Headwaters

Within the headwaters, there are approximately 1,100 acres of abandoned surface mines and 110 acres of abandoned coal refuse piles. Abandoned surface mines leave highly erodible land exposed to the elements, in addition to mine refuse which is high in pyritic minerals. These abandoned mine lands contribute sediment, metals and acidity to the watershed drainage area in the form of acid mine drainage (AMD).

Physical problems related to mining, specifically strip mining and gob piles, include erosion and sedimentation. According to the ODNR Division of Mineral Resources Management, the Raccoon Creek Headwaters has some of the worst mine-related erosion/siltation problems in the state. These high erosion rates, in turn, lead to high sediment deposition in stream channels that can bury or cement substrates destroying aquatic habitat.

AMDAT Plans for the Raccoon Creek Watershed

Sediment Total Maximum Daily Load for the Upper Basin of Raccoon Creek

Upper Raccoon Creek TMDL

Priority Sites

 The major priority sites in the headwaters sub-shed include East Branch, where several impacted tributaries contribute significant acid and metal loadings in Raccoon Creek. Brushy Creek and the Mainstem of Raccoon Creek above Brushy Creek are also priority AMD abatement sites.

Raccoon Creek Headwaters Completed Projects

Click on the project name to be directed to the 2015 NPS Report of each individual AMD project.

Carbondale II Doser

Hope Clay

East Branch – Phase I