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Panoramic view of the limestone permit site.
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| The Walker Company of Kentucky Inc. operates a limestone quarry, which
produces approximately 300,000 tons of limestone annually.
The company has been recognized for its innovative and practical reclamation
methods. Since mining began at the Menifee Stone site in 1961, the
amount of acreage permitted for mining has more than doubled. |
The surface mining of the limestone by the contour and box cut methods.
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| After the vegetation and organic material is removed, about 12 inches
of topsoil is separated and stockpiled. Next, approximately 185 feet
of overburden is removed and placed into empty pits. Eight distinct
layers make up the 65-foot thick limestone.
Within 180 days following the removal of limestone, reclamation of the
area is completed. Areas are contoured to create gentle slopes.
This is done to slow the runoff of surface water, blend in with the surrounding
topography, and enhance the land’s use for hay and pasture.
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The process of contouring the mined land.
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| The revegetation plan for the site was intended to stabilize the soil,
minimize erosion, enhance wildlife habitat, and increase the productivity
and usage of the site.
Check dams made of rock were designed and constructed to assist in sediment
control by allowing surface water to seep out slowly
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| Channels were built to protect the seeded sites and decrease
the amount of suspended solids in the water running off the permitted site.
The materials used to fill in the areas were compacted by many vehicles
and machinery. Compaction of the fill materials provided additional
stability to prevent land slides and allow the surface water to flow into
drains instead of seeping through fill areas.
Backfilled areas were properly graded to reduce the potential for erosion
and sedimentation. In addition, some areas were formed into flat
parcels of land, which could be later developed into residential or commercial
areas. Graded areas were left slightly rough to help bind the
topsoil to the surface and to protect seed from wind and water erosion.
In addition, the depressions in the soil allowed water to be trapped and
used by plants. |
An area that was recently reclaimed and seeded.
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| The vegetation chosen for the ground cover was an excellent choice
to minimize erosion. A variety of annual grasses, legumes (beans),
and perennial grasses were planted. |
The variety of some of the vegetation seeded.
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Fertilizer and mulch were applied to aid in the successful growth of
the plants.
The Walker Company of Kentucky has made continual efforts and
commitments to the reclamation of the Menifee Stone site. It
is a site which is well maintained and serves as an excellent
example of how quality limestone can be obtained in an
environmentally sound manner.
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