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Source: York Building Products Co, Inc.
The Maryland Department of the Environment nominated the York Building
Products Co., Inc. for the 1999 IMCC Reclamation Award in the Non-Coal
mineral category. The company was recognized for its commitment to sound
mining and reclamation practices. York Building Products runs the sand
& gravel mine called Perryville Plant located in Cecil County in Perryville,
Maryland.
“Aerial view of the mine site which includes the active mine area,
the reclaimed area, along with the location of the Furnace property.”
Mining began at this site in the 1940’s. Previous mining impacted
approximately 86% of the site leaving it in an eroding and unsafe condition.
In 1995, York tested the area and determined there were significant reserves
left, and in 1996 mining of the abandoned area resumed. All
of the acres permitted for the most recent mining were previously mined
areas. The following two photographs show examples of the pre-law
areas.
| Reclamation at this site was completed in 1998. Any available
overburden and clean soil was used to reclaim the area because no topsoil
remained in the disturbed region. Warm season grass mixtures were
used to revegetate the area. Lime, fertilizer, and mulch was used
to assist in the growth of the vegetation. In the summer of
1998, Maryland experienced a drought which required most of the area to
be reseeded. The photographs that follow show the reclaimed
pit floor and slope, along with the haul road. |
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In addition to the reclamation of the permitted area, approximately
two acres of pre-law abandoned mines were reclaimed. This consisted
of eliminating a dumping ground for trash and used appliances, the removal
of highwalls adjacent to a country road, the removal of a significant source
of sediment runoff, and the creation of habitat area for wildlife.
York has been recognized for its commitment to the community in restoring
significant historical resources. Between 1725 and 1925, a company
called Principio Furnace operated immediately adjacent to this property.
The tract of land was a significant source of iron ore and hardwood used
to make charcoal for the company. The Principio Furnace site is a
National Register of Historic Places property and features an 1837-era
charcoal iron furnace stack in addition to other industrial structures
and ruins. It is one of the most important historic ironmaking sites
in the United States. York purchased the building in 1981 and is
in the process of restoring the site to its original condition. Schoolchildren
regularly tour the areas which have been successfully renovated.
York Building Products Co., Inc. demonstrates the significant contribution
mining and mineral production has had for the history of this country in
addition to our current lifestyle and economy. The innovative mining
and reclamation techniques resulted in benefits to both the community and
environment.
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