Conifer West is a passive limestone bed treatment system at an acid mine discharge site located in Conifer, Jefferson County. The treatment system was designed to precipitate (fall out in solid form) and contain iron, aluminum, and manganese solids in a manner that would allow for periodic monitoring and maintenance of the treatment system. When standing water is observed on 75% of the treatment system, it indicates that precipitate has formed over a large portion of the treatment bed and maintenance is needed. This maintenance consists of an excavator scooping and rinsing the stone allowing the precipitated minerals to slough from the stone. Once excess precipitate has been removed from the stone, subsurface treatment is restored. Subsurface treatment provides the maximum surface area of the limestone to interact with the mine discharge, which allows the system to function at its highest level.
