Highwall elimination and return to approximate original contour photos
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Photo Library: Highwall elimination and return to approximate original contour photos |
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Reclamation of this steep-slope contour mine in Eastern Kentucky exemplifies the requirement to cover the highwall and returned the land to its approximate original contour. Compare this with the scarred Appalachian mountains, dangerous highwalls, and threat to natural environment that existed before the Surface Mining Law was passed in 1977. The next photo shows this site 5 years later. Enlarged Photo (96 KB file)
Five years after mining was completed, the land at this 200-acre Eastern Kentucky coal mine has been reclaimed. The land was regraded to eliminate the highwall, topsoil spread, and grass planted. The reclamation has resulted in stable slopes where native trees and shrubs are becoming established and reforestation is quickly progressing. Enlarged Photo (80 KB file)
Before 1977, mile upon mile of bare highwalls scarred the Appalachian countryside. At this unreclaimed 1960's mine site in southern Ohio the highwalls were left exposed and no regrading was completed. Highwalls such as these are a safety hazard, and may leave exposed coal beds and acid- and toxic- forming rocks open to weathering and the formation of acid mine drainage. Enlarged Photo (121 KB file)
Reclamation under the Surface Mining Law requires backfilling the bench or pit to eliminate the highwall. At this Kentucky contour mine the operator is regrading the bench and covering the highwall as the mine progresses around the hillside. Part of the highwall has been covered with overburden, topsoil spread on the surface, and grass cover planted. Enlarged Photo (110 KB file)