"Reviving West Virginia: How Innovative Cleanup Efforts Are Transforming Polluted Rivers into Economic Lifelines"

Revitalizing West Virginia’s Rivers: A New Era of Environmental Recovery

By Mira Rojanasakul
Photography and video by Kristian Thacker
June 25, 2025

In a remarkable transformation, West Virginia’s waterways are experiencing a revival, thanks to innovative cleanup initiatives that are breathing life back into once-polluted rivers. Deckers Creek, a waterway that for decades flowed rust-orange and lifeless due to iron and other pollutants, is now a beacon of hope for environmental restoration. This low-tech system, established less than a decade ago, is part of a broader effort across the state to address the global issue of water pollution stemming from coal mining.

A New Approach to Cleanup

The resurgence of aquatic life, including fish, salamanders, and frogs, is a testament to the effectiveness of these cleanup efforts. Brian Hurley, executive director of Friends of Deckers Creek, the nonprofit organization responsible for managing this site, emphasizes the importance of these initiatives in restoring the ecological balance of the region.

Just a few miles downstream, a more advanced cleanup process is yielding unexpected benefits. Researchers have discovered that the pollution in these waters contains "rare earth" elements, essential for clean energy technologies and military equipment. Paul Ziemkiewicz, director of West Virginia University’s Water Research Institute, notes that extracting these elements from existing pollution is a cost-effective alternative to traditional mining methods.

The Legacy of Coal Mining

West Virginia’s landscape, shaped by a billion years of tectonic activity, is rich in coal deposits that have fueled the state’s economy for generations. However, the extraction of coal has also uncovered pyrite, or "fool’s gold," which, when exposed to oxygen and water, creates sulfuric acid. This toxic byproduct, known as acid mine drainage, has devastating effects on aquatic ecosystems, contaminating groundwater and suffocating aquatic life.

Historically, coal companies could mine without accountability, leaving behind polluted waterways and environmental degradation. Although federal regulations established in 1977 mandated restoration efforts, many companies found loopholes, transferring cleanup responsibilities to the state or declaring bankruptcy.

Nonprofit Initiatives and Community Engagement

In response to these challenges, numerous nonprofit organizations have emerged to fill the gaps left by official policies. These groups not only monitor watersheds but also engage with local communities to foster collaboration in cleanup efforts. Kelley Flaherty, executive director of Save the Tygart Watershed Association, oversees a vast area of coal country, advocating for the intrinsic and economic value of the region’s rivers.

The Tygart Valley River, once heavily polluted, is now undergoing a significant transformation due to proactive cleanup initiatives. Passive systems, like those at Deckers Creek, utilize natural processes to filter water through limestone or wetlands, while more active methods involve the direct application of lime to combat acidity.

The Unexpected Resource: Rare Earth Elements

At the heart of Deckers Creek’s revitalization lies the Richard Mine, an abandoned site discharging an average of 400 gallons per minute of toxic runoff. Researchers have identified this polluted water as a potential source of rare earth elements, crucial for modern technologies. The United States relies heavily on these materials, primarily imported from China, making local recovery efforts increasingly vital.

The Energy Department’s 2015 initiative to explore coal waste as a source of rare earths led West Virginia University researchers to focus on the metal-laden water pollution. Their patented process for extracting rare earths from mine water pollution could provide a sustainable revenue stream for ongoing cleanup efforts.

Funding and Future Prospects

The Richard Mine treatment facility, built at a cost of $8.8 million, is a testament to the state’s commitment to environmental recovery. Funded primarily through West Virginia’s reclamation fund and federal grants, this facility represents a significant step toward addressing the legacy of coal mining.

Additionally, the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allocated $140 million annually for abandoned mine cleanup, ensuring continued support for these vital initiatives. As the outdoor recreation economy in West Virginia grows, local leaders are optimistic about the potential for job creation and tourism.

A Vision for the Future

At the mouth of Deckers Creek, plans are underway to develop a park that will enhance recreational opportunities for fishing, swimming, and exploring the waterway. With several major cities within a few hours’ drive, West Virginia is poised to capitalize on its natural beauty and outdoor activities.

As the state moves away from its reliance on coal, the focus on sustainable practices and environmental restoration is becoming increasingly important. The outdoor recreation economy is already rivaling traditional industries, with 20,300 jobs reported in 2023 compared to 17,700 in mining.

In a state where coal has long dominated the economic landscape, the revitalization of its rivers offers a glimpse of a more sustainable and prosperous future. As Dave Bassage, program coordinator at New River Conservancy, aptly puts it, “If we look to the future, coal is a much smaller part of the overall energy picture in the country, and it’s unlikely to ever regain the same level that it once had.”

The ongoing efforts to restore West Virginia’s rivers not only promise ecological recovery but also a renewed economic vitality, showcasing the intrinsic value of the state’s natural resources.