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Reclamation in Action

Two centuries of US coal mining occurred before the passage of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) of 1977. Land that was once considered dangerous and unwelcoming is finding new purpose through innovative reclamation projects.

  • Reclaiming a Company Town Project in Mather, PA. During construction (2015).

    Reclaiming a Company Town Project in Mather, PA. During construction (2015).

  • Reclaiming a Company Town Project in Mather, PA. After construction (2016).

    Reclaiming a Company Town Project in Mather, PA. After construction (2016).

HEALTH & SAFETY

OSMRE partners with state and tribal governments, community groups and mining companies to protect the public from mining-related hazards.

  • Drilling and sampling for determination of rock/coal depths.

     

    Drilling and sampling for determination of rock/coal depths.

  • Completed road stabilization project.

     

    Completed road stabilization project.

  • 330 cubic yards of flowable fill placed to elevation of pavement subgrade.

     

    330 cubic yards of flowable fill placed to elevation of pavement subgrade.

WILDLIFE RESTORATION

The return of various types of wildlife, to reclaimed sites, is one aspect that OSMRE technical experts use to evaluate the conditions of the environment. OSMRE uses this information to accurately assess how well the methods used in a particular project worked for the respective region.

  • An example of the limestone channels created to help reduce PH levels in the watershed.

     

    An example of the limestone channels created to help reduce PH levels in the watershed.

  • Fish and other wildlife have returned to the Lower Rock Creek Watershed.

     

    Fish and other wildlife have returned to the Lower Rock Creek Watershed.

TECHNOLOGY

Developing and transferring knowledge and technology is an integral part of OSMRE’s mission. OSMRE is dedicated to providing the most up-to-date tools to Federal and State staff to efficiently and effectively oversee current coal mining practices, and reclamation of abandoned mine lands.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

OSMRE has funded projects that allow for growth throughout the regions and local communities. The partnerships and alliances that OSMRE builds upon for remining and reclamation efforts, prove to be a natural fit and ensure that reclamation of abandoned coal mines and regulation of current coal mining is accomplished.

  • Aerial View of Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.

     

    Aerial View of Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.

  • Stream in Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

     

    Stream in Pittsburgh Botanic Garden