| Operated by the Red River Mining Company, the Oxbow Mine is located near
Choushatta in northwestern Louisiana. Two aspects of the mine operations are worthy of
special mention: the design of a water control system that not only minimizes adverse
impacts, but also serves to improve the water quality before it leaves the mine area; and
a reclamation plan that enriches the environmental and commercial value of the land before
it is returned to the landowners. Red River maintains an exemplary record in environmental
compliance and worker safety, having been presented with the prestigious Sentinels of
Safety Award eleven times. The Oxbow Mine was nominated for the 2002 Interstate Mining
Compact Commission's reclamation award. |
"Permanent pond in commercial
forest area" |
|
 "Lignite Festival dancers"
|
It is the policy of Red River Mining Company to not only meet the
letter and spirit of the coal mining reclamation regulations, but to treat the land and
water resources of the mine as valuable natural assets that will last well beyond the
cessation of mining activities. The company strives to be more than a good corporate
citizen and this community-first attitude has made them an integral part of the local
business environment while at the same time increasing the local residentsí awareness of
the beneficial use of lignite and environmentally friendly mining in general. The annual
Lignite Festival, which they have sponsored since 1992, has allowed the employees to show
off their workplace and has educated local populace as the source of fuel used to generate
their electricity. |
| The company has an open door policy for organized tours and works with the
local schools to provide access to teachers and students for educational visits to the
mine. Students are exposed to wetlands, ponds, tree areas, animal species and mining
technology during these visits. |
"Boy scouts learning about water quality"
|
| Permanent vegetation consists primarily of loblolly pine trees planted for
commercial forest. A cover of Bermuda grass is planted in pasture land areas and is also
established in commercial forest areas before the tree species are introduced. Design and
implementation of water management plans include construction of sedimentation ponds which
provide wetland vegetation for nesting and feeding sites for water fowl and reptilian life |
"Diversion ditch"
|
Permanent ponds have been incorporated into the post-mining topography
in order to increase landowner value and provide water for cattle and wildlife. The ponds
have also been stocked with largemouth bass to provide a source of recreation. Features
also include hardwoods, forbs, and grassland species that provide both shelter and food
supplies for waterfowl, deer, and other wildlife.
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