f SELF-CALIBRATING WATER QUALITY MONITORING SYSTEM

Self-calibrating remote monitoring systems are designed to reduce the cost and time needed to properly monitor acid mine drainage issues as well as assist in remedial efforts. Self-calibrating water quality monitoring systems allow real time data collection at a low cost per sample. A self-calibrating system has been installed at the Barite Hill Pit Lake located in McCormick County, South Carolina, an acid mine pit lake with a stratified water column consisting of nearly ‘clean’ water at the top and highly acidic, heavy metal, rich water below. The purpose of the monitoring system is to automatically sample and analyze daily for pH, ORP, DO, temperature, and conductivity at 5 foot increments down the profile of the pit lake water column. The system includes a sonic water level sensor to monitor the pit lake level, and a camera to observe the spillway and floating chemical analytical system as an early warning method to monitor raft condition and pit lake overflow.