Peabody
transformed a coal-refuse pond into a wetlands home for thousands of
migratory fowl |
The Illinois Department of Natural
Resources (IDNR) has recognized Peabody Energy’s Illinois operations
for innovative reclamation practices. Peabody’s efforts transformed a
coal-refuse pond near Marissa, Illinois, into a beautiful 300-acre
wetlands surrounded by 40,000 trees. The wetlands earned the IDNR’s
Mined Land Reclamation Award in addition to an honorable mention from
the Interstate Mining Compact Commission.
The area is now home to thousands of geese, mallards and other
waterfowl. And it provides habitat for migratory birds, including
threatened and endangered species.. Reclaiming the refuse pond involved
dewatering, treating with a lime-neutralizing agent, and re-establishing
proper water levels after the treatments were complete. |
