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The Office of Surface Mining,
Reclamation & Enforcement presented the 2005 National Excellence
in Surface Coal Mine Reclamation Award to Red River Coal for its
Humphries Enterprises Job 1, and Job 2 operations in Norton,
Virginia. The OSM
awards program began in 1986 to publicly recognize outstanding
active coal mine reclamation and to highlight and show recognition
for exemplary reclamation techniques.
 Red River Coal has been nominated
for numerous other reclamation awards, including the Interstate
Mining Compact Commission’s Excellence in Reclamation Award.
The
company's innovative techniques helped eliminate more than 4,800
feet of dangerous, abandoned highwalls during mining. Red River also
worked with Virginia Tech University to test reforestation
techniques for reclaimed land. The information gained from this
research has been shared with the coal industry through training
events at the Powell River Project Research and Education Center.
Different mixtures of trees and soil preparation were tested,
as well as methods of applying herbicides to control competing
vegetation around tree seedlings. The lessons learned here are
already being employed in the reforestation of Virginia coal fields.
The cooperative relationships with Red River Coal have been a
major contributor to the ability of Virginia Tech researchers
working with Powell River Project to adopt a practical and
results-oriented research approach.
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“Highwall restoration has been completed.”
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The
post mining land use for this site is unmanaged forest on outslopes
and hayland/pasture, with an industrial use for gas wells and
pipeline on the site. This
operation is an excellent example of how additional mining and
reclamation can benefit owners, operators, and the community.
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Red River Coal Company’s belief is that “Reclamation is an integral
part of all company mining operations. During the mining
process, sedimentation and water quality are strictly monitored and
controlled. After mining is complete, highwalls are
eliminated, the areas are re-vegetated, and ponds are removed.
Trees may be planted, depending upon the post-mining land use.
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| “The company has reclaimed more than 4,000 acres of land over the past
30 years. Many of these lands had been previously mined under
laws much less stringent than current federal and state laws.
They were safety and environmental hazards. After Red River
completed re-mining and reclamation, many sites won federal and
state awards.”
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Photos
From Red River Company Internet
Site
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