The headwaters of Slippery Rock Creek were documented in 1970 during Operation Scarlift (state-funded program) as having “the most severe condition of coal mine drainage… . Indeed, very little drainage from this region is produced exclusive of contact with, or issuance from mine workings.” Coal mining has been conducted in this area for over 100 years. Residents formerly called this stream “Sulfur Creek”. About 4000 acres (25% of the headwaters area) are underlain by abandoned deep mine workings with about 8000 acres (50% of the headwaters area) formerly permitted for surface mining. In the recent past, however, there has been only limited active mining.
After working in a successful public-private partnership at the Jennings Environmental Education Center, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which is located in the watershed, the effort was expanded into the headwaters and, in late 1994, the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition was created.
Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition Goals:
- To restore the land, water, and wildlife resources of the Slippery Rock Watershed, which has been impacted by acid mine drainage;
- To provide an opportunity for individuals, community groups, and students from local colleges to become involved in restoration efforts;
- To develop new technology relating to land restoration and discharge abatement;
- To develop informational posters, videos, newsletters, and web pages to aid as educational tools.