The Kittanning formation, of which both the upper and lower Kittanning coal seams are part of, is a member of the Allegheny group that formed during the Pennsylvanian period. The study area on Solomon Run trends east to west approximately perpendicular to the fold axis of the Ebensburg Anticline and the Johnstown Syncline. Solomon Run flows down the west limb of the Ebensburg anticline and regional groundwater flow is westward towards the axis of the Johnstown Syncline. 

The Upper Kittanning seam is located above stream level but mine pools still discharge into Solomon Run while the Lower Kittanning seam is located at or below stream level and mine pools from this seam also seep into the stream.

In 1986 the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority acted as the local agent for the channelization of Solomon Run in the Stonycreek Township, Walnut Grove, Dale Borough, and Hornerstown areas.  Although the stream has a usual depth of less than an inch, the steep valley and substantial paving and development upstream make Solomon Run prone to flash flooding.  In 1987, Contractor W. P. Dickerson & Son, Inc. took on the task of constructing the new channel that runs the entire legnth of Solomon Run. Details of the construction phase can be found by visiting Johnstown Flood Control Projects-Cheney Run, Elk Run, Sams Run, Solomon Run and St. Clair Run. 

Stream sampling was conducted on Solomon Run in order to assess the general water quality of the stream and the effects of contaminated mine drainage (CMD) discharges within the drainage basin. This basin is approximately half-forested and half field/urban. The samples were collected on 19 February 2005, 26 March 2005, and 9 April 2005 from Solomon Run and its tributaries. All samples were collected according to PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) protocol, which calls for a 500 ml bottle of non-acidified water and a 125 ml bottle acidified with nitric acid. The samples were kept on ice and then sent to state lab at Harrisburg for analyses. Sample sites 1, 2, and 3 (refer to Solomon Sample Map) were initially chosen as possibly indicating headwater quality prior to contaminated mine drainage (CMD) impacts downstream. However, upstream samples 1 and 2 were not deemed good base-line sample points because of their elevated salt (sodium) levels.

(Reference: University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Stream Assessment of Solomon Run, Written by: Rob Stephens and Kristen Straub, UPJ; Contributors: Greater Johnstown Watershed Association; Project Manager:Dr. Uldis Kaktins, UPJ Geology Department; Technical Support: Malcolm Crittenden, DEP Cambria, PA; Scott Alexander, Water Pollution Biologist, PA DEP.)
 

Two kick screen samples were performed at four stations on Solomon Run on 5 March 2005. The screening was done by vigorously disturbing the substrate to a depth of 10 cm for approximately two minutes. While kicking the rocks around in Solomon Run, a screen was held downstream to capture any macro-invertebrates that were dislodged from their hiding spots under the rocks. We also collected from the undersides of several stream rocks. The four sites produced a variety of aquatic life: caddis flies, stoneflies, mayflies, and truflies. Our survey found a count of 2 to 7 taxa at the various stations. The opinion of a specialist in Aquatic biology is needed to further explain how the high levels of sodium are affecting fish and macro invertebrate populations. 

Flow was taken in three locations, sampling points (010), (011), and (012) during the March and April sampling dates. A Global Water velocity probe  was used to measure flow at each point.The partial section method of flow calculation was used, ensuring that no one section of measurement exceeded 10% of the total flow volume. 

Solomon Run is adversely impacted by both CMD and road salt. The road salt problem can only be solved by changes in road salting practices which is beyond the scope of this study. However there are various approaches that can be used to reduce contaminated mine drainage (CMD) problems.

The Greater Johnstown Watershed Association (GJWSA), working with the Johnstown Redevlopment Authority (JRA), hope to address these issues and implement a treatment plan to reduce conatminated mine drainage (CMD) in an effort to improve the water quality of Solomon Run. Check back for future updates.