LIMESTONE NEUTRALIZATION OF DOGWAY FORK, WEST-VIRGINIA, BY MEANS OF AROTARY-DRUM SYSTEM

Research was conducted to determine the efficiency and effects of chem ically treating Dogway Fork, a West Virginia stream acidified by acid precipitation. We report on the water-powered rotary drum system used to apply calcium carbonate slurry to the stream. Two companion papers cover the biological and chemical effects of this treatment. The rotar y drums provided near-continuous treatment over a 4-year period. Limes tone aggregate (1.3-3.8 cm) high in calcium carbonate was ground withi n the drums into slurry form. The relatively low cost of aggregate and its ease of storage permitted economical treatment. The system compar ed favorably to other types of slurry dosers. Limestone particles depo sited in the stream sediment continued over time to be dissolved. They were significant in the overall dissolution efficiency of the limesto ne treatment, This sediment calcite also provided supplementary neutra lization when high flow requirements exceeded the drum station's dosin g capability.