Maps

The map below shows the proposed NIOSH facility in red lines. This is where the underground tunnels will be. To the northwest, you will see the Simmons-Mingo Cave. Since this cave is in the green area, that means that it is in the Tygart Valley watershed. The dotted line from the Simmons-Mingo Cave means that it was observed that dye traveled in water from the Simmons Mingo Cave to My Cave. Since My Cave is in the green area, that means it is in the Elk River watershed.

Watersheds are like bathtubs. The rain that falls in the watershed (ie. bathtub) runs to that river (ie. the drain). However, when there are cave systems, like in this area, the water can flow from one watershed to another (ie. from one bathtub to another) and contaminate multiple rivers. 

So, this map shows that chemicals used in the NIOSH Facility or sedimentation produced in the facility could get into the Elk River or the Tygart River. Or, a change in the underground flow could keep water from getting to the Elk River or the Tygart River.