, Jeff Ankrom, and John Stoops flagged the area to be cleared for the passive treatment system. John Stoops will contact a logger with regard to the footprint of the previously mentioned passive treatment system. The landowner will also need to be contacted. Clearing of the area is intended to begin soon. Therefore, if John's contact cannot act quickly, logging will not be done. In that case, material that is not salvaged will be placed in a windrow downslope of the passive treatment system. Jeff Ankrom will contact Jack Chamberlin to survey points for the above mentioned passive treatment system, and to also survey the footprint for the finishing wetland. The E&S Plan was discussed. Copies were provided to Terry Elicker and Roger Bowman. The E&S Plan has been approved, and wetland and floodplain waivers have been obtained. Draining of the upslope impoundments was discussed. Late last week, a dam was removed from an impoundment to lower water level, but it was rebuilt by beavers within a day. Bob Beran will contact the Franklin Office of the Fish and Game Commission for guidance in dealing with the beaver problem. Construction meeting at Goff Station Reclamation site: 8:00 am 7/10/00 Present at the meeting: Terry Elicker (PADEP), Joe Aloe, Jeff Ankrom, Mike Colosimo, Kevin Stiner, and John Stoops (Quality Aggregates), Will Taylor (BioMost Inc.), and Bob Beran and Jeff Reidenbaugh (Pellegrini Engineers, Inc.) Passive Treatment System
for St. 38 and St. 39
Clearing has begun for the passive treatment system for St. 38 and St. 39. The area up to the base of the spoils is being cleared. Shifting the treatment system upslope is being considered to ensure adequate drop from the wetland of the passive treatment system to the finishing wetland. Flow (from all passive treatment systems) will be directed into the southern end of the finishing wetland. This southern portion of the finishing wetland will be relatively deep, configured to slow velocity of incoming flow and provide a final opportunity for precipitated metals and sediments to settle. The remainder of the wetland will be designed to maximize water retention. On Wednesday or Thursday, Jack Chamberlin is to be on site to shoot corners of the components of the passive treatment system, as well as benchmark elevations. The upslope impoundments have been drained to a depth of approximately 2 feet. Bob will meet with Chip regarding Lester the beaver. Goff
Station: Weekly construction meeting 7/17/00
Surveying of passive treatment
system for ST 38 and ST 39
The area for the passive treatment system for ST 38 and ST 39 has been cleared and silt fence has been installed. Corners of the passive treatment system were surveyed, and a benchmark elevation has been established. Elevations within the footprint of the finishing wetland were also taken to determine final elevation based on a range of desirable slopes of drainage from the treatment system. Piping for the vertical flow ponds is expected to arrive next week. These will be stored at the Beran Fencing shop in Boyers, where 2-foot lengths will be cut. Pins were obtained for the trapezoidal bucket to be used in the excavation of the upslope diversion ditch. The ditch should be completed on Wednesday. A separate upslope diversion ditch will then be installed above the passive treatment system for ST 38 and ST 39. Design for the finishing wetland is in progress and is to be completed by July 28. Goff
Station: Weekly construction meeting 7/24/00
Upslope diversion ditch
The upslope diversion ditch for ST 40 and ST 41 was excavated last week. It will be seeded this week. Rough excavation of one of the vertical flow ponds to ST 38 and ST 39 was completed and reference elevations for the berm and pond bottom were established. The diversion ditch for these vertical flow ponds was discussed. It was determined that the 15 ft. wide access on the upslope side of the vertical flow ponds will be sloped to also serve as the diversion ditch for these systems. Both vertical flow ponds will be excavated prior to the addition of limestone and initiating the construction of the treatment systems. It was mentioned that a surveyor would be brought in to mark/verify final elevations of the vertical flow ponds. Adequate compaction of the vertical flow ponds was mentioned as a concern. Based on the suitability of the material used to construct the berms/ponds it was decided that sufficient compaction will be attained by utilizing the Cat 988 for final compaction in conjunction with the inherent compaction associated with constructing these structures in lifts. Piping for the vertical flow ponds is expected to arrive at the Goff Station Restoration Site on Monday (24th). Some of the piping will be taken to Bob Beran's shop in Boyers and cut to 2 ft. lengths. On Saturday, July 22, Chip Brunst led a roundup of the beavers in the upslope impoundments. The impoundments were visited following the construction meeting, and there was no evidence of beaver activity following the roundup. Flow from ST 41 is visible and the impoundment is draining as intended. The outflow from the impoundment appears to be greater than the flow from ST 41. Therefore, the flow from ST41 will be isolated and the current outflow will be deepened to try to locate additional seeps. Construction meeting on 7/31/00 Present at meeting: Tim VanDyke, Terry Elicker, Jeff Ankrom, Jeff Reidenbaugh, Bob Beran, and Kevin Stiner Vertical flow pond: basin is to grade. The final grade is 1' higher than indicated on plans. Unsuitable material prevented excavation to the originally proposed grade. The slopes above the ponds have been graded. There appears to be a stockpile of topsoil from the previous mining activities. The diversion ditch will be seeded and fertilized. It was decided to sample the flow from #41 that has been exposed after draining the pit to determine the quality of this particular flow. Schedules were discussed and it was indicated that the project is progressing in a timely manner and the project is generally on schedule. No additional topics were discussed and the meeting was adjourned. Goff
Station: Weekly construction meeting 8-7-00
Passive treatment system
for ST 38 and ST 39
Excavation of the southern vertical flow pond in the passive treatment system for ST 38 and ST 39 is completed. Rough excavation the second vertical flow pond is well underway, and if weather permits it will be finished by next Monday. Geotextile has been ordered, and the vertical flow ponds may be ready to receive gravel and piping next week. Pipe for the vertical flow ponds will be taken to the Beran Fencing shop in Boyers and cut to 2 ft. lengths. Ensuring adequate compaction and sealing of the vertical flow ponds was also discussed. Seep collars and bentafix will be used where pipes pass through the east wall of the pond. A "jumping jack" will also be used to ensure adequate compaction in these areas. Excavation of the treatment wetland for this system has begun and will continue this week. Before the construction of the lower finishing wetland, a drop will carry the flow from the ST 38 / ST 39 treatment wetland to the existing drainage that directs water to the south of the footprint of the finishing wetland. The upslope impoundments were briefly discussed. There have been no recent signs of beaver activity. It is expected that substrate for the lower finishing wetland will be obtained from H & H Materials. The substrate is hydric soil that was removed during a permitted wetland mitigation project. Jeff Ankrom and Bob Beran will meet with the owner of H & H Materials to discuss terms. Approaches for establishing vegetation on the slopes above the ST 38 and ST 39 passive treatment system were discussed. Vegetative mixes including crown vetch were mentioned possibly followed by tree plantings next spring. Goff
Station: Weekly construction meeting 8/28/00
Passive treatment system
for ST 38 and ST 39
Excavation of both vertical flow ponds to ST 38 and ST 39 is complete. The first layer of pipe is assembled in one of the VFPs. A portion of the berm will be excavated so that outlet piping may be connected. Bob Beran and Jeff Ankrom are to look into renting a jumping jack to ensure adequate compaction of soil above and below outlet piping. It was also discussed that in addition to seep collars, bentafix would be used as a second precautionary measure to reduce any seeping in areas where piping passes through the berm. Jack Chamberlin will survey in work that has been completed so that "as-built" drawings may be prepared. A number of issues were raised in discussing the assembly of the pipe that has taken place to date and complications that have been experienced with previously constructed vertical flow ponds. Possibly reducing the number of areas in which piping passes through the berm of a vertical flow pond: On the construction drawing for the VFPs at ST 38 and ST 39, there are three areas in the berm through which piping will pass. John and Kevin raised the possibility of piping the discharge from the back (west) quadrants through the same areas of the berm that are utilized for the outlet of the front (east) quadrants, thereby reducing the number of berm areas with piping from three to two. Utilizing 45 degree angles instead of a 90 degree "T" in the piping system of the front (east) quadrants was discussed. It is thought that this may allow the water collected to better maintain velocity to the outlet. Frequency of flushing systems once constructed: Terry expressed concern that VFPs may need to be monitored and/or flushed more often than annually to ensure clogging problems are identified sooner rather than later. The possibility of laying the collection pipes on a slight incline to increase the discharge velocity of the pipes (to reduce the likelihood of clogging) was also discussed. "Texnet" was presented as a means to prevent larger compost components from entering the piping system. Finer particles could still pass through, therefore clogging of the texnet would not be expected. (In general, geotextiles have not been used as a liner for compost in VFPs due for fear of clogging.) The possibility of using a medium other than mushroom compost (such as leaf waste or hay) in the vertical flow ponds was raised. It was suggested to have one of the construction meetings each month attended by representatives from each group involved in the project. Concern was also raised with
regard to the amount of construction remaining with respect to the time
remaining in the construction season.
Marking of the area for the
passive treatment system for ST 40 and 41 should be done as soon as possible
to ensure that progress toward completion of the project may continue during
periods of rain.
Bob Beran and Jeff Ankrom
visited H&H materials and arranged for the purchase and transportation
of hydric substrate to Goff Station for use in the construction of the
wetlands.
REMINDER: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER
4th is LABOR DAY.
Goff
Station: Weekly construction meeting 9/5/00
Passive treatment system
for ST 38 and ST 39
The limestone base and first layer of piping are in place in the VFPs for ST 38 and 39. Gravel has been placed above the piping in the southern VFP, and outlet piping has been placed in ditches excavated through the berm. A jumping jack has been rented and is on site to ensure adequate compaction of soil above and below outlet piping. Tim VanDyke again stressed the importance of workers not entering the excavations in the berm. Limestone is currently being placed above the first layer of piping in the northern VFP. After the completion of the passive treatment system, Jack Chamberlin will survey the system for preparation of "as-built" drawings. Seeding around the passive treatment systems was discussed. Seeding of the areas around the passive treatment system for ST 38 and ST 39 will be done together. Soil surfaces will be "roughed up" prior to seeding. At this point it is not known whether an outside contractor will be hired to seed the site. The purchase and transportation of hydric substrate for use in the construction of the wetlands has been arranged with H&H Materials. The remainder of this week will be spent working toward the completion of VFPs for ST 38 and ST 39. The goal for next week is the completion of the sediment pond for ST 38 and ST 39. Also during the next two weeks, the area for the passive treatment system for ST 40 and ST 41 will need to be marked. The area may then be cleared in preparation for earth moving for the construction of the passive treatment system. Tim VanDyke suggested that next week would be a good opportunity for project participants to discuss the schedule for completion of the restoration project. Minutes from field construction meeting 9/11/00 Present: Margaret Dunn, Tim Danehey (BioMost, Inc.), John Stoops, Kevin Stiner, Jeff Ankrom (Quality Aggregates, Inc.), Tim Van Dyke, Terry Elicker (DEP), and Bob Beran (Aquascape) The status of the final design plans for Goff Station, Phase II of the project were discussed and it was mentioned that they will need to be reviewed by the Knox DMO prior to implementation. Tim D. said that they would be forthcoming. The design characteristics of the piping system were discussed relative to the importance of system equalization and flow distribution. Of concern, were the clogging and the need to incorporate design features into the system that would facilitate flushing/cleaning. John and Kevin suggested incorporating accessible cleanouts into the piping so that they may be cleaned by mechanical methods if necessary. This idea will be incorporated into the design and included into the as-builts for the project. Also discussed was the feasibility of connecting a pump to the system outlets to draw the flows into the piping thus promoting higher velocities/more effective flushing. The present design of the system will enable this to be done by adding a transitional fitting at the time of flushing. This will permit the piping to be directly connected to a 4" trash pump. This step may be later incorporated into a routine monitoring/maintenance plan. Terry Elicker expressed concern that the flows into the system may not be evenly distributed and may result in a short circuit. After a lengthy discussion, it was decided that a dye would be used to visually demonstrate the flow characteristics when the systems are brought on line. If it is determined that this is a problem, corrective measures will be incorporated that will address the issue. The need was expressed to "exhume" the Jennings Experimental System to get more first hand knowledge of the amount and extent of precipitate present in a system that has been in use. Further discussion will ensue leading to implementation of this measure. Goff
Station: Weekly construction meeting 9/18/00
VFPs for ST 38 and ST 39
Schedule for completion Jeff Ankrom mentioned the possibility of obtaining mushroom compost for less cost than is available from Creekside Mushroom. This option may not be a feasible one due to specific wording associated with the system specifications. Compost will be placed on the VFPs to a depth of 6". Outlet piping on the VFPs will have a "periscope" design similar to that installed at DeSale Phase II. This utilizes an adjustable elbow rather than requiring the installation of valves. An option was discussed for combining flows of two remaining drainages at Goff Station that would be treated by two parallel vertical flow ponds (one with compost layer and one without a compost layer). Each VFP would be designed and constructed to adequately treat the entire flow from both discharges. The option for combining discharges and treating with parallel VFPs was discussed with Roger Bowman following the construction meeting. Roger was not opposed to the option (given that each system would be capable of treating the combined flow), but noted that others in the Knox DMO would need to give approval. The schedule for the completion of the Goff Station Restoration Project was discussed. This week the sediment pond below the VFPs will be constructed to grade. The remainder of the stone is also to be added to the VFPs, and if possible the outlet piping will be installed and the breastwork resealed. Jack Chamberlin will continue to shoot elevations for "as builts". Following completion of the VFPs for ST 38 and ST39, work will begin on the wetland for ST 42. A contractor will be used in October to begin seeding the area of the treatment system for ST 38 and ST 39. The grant period for the project ends in June 2001. The limestone base and both layers of piping are in place in the VFPs for ST 38 and 39. Gravel has been placed above the piping in the southern VFP, and outlet piping has been placed in ditches excavated through the berm. A jumping jack has been rented and is on site to ensure adequate compaction of soil above and below outlet piping. Tim VanDyke again stressed the importance of workers not entering the excavations in the berm. Limestone is currently being placed above the top layer of piping in the northern VFP. After the completion of the passive treatment system, Jack Chamberlin will survey the system for preparation of "as-built" drawings. Goff
Station: Weekly construction meeting 9/25/00
VFPs for ST 38 and ST 39
The breastwork of the VFPs has been completed and compacted on the inside wall. Seep collars and Bentafix were installed around the piping that passes through the breastwork. The Bentafix was laid out the entire width of a roll and taken up to above the final water level of the VFPs. Elevations will be shot for the outside plumbing. All of the stone is currently in the VFPs for ST 38 and ST 39. The stone in the northern VFP will be spread out and leveled early this week. Work on the outside plumbing will be completed, and the sediment pond is to be excavated to its 20-foot width. Following the construction of the passive treatment for ST 38 and ST 39 and the installation of the distribution box, the distribution of water into the VFPs will be observed. If necessary the inflow of water into the VFPs will be altered to provide more even distribution. Sources for mushroom compost are being contacted. Creekside may have difficulty supplying the amount needed for the VFPs of ST 38 and ST 39. SRI will collect a sample of mushroom compost from the Ferris treatment system. Jeff Ankrom will provide SRI with a sample of mushroom compost from another provider. SRI will determine if either is appropriate for use in the VFPs. A preliminary design has been prepared for the passive treatment system for the combined flows of ST 40 and ST 42. The flow from ST 40 will be collected and piped to ST 42, where a check dam will be constructed for the collection of water prior to entering the passive treatment system. The system will be composed of parallel vertical flow ponds (one limestone only and one with compost). Each VFP will be constructed with 1100 tons of limestone and will be capable of treating the entire combined flows of ST 40 and ST42. The approximate footprint for the passive treatment for ST 40 and ST 42 has been flagged so that it may be cleared when ready. The area for the treatment wetland for ST 41, which is currently a predominantly drained impoundment, was visited. The existing water level of the impoundment is believed to be the final water level of the treatment wetland. An open limestone channel will be used to collect seeps along the western edge of the wetland area and transport flows to a collection area at the northern end. The elevation of the northern end of the limestone collection channel will determine the elevation of the basin of the wetland. The existing substrate will be excavated to the appropriate grade and the footprint of the wetland will be enlarged to the extent that the site will accommodate. Pond fines will be used to line the base of the wetland and hydric substrate will be purchased from H&H Materials. Goff
Station: Weekly construction meeting 10/2/00
VFPs for ST 38 and ST 39
Outside plumbing is being installed for the vertical flow ponds for ST 38 and ST 39. Work will continue finishing the outside plumbing and installing valve boxes. Some of the mushroom compost for the VFPs has arrived and additional compost will be hauled to the site. A skid loader (with either manure forks or a material bucket) will be used to spread the compost while avoiding compaction. This week, water will be drained from the wetland basin for ST 38 and ST 39. Arrangements will be made to have 550 tons of hydric substrate hauled from H&H Materials to Goff Station on October 16th. During the week of the 16th, the hydric substrate will be placed in the wetland to a depth of 8 to 12 inches. (Prior to placement of the substrate, the basin of the wetland will be roughed up to provide microtopographic relief that will allow a diversity of wetland plants to become established.) Saturday, October 21st is the day scheduled for the wetland planting. The design for the parallel vertical flow ponds for the treatment of ST 40 and ST 42 is in progress. A footprint for the system has been roughly determined. Tim Danehy will continue to develop final design details and will meet with Roger Bowman for final plan approval. Goff
Station: Weekly construction meeting 10/16/00
VFPs for ST 38 and ST 39
The plumbing has been completed for ST 38 and ST 39 VFPs and the spreading of the compost is near completion. The drop box for distribution of flows between the VFPs will be installed this week. Following installation of the drop box and diversion of the seeps into the treatment system, a dye test will be conducted to check distribution of flow within the VFPs. Hydric substrate will be hauled to Goff Station and placed in the wetland for ST 38 and ST 39 this week. Stakes were placed within the wetland and the sloped walls bordering the wetland to mark the final water elevation. The stakes will be used as references to maintain the placement of the hydric substrate within 12 inches above and below the final water level. Plants will be harvested on Friday for the wetland planting on Saturday morning with the Girl Scouts. Following completion of the passive treatment system for ST 38 and ST 39, work will begin on the treatment wetland area for ST 41. An open limestone channel will be used to collect seeps along the western edge of the wetland area and transport flows to a collection area at the northern end. The elevation of the northern end of the limestone collection channel will determine the elevation of the basin of the wetland. The iron precipitate that is currently found in this area will be moved and covered with cleaner fill from the site. The remaining substrate will then be excavated to the appropriate elevation and grade, and the footprint of the treatment wetland will be enlarged to the extent that the site will accommodate. Pond fines will be used to line the base of the treatment wetland and will be covered with the hydric substrate being brought to the site this week. The outflow of the treatment wetland will be carried to the finishing wetland in an open limestone channel that will be "stepped" into series of riffles and pools. Roger mentioned concerns regarding the long-term ability of the treatment wetland and open limestone channels to treat the acidity from ST 41. As a result, a pool will be constructed within the open limestone channel that will provide the ability to tie into the pipe that will carry flow from ST 40 to the parallel VFPs for ST 40 and ST 42. A check dam will be constructed for the flow from ST 40 downslope of the location of the bat hibernaculum. A collection pipe will carry the flow of ST 40 from the check dam to the parallel vertical flow ponds. It is anticipated that cleanouts will installed about every 100' along this collection pipe. The diameter of the collection pipe will be selected to be able to adequately transport the flows of both ST 40 and ST 41. The flows from ST 40 and ST 42 will be combined prior to the distribution box for the vertical flow ponds. The system will be composed of parallel vertical flow ponds (one limestone only and one with a compost layer above limestone). Each VFP will be constructed with 1100 tons of limestone and will be capable of treating the entire combined flows of ST 40 and ST42. The approximate footprint for the passive treatment for ST 40 and ST 42 has been cleared. The downslope extent of the footprint of the VFPs will be verified, and silt fence will be put in. Final design details for the VFPs should be completed later this week. Outlflow from the VFPs will enter a settling pond/wetland, the discharge of which will join the flow from ST 41 treatment wetland in the open limestone channel to the final finishing wetland of the site. Goff
Station: Weekly construction meeting 10/23/00
VFPs for ST 38 and ST 39
The drop box for distribution of flows between the VFPs is ready to be installed. Following installation of the drop box and installation of standpipe for collection of the drainage from ST 38 and ST 39 to the treatment system, a dye test will be conducted to check distribution of flow within the VFPs. The north end of the impoundment holding drainage from ST 38 and ST 39 will be sealed with claymax/bentafix. Hydric substrate was placed in the wetland for ST 38 and ST 39, and a wetland planting took place on Saturday (10/21). The location of the outlet from the wetland was surveyed in and marked. Hydric substrate was placed along the slopes of the wetland basin and will be mulched, but not seeded, with the rest of the upland portion of the site. Seeding and mulching of the upland areas surrounding the treatment system for ST 38 and ST 39 will take place later this week. A mix of rye, trefoil, clover, and bluegrass will be planted and heavily mulched. Following completion of the passive treatment system for ST 38 and ST 39, work will begin on the treatment wetland area for ST 41. Later this week, work should begin on the channel that will be used to collect seeps along the western edge of the wetland area and transport flows to a collection area at the northern end. The elevation of the northern end of the limestone collection channel will determine the elevation of the basin of the wetland Jack Chamberlin will be retained to survey in the final elevations/locations for the completed systems and to establish benchmarks at the northern and southern end of the ST38 and ST 39 pit prior to sealing the northern end of this impoundment. Goff
Station: Weekly construction meeting 10/30/00
Wetland for ST 41
Work has begun on the wetland area for ST 41. The existing substrate/precipitate of the former impoundment will need to be excavated to a depth that will allow heavy machinery to work in the area. Following excavation, available fill material, approximately 6 inches of pond fines, and approximately of 12 inches of hydric substrate will be used to form the floor of the wetland. Final elevation of the wetland floor is expected to be at the level where water is currently ponding. Work will begin on construction of a channel to collect seeps along the western edge of the wetland area and transport flows to a collection area at the northern end. Rather than excavating the channel, a berm will be created to form a channel that is raised above the wetland elevation. The channel will begin at the southernmost point at which a seep is observed from the western slope. The upland areas around the passive treatment system for ST 38 and 39 were seeded October 27th. Water from ST 38 and 39 is currently entering the system and filling up the vertical flow ponds. There is not yet overflow into the sediment pond. The location of the outlet from the wetland has been marked and will be excavated and lined with limestone. Jack Chamberlin will survey in benchmarks for components of the passive treatment system for ST 40 and 42. Website Designed by Shaun Busler Updates by Chris Treter, Matt Bramble, and Alaina Somers |