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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.
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