DATASHED: AN ONLINE TOOL FOR PASSIVE TREATMENT SYSTEM MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE 1

Datashed is a user-friendly, interactive, Geographic Information System (GIS)-enabled online database developed by Stream Restoration Incorporated to assist watershed groups, academic institutions, private industry and government agencies to monitor, operate, and maintain passive treatment systems. Using primarily open-source technology, Datashed provides a cost- effective and reliable solution to the management of data associated with environmental efforts. Specific, individualized functions can easily be added using common programming languages. One of these functions, called i-Map, is a GIS tool that spatially connects the data stored within Datashed. Both anonymous and authorized users can easily upload, download, and print data from any standards-compliant web browser without the use of additional plug-ins or software. Datashed is being used as a repository of information for over 230 passive treatment systems within the state of Pennsylvania. A "snapshot" of the current condition of these systems is underway by analyzing water samples from the raw untreated mine drainage, the final effluent of the passive system, and the influent and effluent of every alkalinity-generating component. Additional Keywords: database, open source, internet, Geographic Information System (GIS), operation and maintenance, AMD, mine drainage, passive treatment system