Using Helicopter Electromagnetic Surveys to Identify Environmental Problems at Coal Mines

Helicopter-mounted electromagnetic (HEM) surveys have been used to delimit conductive mine pools and groundwater features at various areas in the eastern United States that contain abandoned surface and underground coal mines. HEM was used to delineate the source areas and flow paths for acidic, metal-containing groundwater. This will aid remediation efforts. A recent HEM survey of Kettle Creek Watershed, Clinton County, Pennsylvania, using a 6-frequency electromagnetic data acquisition system, is presented. The survey accurately located conductive pools within underground mines, acidgenerating mine spoil at surface mines, and areas of groundwater recharge and discharge.