Soil replacement depth of 4 to 5 feet on non-prime areas.
Two-year-old Sawtooth Oak grown from broadcast acorns.
Volunteer Cottonwood and Maple trees in area where decreased ground cover was used.
The Columbia Mine, near Oakland City, Indiana, is operated by the Black Beauty Coal Company. The Mine was awarded the Interstate Mining Compact Commission’s 2000 Excellence in Mining and Reclamation Award in the Coal Category. Black Beauty Coal Company was also the winner of the 1999 Indiana Excellence in Reclamation Award. The Columbia is a surface coal mine with the Award Winning area being the original permitted operations which have been entirely reclaimed. Active operations are located nearby. The reclaimed area’s land uses include wildlife, forest, pastureland, cropland and wetlands.
The truck/shovel method of mining is used at the Columbia Mine to remove the coal seams. The truck and shovel and dozers are also utilized for all soil removal and replacement operations at the mine, significantly reducing compaction commonly associated with scraper operations.
Diversity was the primary theme of reclamation. The goal was not to produce a finely manicured landscape, but to provide an environment which is truly beneficial to wildlife and woody plants. Many features have been added to enhance habitat by providing food, water, cover and maximum edge effect. These include rock and brush piles, permanent and seasonal water bodies, food plots, and trees and shrubs planted in blocks and strips. In addition, large plots of native warm season grasses have been developed consisting of Big and Little Bluestem, Indiangrass and Switchgrass. These grass plots are being used by reptiles, rabbits, quail and other upland game. The water bodies are used by numerous species of geese, ducks and other waterfowl. Other commonly seen animals are white-tailed deer, coyote, wild turkey, raptors, herons and other shore birds. In addition, the presence of the spoonbill paddle fish has been confirmed in one of the lakes.
Soils were consistently saved and replaced to depths which far exceeded the minimum 12" requirement for pasture, forest and wildlife areas. Generally, replacement of desirable soil averaged four to five feet in depth on the non-prime areas of the permit. This included 210 acres of unreclaimed previously mined areas. These areas were subsequently re-mined in such a manner that they are not distinguishable from other permanent program areas.
Soil replacement depth of 4 to 5 feet on non-prime areas. |
Promising experimental plots have been developed by direct broadcast seeding of White Oak, Bur Oak and Sawtooth Oak acorns. The acorn plots are considered a great success with new trees emerging each year. Minimal ground cover was used on these plots, resulting in a tremendous amount of volunteer Cottonwood and Maple trees. These practices promote natural regeneration and are readily transferable to other operations. |
Two-year-old Sawtooth Oak grown from broadcast acorns. |
Volunteer Cottonwood and Maple trees in area where decreased ground cover was used. |
The community and landowners will benefit from the reclamation of this mine through farming, timber production, hunting and fishing, or by simply enjoying the landscape and wildlife in natural settings. The Columbia Mine is an example of how reclamation, reforestation and wildlife habitat restoration can be successful at Midwestern coal mines.