Iron Oxide Recovery

In 1994, Hedin Evironmental was formed by Dr. Robert Hedin in order to provide science-based consulting services for a wide range of clients interested in mine drainage assessment and treatment. Dr. Hedin began researching mine drainage issues in 1988 at the US Bureau of Mines. He is one of the leading authorities on the treatment of mine drainage and the restoration of streams polluted by mine drainage.

Hedin Environmental serves a diverse group of clients. We work for non-profit organizations ranging from national organizatons such as Trout Unlimited, to regional organizations such as The Pittsburgh Botanic Garden and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. We also have worked with dozens of small watershed groups committed to restoring polluted streams.

Passive treatment utilizes gravity, natural materials, and natural chemical and biological processes to remediate water polluted with acidity and metals. Passive systems typically contain several treatment units which include limestone beds, constructed wetlands, and ponds containing limestone and/or organic substrates.

For the last 25 years, Hedin Environmental has been a service provider for Trout Unlimited's Technical Assistance program in Pennsylvania. We have assisted dozens of watershed groups with high quality technical advice on mine water issues.

The assistance is free of charge and addresses technical challenges such as: mine drainage characterization, watershed "snapshots", mini-assessments, conceptual treatment system designs, evaluation of existing systems, and construction oversight.We can also talk to groups about the basics of mine drainage and how to empower communities to address mine drainage problems.

Our staff includes ecologists, geologists, environmental engineers and geoscientists who work together to provide our clients with the most cost-effective mine water remediation options. Our consulting activities include mine water characterization, passive treatment design, and cost estimate development.