| Harbison-Walker Refractories Co. operated a fireclay mine in Greenup,
Kentucky. The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet
of Kentucky nominated this company for the 1998 Interstate Mining Compact
Commission's (IMCC) Reclamation Awards. They found its mining and
reclamation techniques outstanding and deserving of national recognition.
The Sanders Fireclay Mine is an excellent example of how successful reclamation
can minimize environmental impacts by combining good reclamation with cautious
extraction activity. |
A diverse, permanent vegetative cover exists throughout the reclaimed
area. |
The company initially received a permit through the state of Kentucky
in July of 1994, with mining beginning in November of the same year.
The mining and reclamation plan developed at the time was in accordance
with the surface mining laws and regulations and used the most recent technology
and equipment. The site, with its two active pits, was mined for
approximately three years. In July of 1997, final grading was completed.
Byrd Brothers Construction Inc. was contracted to conduct all mining and
reclamation activities at the Sanders Mine.
Mining operations occurred with the end reclamation in mind. This
allowed for efficiency in the handling of materials and reclamation activities.
Timber was logged from the site before mining started so that this natural
resource could be used instead of being disposed of or wasted on site.
Topsoil and overburden were removed from the site. The topsoil was
stockpiled in a stable area that was protected from wind and water erosion.
The overburden was transported to designated spoil storage areas and graded
to achieve proper slopes and drainage.
| Dams and silt fences were placed below the disturbed areas to control
the sediment. A diversion ditch was used to redirect surface water
away from the active pit areas. Stabilized (balanced) diversion channels
were designed and constructed to protect against the erosive forces of
storm water flow on steeper slopes. The channels also functioned
to provide water of suitable quality for discharge. |
Photograph shows the vegetated slopes with the erosion barrier and
stabilized channel. |
One of the pits was not completely backfilled so that a permanent water
body could be established. This proved beneficial to both the landowner
and the company. The owner of the property now had a water supply
which served domestic, agricultural, and recreational purposes.
The area has been successfully revegetated and supports hayland and
pasture. The company's timely revegetation efforts shortened the
period of time the topsoil remained uncovered and susceptible to erosion.
The reclamation activities - backfilling, grading, and topsoiling - were
all combined with mineral extraction to increase the overall success of
the operation and provide environmental protection.
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