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Water

Three Rivers QUEST

The 3 Rivers QUEST (3RQ) program brings together academic researchers and watershed-based groups to monitor important water quality data within the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Upper Ohio River basins. The resultant long-term water chemistry dataset has proven valuable in identifying and managing pollution from various industries and validating long-term improvements due to management changes. Data is made available to the public via online maps. View the maps and learn more on the 3RQ website.

This free tool was developed by 3RQ to compile environmental spatial data from government agencies, 3RQ and its member organizations, NGOs, and more-- all in one convenient place with the goal of studying environmental datasets across state lines within the Upper Ohio River Basin. Data layers are owned and maintained by the data sources and are updated automatically in the tool, where possible.

Acid Mine Drainage Remediation Projects

The National Mine Land Reclamation Center (NMLRC) focuses on developing and testing acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment methods and assisting watershed groups in completing AMD restoration projects. These systems include alkaline amendment, passive treatment, coal ash and steel slag applications, as well as watershed-scale treatment options. Additional research efforts of the NMLRC include biofuel production on reclaimed lands and the utilization of AMD waste products as soil amendments.

News

2026 Mon River Sweep Announcement

The 3rd annual Monongahela River Sweep will be on Saturday, April 18 from 10 AM to 3 PM at Ruby Hazel Ruby McQuain Park. Volunteers will be collecting trash from the Monongahela River, the banks, and the rail trail. Participants may volunteer for a portion or the entire event time and receive hours on WVU's iServe.

Read More: 2026 Mon River Sweep Announcement

Speaker series highlights 25 years of West Fork watershed restoration

The event focused on a quarter-century of work aimed at cleaning up streams affected by pollution and promoting recreational opportunities throughout the watershed. WVWRI Senior Research Scientist Mel Shafer outlined the long-term environmental damage caused by abandoned mine drainage and other sources of contamination.

Read More: Speaker series highlights 25 years of West Fork watershed restoration