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| This coal mine is located near Morganfield, Kentucky, and is
operated by Peabody Coal Company. Peabody has designated their post-mining land use at the
Camp Underground Coal Mine to fish and wildlife habitat. Since 1995, Peabody has applied
reclamation practices to four different slurry impoundments on the mine site. This has
created diverse upland and wetland areas that are beneficial to numerous wildlife species.
Since this site is completely surrounded by a vast farming area used for row crops, this
habitat serves as an oasis for wildlife. |
Wildlife habitat signage
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Mature vegetation on wetlands
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Various bird species have particularly
benefited from this pristine habitat. The Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission has
documented the utilization of the area by a plethora of assorted migratory fowl. 128
different species have been observed, including the Piping Plover which is on the Federal
Threatened Species List, and the Least Tern which is on the Federal Endangered Species
List. The Camp Underground Mine has manually manipulated water levels on these
impoundments each migratory season to accommodate shallow water fowl, creating a welcome
respite on their seasonal journeys. Native grasses were also planted in the upland areas
of this site, creating a conducive environment for songbirds, small mammals and the birds
of prey that follow. |
| The reclamation principles employed on this site have been utilized by
Peabody on several other sites as well. Their innovative development and application of
their reclamation practices have resulted in new technology that substantially reduces the
time, effort and cost that generally are associated with refuse disposal areas. Their
methods of direct seeding slurry reclamation has become accepted as a standard reclamation
practice. Peabody has turned an environmental concern into an ecological and environmental
asset. The long-term benefit to wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, is
immeasurable. Long-term maintenance and water quality problems have been eliminated, as
this is a self-sustaining system. The industry and society as a whole can benefit from the
principles applied to this site. |
"Revegetated upland area"
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