All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

WVDEP to hold ribbon cutting for Muddy Creek Watershed Restoration Project

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) will host a ribbon cutting celebration for its Muddy Creek Watershed Restoration Project on Friday, May 3 at 1 p.m. at the T&T Treatment Facility in Albright (directions below). The event is open to the public.

The project, which is proving to be a huge success in watershed restoration, is a public-private partnership between the WVDEP and Southwestern Energy through its ECH2O Water Conservation Initiative.

The lower 3.4 miles of Muddy Creek, a tributary into the Cheat River, have been devastated by acid mine drainage (AMD) due to mine blowouts from the T&T Mine Complex in 1994 and 1995, along with impacts from a multitude of other mining sites throughout the Muddy Creek watershed (primarily along Martin Creek and its tributaries).

Through the collaborative efforts of both state and federal agencies, an innovative approach to treating AMD was initiated for more efficient and cost-effective operations while still meeting permitting requirements. The WVDEP worked closely with federal agencies to develop the first watershed-based NPDES permit ever issued in the country.

Instead of having NPDES permits at multiple AMD treatment sites throughout Martin Creek, the WVDEP will now have one permit located at the mouth of Martin Creek. This permitting structure allows the WVDEP to treat AMD in-stream, thereby addressing both AMD sources from both bond forfeited sites, as well as sources from historical coal mines, which would otherwise go unregulated and untreated.

The T&T Treatment Facility, which went into full operation in March 2018, is a major contributor to the success of this restoration project. Located on Muddy Creek, approximately ¾ of a mile downstream of its confluence with Martin Creek, this treatment facility treats AMD from the T&T Mine Complex and the Preston Energy Mine Complex.

This state-of-the-art treatment system, developed in-house by WVDEP engineers, is capable of treating 6 million gallons of AMD per day and allows for remote operation and control.

Southwestern Energy contributed to the construction of a pipeline that transports overwhelming AMD loads from within Martin Creek directly to the T&T Treatment Facility. Without this pipeline, the AMD loads could possibly jeopardize the WVDEP’s in-stream permit compliance, as well as the success of this watershed-based approach.

The lower section of Muddy Creek was significantly impaired for decades from the effects of AMD, and devoid of aquatic life. Since initiation of this combined treatment approach, the WVDEP has been able to restore the creek to a natural state and maintain an optimum pH balance.

Most notably, the WVDEP and its partners have been able to reestablish biological connectivity throughout the entire 15.6 miles of Muddy Creek, and freshwater trout and early signs of aquatic life are beginning to emerge.

DIRECTIONS TO THE SITE:
From Kingwood, take Route 26 north for 6.7 miles. The plant is on the left side of the road.

From I-68 (Bruceton Mills exit), take Route 26 south for 8.3 miles. The plant is on the right side of the road.

Google Maps LINK

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.

BCT to light up the stage with Mamma Mia starting this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present the musical Mamma Mia! at the Colonial Arts Center starting July 12, featuring ABBA hits, lively performances, and a cast assembled from across the region.

St. Joseph’s Hospital supports healthy habits with mile-long midday walks

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has launched a noon walk initiative, inviting staff and community members to join daily one-mile walks to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes.

John Paul Ingram

John Paul Ingram, 83, a beloved Buckhannon resident, ordained minister, and avid outdoorsman who shared his faith and kindness with many, died July 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Wesleyan finishes seventh in MEC Commissioners Cup standings

West Virginia Wesleyan finished seventh in the 2024-25 Mountain East Conference Commissioner’s Cup standings, while the University of Charleston captured its eighth consecutive and tenth overall title for all-around athletic excellence.