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Operated by Coal-Mac, Inc., the
Phoenix Surface Mine No. 2 was nominated
for the Interstate Mining Compact Commission’s Excellence in
Reclamation Award in the Surface Mining Category. Located
near Ragland, West Virginia, the Phoenix is a mountaintop removal
operation with four valley fills.
Coal-Mac, Inc. has also been awarded The Office of Surface
Mining’s nationally recognized Good Neighbor Award.
Coal-Mac
has taken the mountaintop removal method of mining and refined it to
reflect the terrain of Wet Virginia, and to enhance the post-mining
land use. All backfill
areas were terraced to the approximate original contour to
assimilate the pre-mining topography.
This method of reclamation eliminates the flat “table
tops” seen at some operations.
The reclaimed terraces are unobtrusive and very effective in
minimizing erosion and controlling surface water runoff.
The extra work needed to accomplish the Approximate Original
Contour (AOC) eliminated environmental impacts and provided
reclamation that blends with the natural landscape.
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“Successful revegetation efforts are evidence by
the establishment of full ground cover and a diversity of
vegetation.”
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“The entire area shown was completely reclaimed,
while active coal removal operations were
being conducted only a short distance away.”
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The rock
valley fills were constructed from the bottom up, thereby allowing
Coal-Mac to complete the lower portion of the valley fills while
construction of the upper lifts was still active.
Using a dozer equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS)
for guidance, the final grading and shaping of the valley fill face
was more efficient in constructing the benches and drainage channels
than required by SMRCA regulations. Particular emphasis was placed on rapid reclamation and
revegetation of the valley fills.
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“Equipment can be seen backfilling the reclamation
area as overburden material is being transported from the active
mine pit. Beyond the mine pit, topsoiling material was removed from
the next mining area and transported to the backfill area.”
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The
employees of Coal-Mac and the Phoenix Surface Mine are proud of
their accomplishments and attention to detail in the reclamation of
this operation. The
mining and reclamation was completed in a timely manner that not
only maximized coal recovery, but also minimized the adverse effects
to the environment. The
ultimate proof is the contemporaneous reclamation and the rapid
establishment of the post-mining land use, and how the reclaimed
mine blends into the surrounding unmined areas.
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“Sediment ditches, constructed as part of the
mining and reclamation, enhance the beauty of the land, reduce
runoff, recharge the groundwater systems, and provide an excellent
water source for wildlife.”
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