Ore Run facts for kids

Ore Run is a small stream, or 'tributary,' that flows into Sullivan Branch in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania. It's about 0.9 miles (1.4 km) long and runs through Davidson Township. The area of land that drains into it, called its 'watershed,' is about 0.78 square miles (2.0 km2). Sadly, the water in Ore Run is quite acidic and not very clean. The ground around the stream is made of special rocks like the Huntley Mountain Formation and Burgoon Sandstone. The soil types are mostly Deep-Wellsboro-Oquaga and Oquaga soils.

Where Ore Run Flows

Ore Run starts in Davidson Township. This is near the northern edge of the area that drains into the East Branch Fishing Creek.

The stream first flows southeast for a short distance. It then enters a steep valley. After that, it turns southwest and continues down the valley. At the bottom of the valley, Ore Run meets and joins Sullivan Branch.

Small Streams Joining Ore Run

Ore Run has one very small stream that flows into it. This stream doesn't have a common name. It is known by the code Unt 28017.

Water Quality of Ore Run

The amount of water flowing in Ore Run on an average day is about 481 gallons per minute. The water's pH level, which tells us how acidic or basic something is, is usually around 4.32. This means it's quite acidic, as pH levels range from 4 to just under 4.5. The water also contains a small amount of aluminum, about 0.366 milligrams per liter.

Ore Run's water is always very acidic. Because of this, its water quality is considered "severe" during average and high water flows. This is even worse than "very poor." To make the water healthier, it would need about 27 pounds (12 kg) of special minerals added each day. This would help balance its acidity.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection says that Ore Run and its small tributary are harmed by air pollution. This pollution affects the water's pH and adds metals to it.

Land and Rocks Around Ore Run

The area where Ore Run flows into Sullivan Branch is about 1,893 feet (577 meters) above sea level.

The lower part of Ore Run flows over rocks from the Huntley Mountain Formation. The upper part of the stream flows over rocks from the Burgoon Sandstone formation. You can also see rocks sticking out of the ground in this area. Most of the stream flows over a type of soil called the Deep-Wellsboro-Oquaga soil. The very start of the stream has Oquaga soil and another minor soil type. Most of these soils are very acidic.

There is also a natural bed of iron ore found along Ore Run.

Ore Run's Watershed

The watershed of Ore Run, which is the land area that collects and drains water into the stream, covers about 0.78 square miles (2.0 km2). It can be a bit tricky to get to Ore Run.

There's a beautiful spot called Ore Run Falls. It's a waterfall that cascades and slides down the rocks. The falls are about 23 feet (7 meters) high.

Ore Run is important for aquatic life, meaning it's a home for plants and animals that live in water.

History of Ore Run

Efforts to clean up Ore Run are part of a bigger plan called the East Branch Fishing Creek Restoration Plan. The fourth part of this plan, which includes Ore Run, is expected to cost around $400,000. This makes it the most expensive part of the cleanup project. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection first noted that the stream was unhealthy in 2002. A plan to set a limit on pollution, called a total maximum daily load, was set for 2015.