RECLAMATION SUCCESS

The state of Virginia has operated an Abandoned Mined Land (AML) program for more than 10 years.  This program was developed to reclaim areas disturbed by past coal mining.   Recent studies indicated southwestern Virginia coal fields were significantly affected by past mining.  Virginia's Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy nominated the Paramont Coal Corporation for the IMCC (Interstate Mining Compact Commission) Reclamation Award.  This company's reclamation efforts eliminated public health and safety hazards, and helped provide economic stability for the community.

Paramont Coal Corporation operated a coal surface mine in Dickenson County, just northeast of Clintwood, Virginia.  Mining of this site occurred from fall of 1994 to late 1997.  An average of 50,000 tons of coal was produced per month.  As the mining operation continued, more land was permitted for mining.  This was a result of the review of the continual reclamation activities at the pre-law sites.
 

Mining occurred on previously mined sites, in addition to areas never mined.  The abandoned pre-law mine contained two characteristics classified as AML (abandoned mine land) features.  These included unstable highwalls and downslope material located in a long hollow area. These provided a challenge to the design and implementation of the reclamation operation.	An aerial view of the entire site shows the resultant reclamation of these areas.
Unreclaimed pre-law highwall was eliminated by the removal of one long finger ridge.  In addition, the area was regraded to eliminate newly created and pre-existing highwalls,  as is shown in the photograph.
Old acid-producing outslopes were causing stream sedimentation.  To deal with the problem of the downslope material, an underdrain was built into the center of the hollow area.  The existing unstable material was then incorporated into the newly constructed hollow fill.  Additional spoil material was added and terraces were constructed.  Final grading was completed within two months of coal removal.  Shortly thereafter, seeding and revegetation occurred.  To control drainage, nine sediment basins were constructed, along with diversion ditches.	Photo shows one of the drainage control structures established on the site.
In addition, runoff was controlled by a vegetative barrier along the perimeter of the permit.  The operator complied with all state and federal mining regulations and permit requirements.  The post-mined land was reclaimed and revegetated for use as hayland and pasture for horses and cattle, in addition to unmanaged (wild) forest.  Deer, turkey and other wildlife are frequently seen on the reclaimed area.  The area has been transformed from one that was barren to one that  is both productive and beautiful.