Prediction modeling for acid mine drainage treatment costs

Marketing Paragraph: Statement of Purpose: Join us to explore an innovative approach to cost estimation for acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment systems, with a focus on the Appalachian region. This session introduces a predictive modelling framework for evaluating both capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational costs (OPEX) of centralized AMD treatment facilities. Gain valuable insights into emerging trends in AMD management, including the shift from point-source to watershed-based treatment strategies. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how statistical analyses and life cycle cost assessments applied to real-world data deliver actionable tools for engineers, policymakers, and environmental professionals.

Full Abstract: Complete Proposal for Your Session: PREDICTION MODELING FOR ACID MINE DRAINAGE TREATMENT COSTS
Sitraka J. Rabemanjakasoa, Leslie Hopkinson, Nate DePriest

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a significant environmental issue linked to mining activities, particularly in the Appalachian region and West Virginia. It arises from active or abandoned mines that remain unreclaimed and has traditionally been managed through passive or active treatment at point sources under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. Over the past decade, West Virginia has shifted to watershed-based treatment using centralized facilities, adopting integrated and hybrid systems instead of conventional methods.
This research aims to develop a predictive model for estimating the costs associated with advanced AMD treatment systems, focusing on both capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operation and maintenance costs (OPEX).
The study follows a four-stage methodology. In the first stage, data is collected from the Office of Special Reclamation (OSR) under the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP). This dataset includes water quality measurements before and after project implementation, as well as total treatment costs over the past decade, with attention to cost variations pre- and post-COVID and the impact of inflationary conditions. In the second stage, an exploratory statistical analysis is conducted to identify the most relevant variables for the study. The third stage involves developing customized models to forecast capital and operational costs using a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) framework. Finally, in the fourth stage, the model is validated using a case study of the Muddy Creek watershed in northern West Virginia within the Appalachian Mountain ecoregion. The results of the model are compared to those generated by the existing cost estimation software tool, AMDTreat 6.0 Beta, to assess its accuracy and reliability.
This research is currently in progress, and substantial results are not yet available. However, data collection is underway, and all necessary tools have been gathered. Promising outcomes are expected, and further progress will be shared at the upcoming conference. Ultimately, this research will help professionals, engineers, and policymakers estimate the costs of current centralized AMD treatment facilities.