Brian Barton
The Monongahela River, which flows northward from West Virginia across western Pennsylvania, has faced pollution from various sources, including agriculture and industry. Once one of the most polluted rivers in the United States, it has been nominated for Pennsylvania River of the Year in 2022. However, recent reports of miles-long oil spills and high levels of toxic chemical discharges have raised concerns about the river's health. With the river providing drinking water to over five million people, understanding and addressing its water quality challenges are crucial for safeguarding both the environment and human communities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| River length | 130 miles |
| Drainage basin | 7,340 sq.mi |
| Average 30-year discharge at Elizabeth, Pennsylvania | 9,109 cfs |
| Elevation drop from the highest source to its mouth on the Ohio River | 3,831 ft. |
| Elevation drop from its forks to its mouth | 280 ft. |
| Mean depth | 20 ft. |
| Number of major tributaries | 2 |
| Major tributaries | Cheat River, Youghiogheny River |
| Other tributaries | Becks Run, Big Sandy Creek, Buffalo Creek, Crooked Run, Deckers Creek, Dunkard Creek, Lick Run, Middle Fork River, Paw Paw Creek, Peters Creek, Streets Run, Turtle Creek, Tygart Valley River, West Fork River |
| Pollution sources | Acid mine runoff, sewage overflows, rare toxic metals, industrial facilities, agricultural sources, oil spills |
| Pollutants | Nitrogen, phosphorus, nitrogen, phosphate, cadmium |
| Ranking in EPA's Toxics Release Inventory for 2010 | 17th most polluted river in the US |
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What You'll Learn
- Tributaries feeding the Monongahela River have elevated nitrogen and phosphorus levels
- The river is one of the nominees for Pennsylvania River of the Year 2022
- The river is popular for fishing, boating and outdoor recreation
- Oil spills have been reported on the river, threatening drinking water for 5 million people
- The river has been adversely impacted by acid mine runoff and sewage overflow
Tributaries feeding the Monongahela River have elevated nitrogen and phosphorus levels
The Monongahela River, which flows northward from West Virginia into Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been nominated for Pennsylvania River of the Year 2022. This is a notable turnaround for a river that was once one of the most polluted in the country. While the river is now clean enough to support wildlife, it still faces pollution from a variety of sources, including agriculture and industry.
A recent study by the University of Pittsburgh's Water Collaboratory and 3 Rivers Waterkeeper tested the quality of the water at 25 sites where tributaries enter Pittsburgh's three rivers: the Allegheny, the Monongahela, and the Ohio. The study found that the tributaries feeding these rivers had high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients enter the tributaries through various pathways, with potentially detrimental consequences for the entire river system.
The elevated nitrogen concentrations in these tributaries could be attributed to outdated and poorly maintained sewer systems, a familiar issue in aging urban areas. Additionally, permitted discharges from facilities under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) could be contributing to the problem. On the other hand, the high phosphorus concentrations observed may be tied to a combination of factors. Contemporary facilities with phosphorus discharge allowances, along with a legacy of pollution from slag, an industrial byproduct from the iron ore smelting process, may be responsible for these heightened levels.
The study also found that the impacts of acid mine runoff and sewage overflows into the river continue to adversely impact the streams. Additionally, they found contamination from rare toxic metals, such as cadmium, associated with the production of coke, a key ingredient in steelmaking. The quality of the water in these streams could become increasingly important in the coming years as the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority plans to remove billions of gallons of sewage runoff from the area's sanitary system.
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The river is one of the nominees for Pennsylvania River of the Year 2022
The Monongahela River, which joins with the Allegheny River to form the Ohio River, is one of the nominees for Pennsylvania River of the Year 2022. The river, which flows northward toward Pittsburgh, is one of the few major rivers in North America that flow from south to north, instead of north to south.
The river is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation. However, it still faces pollution from various sources, including agriculture and industry. In the past, the Monongahela was one of the most polluted rivers in the country, suffering from acid mine runoff, sewage overflows, and contamination from rare toxic metals associated with steel production. While it has improved drastically over the years, with the return of fish and wildlife, it still has a long way to go in terms of conservation and addressing environmental injustices.
The River of the Year program, sponsored by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), aims to highlight Pennsylvania's notable waterways and build community support around them. The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) oversees the selection of the nominees, and the public determines the winner through online voting. The Monongahela River was nominated by the Three Rivers Waterkeeper organization, which works to protect the water quality of the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio Rivers, and their respective watersheds.
The Monongahela River competed against three other nominees for the 2022 River of the Year title: Connoquenessing Creek, French Creek, and Catawissa Creek. French Creek, an official Pennsylvania Water Trail known for its beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities, ultimately won the designation. The French Creek Valley Conservancy received a $10,000 leadership grant to fund year-long activities celebrating the river.
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The river is popular for fishing, boating and outdoor recreation
The Monongahela River, also known as "The Mon," is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation. The river is home to various types of bass and catfish, as well as other fish species like bluegill, walleye, and sauger. Local fisheries regularly stock the river with different varieties of trout, including the prized golden trout. The river is also a great spot for flat-water kayaking and canoeing, with calm and clean waters between each lock and dam, providing slow-moving currents and ample room to paddle.
The river starts at the junction of the Tygart Valley River and West Fork Rivers in Marion County, West Virginia, and flows northward toward Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for a total of 128.7 miles. In Pittsburgh, it joins with the Allegheny River to form the Ohio River. The Monongahela is one of the few major rivers in North America that flows from south to north, rather than the typical north to south direction.
The river has come a long way since its days as one of the most polluted rivers in the country. Once heavily polluted by the steel industry, the Monongahela has undergone significant improvements due to the Clean Water Act and dedicated restoration efforts. While it still faces pollution from sources like agriculture and industry, it has become clean enough to support wildlife and is even nominated for Pennsylvania River of the Year in 2022.
The quality of the water in the river and its tributaries is of great importance. The Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory at the University of Pittsburgh conducted water quality testing at 25 sites, finding that acid mine runoff, sewage overflows, and rare toxic metals continue to adversely impact the streams feeding into the river. Improving the quality of these tributary streams is crucial for ensuring the health of the Monongahela River and the wildlife it supports.
Despite the remaining pollution challenges, the Monongahela River remains a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature seekers. Its calm waters and diverse fish species attract anglers and paddlers alike, contributing to the river's popularity as a recreational hotspot in the region. The river's improvement over the years showcases the positive impact of conservation efforts and the resilience of nature.
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Oil spills have been reported on the river, threatening drinking water for 5 million people
The Monongahela River, which joins with the Allegheny River to form the Ohio River, has been the site of several oil spills. One of the most notable incidents was the Ashland oil spill in 1988, when a tank holding approximately 3.5 million gallons of diesel oil collapsed, releasing nearly 1 million gallons of oil into a storm sewer that led to the river. This particular spill contaminated the drinking water for about 1 million people in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, causing water shortages for areas as far as 200 miles downstream.
More recently, in 2023, there have been reports of oil sheens up to 18 miles long on the Monongahela River. These oil spills have been traced to several industrial facilities with drainage outfalls in the polluted sections of the river, including U.S. Steel's Irvin Works. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) have issued violation notices to U.S. Steel for these spills, and the company has stated that it is working with relevant agencies to address the issue.
The impact of these oil spills on the river ecosystem and the drinking water sources for millions of people is significant. Oil spills can make the water unsafe for drinking, disrupt ecosystems and food chains, and contaminate the air when the polluted water vaporizes. They can also have long-lasting effects on wildlife in the region, as evidenced by the Ashland oil spill, which harmed fish, mussels, and waterfowl.
The river's confluence with other waterways, such as the Allegheny and Ohio rivers, further exacerbates the reach of pollution. This means that even a single incident of pollution in the Monongahela River can potentially affect the drinking water sources for millions of people. Cleanup efforts after an oil spill are crucial but often challenging, as they require specialized equipment and rapid response times to effectively contain and remove the oil from the water.
While government agencies and local organizations work to address oil spills and hold responsible parties accountable, it is important to recognize the far-reaching consequences of these incidents on the environment and public health. The Monongahela River, once one of the most polluted rivers in the country, has seen improvements over the years, but ongoing pollution incidents continue to threaten the progress made in restoring the health of this important waterway.
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The river has been adversely impacted by acid mine runoff and sewage overflow
The Monongahela River has faced significant challenges due to acid mine runoff and sewage overflow, which have severely impacted its ecosystem and water quality. Acid mine drainage occurs when rainwater, snowmelt, or pond water reacts with rocks containing sulfur-bearing minerals, resulting in the formation of sulfuric acid. This acidic water then comes into contact with heavy metals, leaching them from the rocks and creating a highly toxic mixture. The presence of acid mine runoff in the Monongahela River has had detrimental effects on aquatic life, with hundreds of fish killed and water treatment plants struggling to make the river water potable. The acid waste also impacts the river's ability to support a healthy food chain, which is crucial for the survival of various species.
In addition to acid mine runoff, sewage overflow has also contributed to the pollution of the Monongahela River. Sewage overflow can occur when stormwater and sewage carried in a single pipe overload the sewer system, causing untreated water to flow into rivers and streams. This type of overflow can introduce a range of pollutants, including raw sewage, debris, chemicals, and bacteria, into the river ecosystem. The impact of sewage overflow on the Monongahela River is significant, as it can contaminate the water and pose risks to both the environment and human health.
The Pitt study on pollutants in Pittsburgh's river tributaries found that acid mine runoff and sewage overflow continue to adversely affect the streams that feed into the Monongahela River. The study identified rare toxic metals, such as cadmium, associated with steelmaking processes, further contaminating the water. These pollutants not only impact the immediate area but also have downstream effects, affecting the Monongahela River and the surrounding ecosystem.
The presence of acid mine runoff and sewage overflow in the Monongahela River highlights the urgent need for remediation and improved water management practices. While the river has shown resilience, with residents dubbing it the "Amazing Mon" for its ability to recover from pollution, the continuous influx of acid waste and sewage overflow poses a constant threat to its health. The river's recovery is a delicate process, and the efforts of conservation officials and researchers are crucial in restoring its ecological balance and ensuring the river's long-term sustainability.
The impact of acid mine runoff and sewage overflow on the Monongahela River serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between human activities and the environment. It underscores the importance of implementing effective waste treatment processes, addressing the sources of pollution, and investing in sustainable practices to protect and preserve our valuable water resources for future generations. The ongoing efforts to improve water quality in the Monongahela River showcase the dedication and collaboration required to restore and maintain the health of our aquatic ecosystems.
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Frequently asked questions
The Monongahela River is one of Pittsburgh's iconic three rivers. It has been one of the most polluted rivers in the country, ranking 17th in the nation in 2010. While it is cleaner now than it was during the steelmaking heyday, it still suffers from serious contamination.
The primary sources of pollution in the Monongahela River are industrial activities and human interactions. Specific sources include acid mine runoff, sewage overflow, rare toxic metals associated with steelmaking, and agricultural and industrial activities. The river has also experienced miles-long oil spills, with U.S. Steel's Irvin Works being identified as a contributor.
Efforts are being made to address the pollution in the Monongahela River. The Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory at the University of Pittsburgh conducts water quality testing to identify pollutants and their sources. The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority plans to remove billions of gallons of sewage runoff from the area's sanitary system. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is also working to investigate and address the oil spills.
