Brian Barton
Little Nescopeck Creek is a tributary of Nescopeck Creek in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. The creek is approximately 8.5 miles long and flows through Sugarloaf Township, Butler Township, and Conyngham. The creek's watershed is affected by pollution from the Jeddo Tunnel, which is the only source of acid mine drainage in the watershed. Little Nescopeck Creek is one of the main sources of flooding in Conyngham. The creek's water quality has been monitored by groups such as Friends of the Nescopeck, who work to determine the health of the waterway and advocate for improvements. So, is Little Nescopeck Creek polluted in Conyngham?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tributary of | Nescopeck Creek |
| Length | 8.5 miles (13.7 km) |
| Watershed area | 14.0 square miles (36 km2) |
| Average annual precipitation | 49 inches |
| pH level | 4.6 |
| Average sulfate content | 130.87 milligrams per liter |
| Average aluminum content | 4.03 milligrams per liter |
| Average iron content | 2.01 milligrams per liter |
| Average manganese content | 1.83 milligrams per liter |
| Average zinc content | 0.31 milligrams per liter |
| Manganese concentration upstream of Jeddo Tunnel | 108 micrograms per liter |
| Manganese concentration downstream of Jeddo Tunnel | 3320 micrograms per liter |
| Rock formation | Mauch Chunk Formation |
| Soil series | Arnot Series, Basher Series |
| Major roads in watershed | Interstate 80, Pennsylvania Route 93, Pennsylvania Route 309 |
| Pollution sources | Acid mine drainage from Jeddo Tunnel, coal mine runoff |
| Flood risk | Yes, one of the main sources of flooding in Conyngham |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Little Nescopeck Creek's pollution sources
Little Nescopeck Creek is a tributary of Nescopeck Creek in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It is approximately 8.5 miles long and flows through Butler Township, Sugarloaf Township, and Conyngham. The creek's watershed covers an area of 14.0 square miles and consists mostly of farmland and suburbs, with some woodlands and riparian buffers. The creek is known to be acidic and has been impacted by pollution from various sources.
One significant source of pollution in Little Nescopeck Creek is acid mine drainage from the Jeddo Tunnel. The creek receives mine water from the tunnel, which contributes to its acidity and high metal concentrations. The manganese concentration in the water of Little Nescopeck Creek averages around 108 micrograms per liter upstream of the Jeddo Tunnel, but this number increases drastically to 3320 micrograms per liter downstream. Acid mine drainage has historically affected both Little Nescopeck Creek and the neighbouring Black Creek.
In addition to acid mine drainage, Little Nescopeck Creek may also be impacted by pollution from nearby industrial activities. In one instance, high levels of soap suds were found churning in the creek downstream of an industrial park. The incident led to an investigation by the state environmental department, which resulted in a fine for a detergent manufacturer.
The creek's proximity to major roads, such as Interstate 80 and Pennsylvania Routes 93 and 309, could also contribute to pollution levels. Vehicle spills and runoff from the roads may affect the water quality, especially if there are inadequate containment measures in place.
Volunteer groups like Friends of the Nescopeck actively monitor the water quality of Little Nescopeck Creek and work closely with the state environmental department. Their efforts include measuring metal concentrations, stream flow, and macroinvertebrate populations to assess the overall health of the creek and track any changes in pollution levels.
Cow Farts: A Climate Change Conundrum
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The creek's pH levels
Little Nescopeck Creek is a tributary of Nescopeck Creek in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. The creek's watershed covers an area of 14.0 square miles (36 km2) and extends over Sugarloaf Township, Butler Township, Conyngham, and a small part of Hazle Township. The creek is known to be acidic, with a pH level of 4.6 recorded between 1996 and 1998. This acidity is due to acid mine drainage from the Jeddo Tunnel, which is the only source of acid mine drainage in the watershed.
The low pH of the creek is a cause for concern as it indicates the presence of acid mine drainage. Acid mine drainage occurs when water comes into contact with sulphur-bearing rocks, often in coal mining regions, and becomes acidic. This acidic water can then contaminate nearby water sources, such as Little Nescopeck Creek. The effects of acid mine drainage on the creek have been documented since at least 2005, when researchers took water samples from the creek to study the issue.
The acidic nature of the creek has a significant impact on its water quality and ecology. The pH level of 4.6 is well below the neutral range of 6.5 to 8.5, which is ideal for most aquatic life. This suggests that the creek may not be able to support a diverse range of aquatic organisms, and its ecological health may be compromised. A slightly acidic pH is typical for eastern streams, but the pH of Little Nescopeck Creek is lower than average.
In addition to affecting the creek's ecology, the low pH can also have implications for the surrounding environment and communities. Acidic water can corrode infrastructure, such as pipes and bridges, and impact the water supply for nearby towns and cities. It can also have detrimental effects on agricultural practices and the health of plants and animals in the vicinity. Recognizing the importance of addressing this issue, a $50,000 grant was awarded to the Wildlands Conservancy in 1995 to improve the water quality of Little Nescopeck Creek.
Monitoring the pH levels and water quality of Little Nescopeck Creek is an ongoing process. Organizations such as Friends of the Nescopeck actively work to test and improve the health of the creek. They collect water samples, measure stream flow, and analyze the concentrations of pollutants. By doing so, they aim to track the changes in water quality over time and advocate for necessary improvements. The state environmental department has also shown a commitment to addressing water quality issues, as evidenced by their investigation and fining of a detergent manufacturer in response to a report of soap suds in the creek.
Hydrogen's Dark Side: Pollution and Climate Change
You may want to see also
Explore related products
History of flooding
Little Nescopeck Creek is a tributary of Nescopeck Creek in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It is approximately 8.5 miles long and flows through Butler Township, Sugarloaf Township, and Conyngham. The creek has a history of flooding, particularly in the town of Conyngham. Here is a timeline of the major flooding events in the history of Little Nescopeck Creek:
Hurricane Agnes (1972)
Little Nescopeck Creek experienced significant flooding during Hurricane Agnes in 1972. This was a major hurricane that impacted the eastern United States, including Pennsylvania. The hurricane caused widespread damage and flooding throughout the region, and Little Nescopeck Creek was one of the many waterways that overflowed during this storm event.
1996-1998
During this period, Little Nescopeck Creek was identified as one of the main sources of flooding in Conyngham. The creek's average pH level during these years was 4.6, which is highly acidic. The water also contained high concentrations of sulfate, aluminum, iron, manganese, and zinc, which can contribute to environmental degradation and increase the risk of flooding.
2005 Acid Mine Drainage Incident
In 2005, Little Nescopeck Creek was affected by acid mine drainage, along with the neighbouring Black Creek. This incident was significant enough to be reported on by researchers, who took water samples from Black Creek at 10 different locations. While the creek has seen improvements since then, with a reduction in pollution and the return of trout, it continues to be monitored by groups such as Friends of the Nescopeck, who work to improve water quality and track the levels of pollutants in the creek.
Little Nescopeck Creek continues to be a site of environmental concern, with pollution from the Jeddo Tunnel contributing to acid mine drainage in the watershed. While efforts have been made to improve water quality, the creek remains vulnerable to flooding due to its geographical location and the impact of human activities.
Dubai's Pollution Problem: An In-Depth Analysis
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Local conservation efforts
Little Nescopeck Creek in Conyngham, Pennsylvania, has been affected by pollution from the Jeddo Tunnel, which is the only source of acid mine drainage in the watershed. The creek's watershed is largely made up of farmland and suburbs, but also includes woodlands and riparian buffers. The average pH of the creek was 4.6 between 1996 and 1998, and the water contained various metals, including aluminium, iron, manganese, and zinc.
The efforts of local conservation groups like Friends of the Nescopeck are vital in improving and maintaining the health of Little Nescopeck Creek. Their work helps to identify and address sources of pollution, ensuring that the creek can support aquatic life and provide a clean water source for the surrounding communities.
In addition to the work of Friends of the Nescopeck, local government agencies have also taken steps to improve water quality. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation plans to replace two bridges along Interstate 80 that cross Nescopeck Creek. This is in response to concerns raised by Ference, a member of the Friends group, about the current bridge design funneling liquid into the creek. The new bridges will be designed to better catch spills from vehicles, such as tanker trucks, and prevent them from ending up in the creek.
While Little Nescopeck Creek still faces challenges from pollution, the dedicated work of local conservation groups and government agencies provides hope for its future health and sustainability. Their ongoing efforts are essential in protecting the creek's ecosystem and the well-being of the communities it serves.
How Green is Flying? Aviation vs Cars
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The creek's water quality
Little Nescopeck Creek is a tributary of Nescopeck Creek in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. The creek's watershed covers an area of 14.0 square miles (36 km2) and extends over Sugarloaf Township, Butler Township, Conyngham, and a small part of Hazle Township. The creek is known for its historical significance, with the Sugarloaf Massacre taking place near its banks in 1780, and several mills being built along its course in the early 19th century.
The water quality of Little Nescopeck Creek has been a concern due to pollution from the Jeddo Tunnel, which is the only source of acid mine drainage in the watershed. The creek receives acidic mine water from the tunnel, impacting the pH and metal content of the water. Between 1996 and 1998, the average pH of the creek was 4.6, indicating acidic conditions. The water also contained various metals, including aluminium, iron, manganese, and zinc. The manganese concentration, in particular, showed a significant increase downstream of the Jeddo Tunnel.
Volunteer groups like Friends of the Nescopeck actively monitor the water quality of Little Nescopeck Creek and work towards its improvement. They conduct regular measurements of metal concentrations and stream flow to assess the total amount of pollutants. While some improvements have been noted over the years, with a reduction in coal mine runoff, the creek still faces the challenge of acid mine drainage.
The Little Nescopeck Creek watershed consists mostly of farmland and suburbs, with some woodlands and riparian buffers. The main rock formation in the watershed is the Mauch Chunk Formation, and the soil series include the Arnot and Basher Series. The creek is also one of the main sources of flooding in Conyngham, as evidenced by the flooding during Hurricane Agnes in 1972.
Efforts have been made to improve the water quality of Little Nescopeck Creek, with a $50,000 grant awarded to the Wildlands Conservancy in 1995. Additionally, the Friends of the Nescopeck group plays a crucial role in advocating for the creek's health and working closely with the state environmental department to address any concerns.
Workplace Pollution: Preventing Environmental Harm
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Little Nescopeck Creek is polluted. The creek is affected by acid mine drainage from the Jeddo Tunnel.
The Jeddo Tunnel is the only source of acid mine drainage in the Little Nescopeck Creek watershed. The creek receives mine water from the tunnel, which makes it acidic.
In 1995, a $50,000 grant was given to the Wildlands Conservancy to improve the water quality of Little Nescopeck Creek. Additionally, a group called Friends of the Nescopeck regularly monitors the water quality and works with the state environmental department to ensure the health of the creek.
The pollution in Little Nescopeck Creek has likely had a significant impact on the ecosystem. The creek is home to various fish and macroinvertebrate species, but the high levels of pollutants may have reduced their numbers and affected their health. The pollution also affects the riparian buffers and wetlands in the watershed.
