Lackawanna River Watershed

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to create and display a spatial analysis study on the Lackawanna River Watershed in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Specifically, an analysis that displays data containing contaminants in the air and water within the watershed study area, potentially correlating with the areas heavy use of coal mining historically. Using fugitive emission data to measure air contaminants and water pH, sulfates, and hard metals data to examine potentially polluted waters will show how this small yet essential watershed has been impacted. It is extremely important to run these studies to show the damage that is caused by coal mining and create preventative measures for the future. Protection of watersheds is paramount in conserving the local flora and fauna that feed us and nurture their surrounding ecosystems. Education and outreach can be a useful tool to make people aware of the issues at hand in their own backyards. With the devastating impacts a toxin filled watershed can have on its surrounding watersheds and environments, there should be more publicly accessible research studies that are user friendly to provide the proper awareness and education.