Long Fork Sedimentation Project, Virginia
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1998 National Award: Long Fork Sedimentation Project, Virginia |
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Long Fork is a typical stream located in the mountainous section of Southern Virginia. Erosion from unreclaimed 1940's, 50's, and 60's coal mines had clogged the stream causing frequent flooding of the narrow valley. Reclamation at this project eliminated the source of the sedimentation, cleaned out the stream channel, and stabilized it to eliminated future erosion.
Small dams were constructed in the stream channel to improve the fish habitat. In addition, over 4,000 feet of channel riprap was used to stabilize the channel and create a more natural environment. 
Gabion walls were installed in sections of the stream with unstable banks. Most of the reclamation work at this project was in the narrow valley between the road and residents houses. When completed, over 9,500 feet of stream had been cleaned out and over 25,000 cubic yards of material removed.
Sediment removed from the stream was trucked to a nearby abandoned mine and used to cover the dangerous highwalls.