A recent life cycle study from the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering found that the co-treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) and resulting 'produced' water from the hydrofracture of oil and natural gas deposits, may not only solve two environmental issues at once, but also reduce the environmental impact of both legacy wastes. Remediating both AMD and produced water is normally an expensive process and federal law prohibits produced water disposal at municipal water treatment plants, so the co-treatment of AMD and produced water is highly beneficial.
The research targeted three critical, mutual aspects of a life cycle solution – the co-treatment of both legacy wastes, transportation of water to and from mine and drill sites, and avoiding AMD discharge to the environment.
Access the study here.