Carbon Run

File:Carbon Run looking downstream.JPG

Carbon Run begins in a small lake in Zerbe Township. It flows south for several hundred feet and enters a broad valley. The stream then flows in an east-northeasterly direction for a few miles, though it heads in other directions for short distances. In this reach, it enters Coal Township, receives two unnamed tributaries from the left, and passes through two small lakes. The stream then turns south-southeast for a few tenths of a mile before turning east-northeast again. Its valley narrows and it reaches the census-designated place of Fairview-Ferndale. The stream flows alongside Pennsylvania Route 125 for several tenths of a mile before turning north and entering Shamokin. Several tenths of a mile further downstream, it turns northwest and reaches its confluence with Shamokin Creek.

Carbon Run joins Shamokin Creek {{convert|21.62|mi|km}} upstream of its mouth.{{Citation|url = http://www.lycoming.edu/cwi/pdfs/paGazetterOfStreams.pdf|title = Pennsylvania Gazetteer of Streams|page = 45|date = November 2, 2001|accessdate = August 16, 2015}}

The entire length of Carbon Run is designated as an impaired waterbody. The cause of the impairment is metals other than mercury and the source of the impairment is abandoned mine drainage.{{Citation|author=United States Environmental Protection Agency |url=http://oaspub.epa.gov/tmdl/attains_waterbody.control?p_list_id=&p_au_id=PA3624&p_cycle=2006&p_state=PA&p_report_type=A |title=2006 Waterbody Report for Carbon Run |accessdate=August 16, 2015 }}{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Its two unnamed tributaries are also impaired. The stream is impacted by acid mine drainage and the Sterling Mine discharge is in its watershed. The acid mine drainage causes it to have an orange color.

The concentration of manganese and iron in Carbon Run at site CAR1 are {{convert|2.6|and|14.6|mg/L|oz/cuft|sp=us}}, while the daily loads of these substances are {{convert|117.7|and|672.0|lb|kg}}. The concentration of aluminum is {{convert|1.1|mg/L|oz/cuft|sp=us}} and the load of aluminum is {{convert|51.9|lb|kg}} per day. This load requires a 90 percent reduction to meet the total maximum daily load requirements.

The concentrations of recoverable sodium and potassium in Carbon Run at Shamokin were once measured to be {{convert|5.5|and|2.4|mg/L|oz/cuft|sp=us}}. The magnesium and calcium concentrations were {{convert|35.0|and|58.0|mg/L|oz/cuft|sp=us}}.

The concentrations of acidity and alkalinity in Carbon Run are {{convert|21.5|and|30.5|mg/L|oz/cuft|sp=us}}. The daily loads of these substances are {{convert|991.6|and|1401.7|lb|kg}}. In 1999 and 2000, the pH of the stream at Shamokin ranged from 6.3 to 6.8. The concentration of suspended solids was once measured to be {{convert|24|mg/L|oz/cuft|sp=us}}, while the concentration of dissolved solids was {{convert|424|mg/L|oz/cuft|sp=us}}. The concentration of dissolved oxygen ranged from {{convert|8.5|to|9.7|mg/L|oz/cuft|sp=us}} and the carbon dioxide concentration ranged from {{convert|11|to|14|mg/L|oz/cuft|sp=us}}. The concentration of water hardness ranged from {{convert|283|to|363|mg/L|oz/cuft|sp=us}}.

The concentration of phosphorus in Carbon Run at Shamokin was once measured to be {{convert|0.01|mg/L|oz/cuft|sp=us}}, while the concentration of orthophosphate was less than {{convert|0.031|mg/L|oz/cuft|sp=us}} both times it was measured. The silica concentration ranged from {{convert|12.0|to|13.0|mg/L|oz/cuft|sp=us}}, while the sulfate concentration ranged from {{convert|282|to|350|mg/L|oz/cuft|sp=us}} and the chloride concentration ranged from {{convert|5.1|to|5.80|mg/L|oz/cuft|sp=us}}. The concentration of ammonia in the stream was once measured to be {{convert|0.670|mg/L|oz/cuft|sp=us}}. The nitrate and nitrite concentrations in the stream's filtered water were {{convert|0.195|mg/L|oz/cuft|sp=us}} and {{convert|0.053|mg/L|oz/cuft|sp=us}} to less than {{convert|0.131|mg/L|oz/cuft|sp=us}}.

In 1999 and 2000, the instantaneous discharge of Carbon Run at Shamokin ranged from {{convert|3.2|to|18|cuft/s|m3/s}} during three measurements. The specific conductance of the stream ranged from 650 to 757 micro-siemens per centimeter at {{convert|25|C|F}} during four measurements. The turbidity of the stream ranged from 14 to 44 Nephelometric Turbidity Units.{{Citation|author = United States Geological Survey|url = http://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/qwdata/?site_no=01554489&agency_cd=USGS&inventory_output=0&rdb_inventory_output=file&TZoutput=0&pm_cd_compare=Greater%20than&radio_parm_cds=all_parm_cds&format=html_table&qw_attributes=0&qw_sample_wide=wide&rdb_qw_attributes=0&date_format=YYYY-MM-DD&rdb_compression=file&submitted_form=brief_list|title = USGS 01554489 Carbon Rn at Shamokin, PA|accessdate = August 16, 2015}}

The elevation near the mouth of Carbon Run is {{convert|709|ft|m}} above sea level.{{Citation|author = Geographic Names Information System|url = http://gnis.usgs.gov/apex/f?p=136:3:0::NO::P3_FID,P3_TITLE:1171191,Carbon%20Run|title = Feature Detail Report for: Carbon Run|accessdate = August 16, 2015}}{{Dead link|date=July 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The elevation of the stream's source is between {{convert|1060|and|1080|ft|m}} above sea level. Carbon Run is a relatively small stream.{{Citation|url = http://elibrary.pacounties.org/Documents/Northumberland_County/124;%20NORTHUMBERLAND/4209714536mcp.pdf|title = COAL TOWNSHIP PENNSYLVANIA NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN|page = 7|date = August 2003|accessdate = August 16, 2015}}

There is a dam known as the Bear Valley Dam located on Carbon Run. Spoil piles and abandoned mining land occupies much of the stream's watershed. In some reaches, the stream flows underground due to infiltration into mine pools, but returns to the surface in the form of a discharge.{{Citation|url = http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=18&objID=439123&mode=2|title = Watershed Restoration Action Strategy (WRAS) State Water Plan Subbasin 06B Mahanoy Creek and Shamokin Creek Watersheds (Susquehanna River) Northumberland and Schuylkill Counties|pages = 7, 9, 11, 13|date = February 2004|accessdate = August 16, 2015}} An anticlinal known as Anticlinal No. 8 or Red Ridge ends at the valley of Carbon Run.{{Citation|author = Henry Darwin Rogers|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=2sZDAQAAMAAJ&dq=%22Carbon+Run%22&pg=PA307|title = The Geology of Pennsylvania: A Government Survey, Volume 2|pages = 287, 306|year = 1858|accessdate = August 16, 2015}}

There are fifteen abandoned mine drainage discharges in the watershed of Carbon Run. There are also a number of small lakes in the watershed.{{Citation|url = http://www.facstaff.bucknell.edu/kirby/CarbRunSites.jpg|title = Carbon Run Subwatershed Northumberland County Pennsylvania|accessdate = August 16, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130522161940/http://www.facstaff.bucknell.edu/kirby/CarbRunSites.jpg|archive-date = May 22, 2013|url-status = dead}} It is at least partially in the Coal Region. There is a coal field between the stream and the summit of Mahanoy Mountain.

The watershed of Carbon Run has an area of {{convert|8.78|sqmi|km2}}. The mouth of the stream is in the United States Geological Survey quadrangle of Shamokin. However, the source is in the quadrangle of Trevorton.

There are two passive treatment systems in the watershed of Carbon Run. They have helped to reduce the stream's acidity and made it able to support aquatic plant and animal life.{{Citation|author = Mike Staugattis, Larry Deklinski|newspaper = The News-Item|url = http://newsitem.com/news/1-000-trout-released-into-carbon-run-1.1135573|title = 1,000 trout released into Carbon run|date = April 21, 2011|accessdate = August 16, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110422042327/http://newsitem.com/news/1-000-trout-released-into-carbon-run-1.1135573|archive-date = April 22, 2011|url-status = dead}}{{Citation|author = PR Newswire|url = http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pa-dep-secretary-participates-in-shamokin-creek-restoration-alliance-annual-cleanup-tours-acid-mine-drainage-sites-77160302.html|title = PA DEP Secretary Participates in Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance Annual Cleanup, Tours Acid Mine Drainage Sites|accessdate = August 16, 2015}}

Carbon Run is more prone to flooding than any other stream in its vicinity. Its floodplain is distinguishable on Federal Flood Insurance Maps.

Carbon Run was entered into the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979. Its identifier in the Geographic Names Information System is 1171191.

A concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder bridge carrying Willow Street over Carbon Run in Shamokin was built in 1935 and is {{convert|26.9|ft|m}} long. A concrete culvert bridge carrying Spruce Street over Carbon Run was built in Shamokin in 1992 and is {{convert|25.9|ft|m}} long. In 1993, a bridge of the same type, but carrying Chestnut Street, was constructed over the stream in Shamokin. This bridge is {{convert|28.9|ft|m}} long. A third concrete culvert bridge was built over the stream in 1994 in Shamokin and is {{convert|24.0|ft|m}} long. This bridge carries Arch Street. Another concrete culvert bridge was constructed over the stream in 1995 and is {{convert|23.0|ft|m}} long.{{Citation|url = http://www.uglybridges.com/pa/northumberland/|title = Northumberland County|accessdate = August 16, 2015}}

Masonry retaining walls were built on Carbon Run during the Great Depression.{{Citation|url = http://www.northcentralpa.com/news/2012-10-30_seda-cog-joint-rail-authority-news-november-2012|title = Byte-sized News|date = November 2012|accessdate = August 16, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160602184110/http://www.northcentralpa.com/news/2012-10-30_seda-cog-joint-rail-authority-news-november-2012|archive-date = June 2, 2016|url-status = dead}} A reach of Carbon Run was impacted by flooding in September 2011.{{Citation|author = Eric Scicchitano|newspaper = The Washington Times|url = http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/jul/28/creek-work-in-shamokin-set-to-be-re-bid/?page=all|title = Creek work in Shamokin set to be re-bid|date = July 28, 2015|accessdate = August 16, 2015}} The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has awarded a $353,000 grant for stream improvements to Carbon Run.{{Citation|author = Shane Thielges|url = http://marcellus.com/news/id/59460/pennsylvania-park-officially-becomes-aoaa-today/|title = Pennsylvania park officially becomes AOAA today|date = May 16, 2014|accessdate = August 16, 2015}} These floods also damaged the stream's retaining walls.

The Adventure Anthracite Outdoor Area is in the vicinity of Carbon Run.{{Citation|author = Justin Strawser|newspaper = Daily Item|url = http://www.dailyitem.com/news/pipeline-builder-puts-g-into-projects/article_be42e2ec-22ad-11e5-bb53-2f93e8e6ae0e.html|title = Pipeline builder puts $309G into projects|date = July 4, 2015|accessdate = August 16, 2015}} Non-motorized activities, such as hiking and horseback riding are banned in the area, but there are future plans to accommodate them.

The drainage basin of Carbon Run is designated as a Coldwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery.{{Citation|work = Pennsylvania Code|url = http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/025/chapter93/s93.9m.html|title = § 93.9m. Drainage List M. Susquehanna River Basin in Pennsylvania Susquehanna River|accessdate = August 16, 2015}} The fish populations in the stream are considerably lower than those of other streams of a similar size in the area.{{Citation|author = United States Geological Survey|url = http://pa.water.usgs.gov/reports/wrir03-4311.pdf|title = Effects of Abandoned Coal-Mine Drainage on Streamflow and Water Quality in the Shamokin Creek Basin, Northumberland and Columbia Counties, Pennsylvania, 1999-2001|page = 53|accessdate = August 16, 2015}} In 2011, the defunct organization Habitat for Wildlife released a thousand small brook trout ({{convert|2|to|3|in|cm}} in length) from the Zion Grove Trout Hatchery into the stream. However, by September 2012, electrofishing surveys failed to find any trout. In 2012, it was possible that the stream would be stocked with trout in spring 2013 to give the area a "mental boost".{{Citation|author = Justin Strawser|newspaper = The News-Item|url = http://newsitem.com/news/electrofishing-finds-no-trout-found-in-carbon-run-near-shamokin-1.1377136|title = 'Electrofishing' finds no trout found in Carbon Run near Shamokin|date = September 22, 2012|accessdate = August 16, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151001050029/http://newsitem.com/news/electrofishing-finds-no-trout-found-in-carbon-run-near-shamokin-1.1377136|archive-date = October 1, 2015|url-status = dead}}

It is difficult for fish to survive in Carbon Run because it contains few of the varieties of insects that fish tend to eat. However, in 2011, satisfactory insect populations were observed. However, a few fish species have been observed in the stream. These include creek chubs, pumpkinseeds, and brown bullheads. Creek chubs are abundant in the stream, meaning that more than 75 individuals were observed. Pumpkinseeds were common, meaning that 25 to 75 individuals were observed. However, only one brown bullhead was found. Some time ago, in 1840, Carbon Run was "filled with trout".{{Citation|url = http://files.usgwarchives.net/pa/northumberland/areahistory/sham0001.txt|title = 125 years City of Shamokin, Pennsylvania 1864-1989|accessdate = August 16, 2015}}

Macroinvertebrates began to repopulate Carbon Run by the 2000s due to the passive treatment systems in the watershed. In the 1990s, three individuals from the genus Tipula, an individual from the family Rhyacophilidae, and an individual from the order Plecoptera were observed in the stream upstream of Scarlift Discharge 42. A small unnamed tributary to Carbon Run hosted various caddisflies, mayflies, stoneflies, and minnows. However, immediately downstream of Scarlift Discharge 42, no macroinvertebrates were observed.{{Citation|url = http://www.facstaff.bucknell.edu/kirby/CRMacroinvertebrates.html|title = MACROINVERTEBRATES COLLECTED NEAR SITE 42|accessdate = August 16, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055239/http://www.facstaff.bucknell.edu/kirby/CRMacroinvertebrates.html|archive-date = March 4, 2016|url-status = dead}}

• Furnace Run, next tributary of Shamokin Creek going downstream
• Coal Run, next tributary of Shamokin Creek going upstream
• List of rivers of Pennsylvania
• List of tributaries of Shamokin Creek

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [http://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/qwdata/?site_no=01554482&agency_cd=USGS&inventory_output=0&rdb_inventory_output=file&TZoutput=0&pm_cd_compare=Greater%20than&radio_parm_cds=all_parm_cds&format=html_table&qw_attributes=0&qw_sample_wide=wide&rdb_qw_attributes=0&date_format=YYYY-MM-DD&rdb_compression=file&submitted_form=brief_list USGS 01554482 Carbon Run near Trevorton, PA]

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Category:Rivers of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania

Category:Tributaries of Shamokin Creek

Category:Rivers of Pennsylvania