Day 2 field sites

© all rights reserved 2012

2012 WORKSHOP

SITE KEY:

1: GRS-IBS: the only Geosynthetically Reinforced Soil Bridge in PA.

2: Elk Center: Elk Country Visitor Center (lunch stop). Includes

option for Conservation Presentation from Elk Center Staff, option

for movie, lunch, and time to explore indoors and out.

3: AMD: Dents Run AMD remediation that won 2011 National

Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Award.

4: Dents Run Road: A look at and discussion of several box culvert

installations on a State Forest Road. (no handout)

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Treasure

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Elk

Lunch

Site 1: GRS-IBS Bridge on Mt. Pleasant Rd: (pg1/2)

Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS) Integrated Bridge System (IBS)

GRS-IBS “Quick Facts

• Bridges constructed with the Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS) Integrated Bridge System (IBS) cost

25 to 60 percent less than bridges built with traditional methods, depending on the standard of

construction and the method of contracting (local forces versus a private contractor).

• Compared with a DOT standard bridge, a GRS-IBS can potentially save up to 60 percent in cost.

• GRS IBS uses common, readily available materials and equipment.

• The use of GRS makes bridge abutments that are easier and faster to build.

• GRS IBS construction is much faster than traditional construction methods (weeks, not months).

• GRS IBS eliminates the "bump at the end of the bridge" problem caused by differential settlement

between the bridge abutment and the approaching roadway.

• Construction is simpler with GRS IBS since it has fewer parts, involves basic methods and practice.

• IBS does not require a deep foundation.

• GRS IBS is environmentally sensitive and results in minimal environmental impacts.

• GRS technology is durable if built with quality materials.

• A GRS bridge performs well in earthquakes if constructed properly with closely spaced reinforcement.

• GRS IBS can be built in variable weather conditions and can be adapted very easily in the case of

unforeseen site conditions.

• GRS structures are generally more ductile and flexible.

• Since GRS IBS bridges have fewer parts, they are easier to maintain.

• Approximately 44 bridges have been built on GRS abutments in the US; 27 of those using GRS IBS.

-FHWA 8/2012 (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/everydaycounts/technology/grs_ibs/quickfacts.cfm)

-FHWA GRS-IBS Implementation Guide. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/everydaycounts/technology/grs_ibs/publications.cfm

Site 1: GRS-IBS Bridge on Mt. Pleasant Rd: (pg2/2)

Mt. Pleasant Road Bridge

• Constructed in October 2011.

• First modern GRS-IBS bridge in PA.

• Existing bridge closed due to deterioration.

• On school bus route.

• GRS abutment constructed in 6 days by township!

• Start to finish, including paving, was 35 days.

Mt Pleasant Bridge Cost Data

Existing deteriorated (and closed) bridge.

In-progress showing sequence of fabric, block, stone.

AASHTO # 8’s were used for GRS fill.

Installation of bridge deck (premade, drop in place).

In-progress building GRS abutment wall.

Special Thanks to Randy Albert, PennDOT Engineering

District 2-0, Municipal Services, for the above information

and pictures, and his willingness to share his experience

and knowledge on the project.

Dirt and Gravel Program Note: GRS-IBS information

is being provided as an educational resource to be

shared with the conservation and road maintenance

community. Please note that because of the nature of

Program funding, bridge construction or replacement is

NOT an allowable expenses of Dirt and Gravel Road

Program funding.

Traditional Bridge Estimates: ~$200,000+ (locally built)

~$400,000+ Contractor Built

Site 2: Elk Country Visitor Center: (pg1/1)

-http://elkcountryvisitorcenter.com/drupal/about-us

Each year we try to include at least one site in the field trips that is

conservation-oriented, but takes a break from the typical “Dirt and Gravel”

sites. This has been well received in the past. This year we will visit the

Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette.

INSTRUCTIONS:

You will have approximately 90 minutes of free time here,

including lunch. Lunches and drinks will be available outside

whenever you want them. Please be sure to return to YOUR bus

at the time announced. Other workshop busses will overlap here,

so be sure you know YOUR bus and it’s departure time!

THINGS TO DO:

• Lunch: Grab lunch and a drink whenever you like. Seating is available at picnic tables

under a large 3-sided tent, you can return to the bus to eat, or you can find a quiet bench,

rock, or patch of grass for a seat.

• Conservation Talk: A “Conservation Presentation” will be available in the Visitor Center.

Space is limited to about 35 people at a time. The talk lasts for 30 minutes and will begin

approximately 5-10 minutes after the bus arrives. (free, no charge)

• Explore the Visitor Center: The Visitor Center has many different educational and

entertaining displays. There is also a gift shop and 20 minute “4D” movie theatre. The

movie runs on the hour and half hour. (free, no charge)

• Explore the area: The Visitor Center features three observation trails with viewing areas and

interpretive wayside displays.

Visitor Center Info:

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is proud to partner

with the Keystone Elk Country Alliance in the creation of the Elk Country Visitor Center.

Opened in September 2010, the Center is an ongoing example of a true public and private

success story. Together, we’re committed to sustaining Pennsylvania’s majestic elk habitat, as

part of the overall preservation and enhancement of our state’s natural resources. Through

conservation education at the Elk Center, we are living up to that mission.

Eco-Friendly Buildings:

The 8,400-square foot Elk Country Visitor Center main building is an eco-friendly structure

designed and built with energy efficiency and environmental conservation in mind.

The location and layout of the building and parking lot were chosen to minimize the facility's

impact on the ecosystem. The building itself features energy efficient materials and designs,

solar-oriented windows for warmth and lighting, and a renewable geothermal heating and

cooling system.

Materials used to construct the facility contained recycled content, and remaining materials

were sorted, recycled, and donated the local community for firewood, crafts and other

uses. The Center collects and recycles rainwater for use in the building restroom

facilities. And of course, we ask all visitors to properly dispose of recyclables and trash while

on the property.

Site 3: Dents Run AMD Remediation: (pg1/2)

Aug. 1, 2012

Pennsylvania Mine Reclamation Project Wins National Award

Elk County Project is the Second Straight National Award-Winning Project for Pennsylvania

Harrisburg – The Department of Environmental Protection announced today that the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement has given the 2012 national Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Award to a $14.2-million mine reclamation project in the Dents Run watershed in Benezette Township, Elk County.

The project, which began in 2002 and was completed in March 2012, restored and re-vegetated 320 acres of abandoned mine lands that will now serve as crucial habitat for the state’s wild elk herd, which roam the adjacent Elk State Forest and game lands, and other wildlife. In addition, the reclamation restored nearly five miles of the lower Dents Run stream by neutralizing acid mine water, marking the first time in more than a century the stream can support aquatic life. Waterways north of the impacted streams provide habitat for wild trout.

“This award rightly recognizes that a key part of Pennsylvania’s ecosystem has been restored and, by extension, a key part of the state’s tourism industry,” DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. “Trout fishing and sightseeing for the elk herd have a bright future as a direct result of this project, which could not have happened without the many partners who worked on this with our staff.”

More than half a million tons of limestone were mined at the site and used to neutralize the thousands of gallons of acidic mine water that was flowing through the site from 14 different discharge points. This represents the largest use of alkaline materials to neutralize acid mine drainage in Pennsylvania history.

More than 5,000 cubic yards of waste coal were removed from the site and used as fuel at a coal-fired power plant, providing electricity to homes and businesses.

DEP also closed or remediated 23 mine openings and re-graded ten dangerously steep highwalls that totaled 30,850 feet. The cost of the project was paid out of state and federal abandoned mine land funds, which are supported by fees paid by the active mining industry, as well as funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and contributions from P&N Coal Co.

DEP’s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation worked with the Bennett Branch Watershed Association; Pennsylvania Game Commission; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Office of Surface Mining; Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; Elk County Conservation District; Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation; Elk County Commissioners; Western Pennsylvania Conservancy; local mining companies P&N Coal Co. and Original Fuels; and contractors Stream Restoration Inc. of Pittsburgh, Gannett-Fleming Consultants of Clearfield County; and Berner Construction Inc. of Lancaster County.

Mining began at the site in the late 1800s and continued through the 1960s, when the site was abandoned, leaving devastating environmental degradation.

NOTE: because most of the treatment structures are

buried or overgrown, there is not much “to see” at this

site, we will likely not be getting off the bus, but wanted

to point it out since we are traveling past it.

Site 3: Dents Run AMD Remediation: (pg2/2)

The project, which is part of broader efforts to restore the entire Bennett Branch watershed, won the federal award, beating out entries from Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia and Utah. This is the tenth year that a DEP mine reclamation project has been recognized by the U.S. Office of Surface Mining and the second year in a row that a Pennsylvania project has won the national award. In 2011, a reclamation project in Newport Township, Luzerne County, won. DEP worked to reclaim 36 acres of abandoned mine lands at the Newport North site and re-graded more than 3,150 feet of dangerous highwalls that were up to six stories in height. that had claimed the lives of six people over the years who had been off-roading at the site in 4x4 vehicles.

For more information, visit www.dep.state.pa.us or call 717-783-2267.

-http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2012/08/august-6-pa-environment-digest-now.html

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