- Senior Scientist Emeritus Mined Land RestorationWetland Restoration and EstablishmentAcid Soils Remediationedit
Loss of quality wetland habitat is probably the most important factor affecting populations of waterfowl in the United States. To counteract this problem programs for protecting critical habitats have been established and research for... more
Loss of quality wetland habitat is probably the most important factor affecting populations of waterfowl in the United States. To counteract this problem programs for protecting critical habitats have been established and research for innovative methods to create wetlands are being pursued. Recently, attention has been given to evaluation of wetland habitats on lands surface-mined and to methods of reclamation to enhance their development as part of future planning. These data indicate quality wetland habitats can be a legitimate aspect of reclaimed surface-mined lands; and selective overburden handling, grading so as to maximize biologically productive zones and selective plantings contribute importantly to their value. Currently bond release criteria by the Illinois regulatory authority for wildlife habitat and developed water resources discourages reclamation that would maximize quality wetland habitats. Suggested changes in these criteria include alternative vegetation requirements for wetland habitats, more leniency on seasonally inundated shallow water areas, and variation from topsoil requirements when adequate unconsolidated substitute material is available. It is believed that such allowances would result in incentives for the industry to develop wetland habitats so vital to continued enjoyment of waterfowl resources.
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Over 6000 ha of water impoundments have resulted from surface mining for coal in Illinois. A study was conducted to characterize aquatic plant communities in selected bodies of water, to evaluate these communities as wildlife habitat, and... more
Over 6000 ha of water impoundments have resulted from surface mining for coal in Illinois. A study was conducted to characterize aquatic plant communities in selected bodies of water, to evaluate these communities as wildlife habitat, and to determine utilization of vegetation by vertebrates. Study areas included between spoilbank impoundments and final cuts/haulroad incline lakes. All lakes had water quality sufficient to support aquatic plants dominated by Chara and Potamogeton. Littoral zone cover was good throughout the growing season; and remained relatively stable. Emergent plant communities were well-developed at only one lake; cattle grazing and steep shorelines restricted growth at other sites. A total of 89 vertebrate species was identified in and near the lakes studied. Utilization was most probably affected by development of emergent and watershed vegetation, accessibility of aquatic plants, and morphological features of the lakes. Management recommendations for enhancing wildlife habitat included grading to develop topographic variation and extensive littoral areas, and partial exclusion of cattle. Such waters can contribute significantly to available wildlife habitat in certain areas in Illinois, and may, in many instances, be a more desirable post-mining land use than row-crop production. 41 references, 4 figure, 3 table.
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Land use planning for a particular region must consider the balance between needs of a given population for land and water resources so as to contribute functionally and socially viable systems of development and utilization. Through... more
Land use planning for a particular region must consider the balance between needs of a given population for land and water resources so as to contribute functionally and socially viable systems of development and utilization. Through massive disturbance of land via mineral extraction there is opportunity for new and innovative uses of affected acreages. Creation of a variety of wetlands is an immensely valuable reclamation alternative, especially in the Midwest, when appropriately equated with other uses of affected acreages and with local and regional human needs. This utility and contribution are especially significant when compared with equal volumes of water and/or acreages of wetland as provided by conventional lake development. An evaluation of values as reflected by several established aspects and uses of water is emphasized that identifies actual and potential assets of impoundments which are unique consequences of surface-mined land reclamation. Too long mine-related aquatic sites have been characterized generally as problems; such misconceptions are addressed with supporting evidence so as to engender a better public and professional understanding. Unfortunately, PL 95-87 severely constrains maximization of water; but, accumulation and documentation of legitimate facts may yield relaxation in the Act.
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Slurry impoundment designs and operations using single point discharge systems result in differential distribution of slurry constituents due to interaction of flow velocity, particle size, and specific gravity. Typical distribution... more
Slurry impoundment designs and operations using single point discharge systems result in differential distribution of slurry constituents due to interaction of flow velocity, particle size, and specific gravity. Typical distribution patterns are characterized by physical and chemical gradients established between the high discharge and low decant ends of the basin. Previous and ongoing research at the laboratory identified the wetland development potential of these areas through direct planting of adapted species without use of soil cover. Assessment of hydrogeochemical parameters is necessary to delineate wetland management zones for effective reclamation planning. Recent evaluations of midwest impoundments were used to characterize site zonation and significant physical-chemical relationships. Wetland development can have tremendous economic and environmental benefits as a reclamation alternative; however, implementation of this technique can be greatly facilitated through pre-disposal planning and design. Selective placement of favorable (silt and clay) fractions through discharge management can extend wetland zones and significantly reduce the undesirable toxic discharge zone. Modifications of discharge operation (staged movement of discharge point) and structures (multiple discharge points) to reduce discharge velocity can improve pond efficiency (settling time) and enhance the final solids distribution and topography for wetland development.
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This article provides an overview of slurry reclamation principles used by Amax Coal Co. at its Ayrshire Mine in Evansville, IN. Specifically emphasized is the ''Management Zone'' approach for wetland reclamation developed... more
This article provides an overview of slurry reclamation principles used by Amax Coal Co. at its Ayrshire Mine in Evansville, IN. Specifically emphasized is the ''Management Zone'' approach for wetland reclamation developed out of the Mined Land Reclamation Program of the Wildlife Research Laboratory at SIU. As the Wildlife Lab's Wetlands reclamation plan is nearing completion, this environmentally effective and economically desirable reclamation approach has been recognized by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Reclamation, as the recipient of the first annual Excellence in Mining and Reclamation Award.
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The 124 papers of these proceedings are arranged under the following topical sections: Minerals education; Hydrology--Characterization and monitoring; Tailings--Reclamation; Reforestation; Mine drainage--Biogeochemical processes; Mine... more
The 124 papers of these proceedings are arranged under the following topical sections: Minerals education; Hydrology--Characterization and monitoring; Tailings--Reclamation; Reforestation; Mine drainage--Biogeochemical processes; Mine drainage--Treatment, general; Mine drainage--Passive treatment, wetlands; Mine drainage--Prediction and monitoring; Acid soils--Reclamation practices; Wildlife and fisheries habitat; Subsidence--Engineering practices and environmental effects; OSM acid forming materials mini workshops; RUSLE--Erosion prediction techniques on mined construction and reclaimed lands; IDNR wetlands technology transfer program; Mine planning and postmining land use; Vegetation establishment--Principles and practices; Vegetation establishment--Warm season grasses; Coal combustion by-products--General; Coal combustion by-products--Mine drainage treatment; and Prime farmland reclamation and mine soils management. Papers within scope have been processed separately for inclusion...
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The research was conducted on the intermediate zone of a 23 ha slurry impoundment located on the Gibraltar Mine, near Central City, Kentucky. Two separate experiments were established. In the first, cultivation was carried out using a... more
The research was conducted on the intermediate zone of a 23 ha slurry impoundment located on the Gibraltar Mine, near Central City, Kentucky. Two separate experiments were established. In the first, cultivation was carried out using a conventional disc and in the second, an `Aer-way` attachment was used. The experimental plots, each measuring 4 m x 3 m, were prepared and seeded in June 1993. Percentage cover results were estimated by field observation in September 1995. In the experiment where cultivation was carried out using a conventional disc, the greatest mean percentage cover levels with sideoats grama `El Reno` (55%) being the best entry. For the second experiment, the highest percentage cover was obtained for switchgrass `Alamo` (38%). These values reflect do not include weeds which averaged in the 40-50% ranged and most plots had 90-95% vegetation cover. Results for the cool-season species were generally disappointing and may have been due to late seeding-date. This study r...
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Surface-mined lands in 4 Illinois regions (Northwest, Southeast, Southcentral, and Southwest) were studied to compare land-use changes before mining and after reclamation in relation to Illinois reclamation laws. Reclamation requirements... more
Surface-mined lands in 4 Illinois regions (Northwest, Southeast, Southcentral, and Southwest) were studied to compare land-use changes before mining and after reclamation in relation to Illinois reclamation laws. Reclamation requirements were designated as pre-law (pre-1962); post-law 1962-1970, 1971-1976, and 1977 and more recent. Two locations per law category were chosen in each region, resulting in 32 site studies. Land-use types were identified and their area calculated from aerial photographs and/or pre- and post-mining land-use maps. Pre-law reclamation was predominantly forest, while post-law reclamation during 1962-1976 was largely pasture. Reclamation for 1977 and more recent exhibited pasture and cropland as major reclamation types. As expected, more land-use types were encountered on pre-mine lands than on post-mine; the latter usually possessed fewer but larger parcels. Diversity decreased in the transition from pre- to post-mine within post-law categories. Pre-law and ...
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Since the Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory`s (CWRL) Mined Land Reclamation Program`s first establishment of a wetland on slurry in 1976, industry, state, and federal agency interest in reclamation alternatives for inactive slurry... more
Since the Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory`s (CWRL) Mined Land Reclamation Program`s first establishment of a wetland on slurry in 1976, industry, state, and federal agency interest in reclamation alternatives for inactive slurry has increased. CWRL has been involved in pre-reclamation site characterization and monitoring for inactive slurry impoundments throughout Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Washington. Geochemical site characterization of three slurry impoundments at the AECI Bee Veer Mine located near Macon, Missouri began in April 1990. A substrate sampling grid was established for all slurry impoundments with a centerline orientated parallel to the discharge to decant flow pattern. Surface (0--6 in.) and subsurface (30--36 in.) slurry samples were collected annually and analyzed for acid-base balance, immediate acidity macro- and micro-nutrients, potential phytotoxic metallic ions and salts, and texture. Water table elevations and water quality we...
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The guide is intended to promote the incorporation of fish and wildlife habitat enhancement into the reclamation of abandoned mine lands under the provisions of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (Title IV, PL 95-87).... more
The guide is intended to promote the incorporation of fish and wildlife habitat enhancement into the reclamation of abandoned mine lands under the provisions of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (Title IV, PL 95-87). The primary audience is state reclamation planners, but the guide is also useful to state natural resources agencies, the Office of Surface Mining, and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Discussion includes: abandoned mine land characteristics, the basis for fish and wildlife considerations, and planning for fish and wildlife habitat enhancement.
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Reclamation of potentially acid producing coal processing waste generally requires 4 feet (1.2 m) of soil cover to comply with most state and federal requirements (Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (PL 95 87)). Soil cover... more
Reclamation of potentially acid producing coal processing waste generally requires 4 feet (1.2 m) of soil cover to comply with most state and federal requirements (Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (PL 95 87)). Soil cover variances for acid coal slurry (tailings) have included alkaline amendments (agricultural limestone) and reduced soil cover depths. Direct seeding of alkaline amended coal tailings substrates has been demonstrated on more than 1,800 acres throughout the midwest since the late 1970's. Slurry reclamation practices have included upland cool season grasses and legumes, warm season native prairie grasses, and emergent and open water wetlands. Direct seeded slurry demonstrations implemented by the Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory SIUC during the 1980's and 1990's have received regulatory approval (bond release), as well as state and national (OSM) reclamation awards. Reclamation monitoring has documented vegetative cover, water quality, and substrate geochemistry through the period up to bond release. This annual monitoring has established a > 25-year database supporting the principles and practices of acid coal tailings reclamation. A recent soil cover variance at the Amax Ayrshire Mine (southwest Indiana) incorporated the principles of pyrite aging and weathering, and incremental limestone amendment to establish warm season grasses and shallow water wetlands on a ~170 acre (70 ha) acid producing slurry basin. Pre-treatment (1995) and posttreatment (1996 1999, 2003) substrate monitoring identified differential pyrite oxidation in unsaturated surface, and saturated subsurface profiles within the Ayrshire slurry basin. Agricultural limestone amendment (~100 150 tons/ac (225 335 Mg/ha)) has restored and maintained a favorable (alkaline) acid-base balance for seven years since the initial (1995) application. Warm season grass establishment provided > 87% aerial coverage in the direct seeded upland zones. Pretreatment acid (pH 2.6) surface water quality in the shallow wetland zone has been restored to post-treatment alkaline (pH 7.8) conditions. Additional
Reconstruction of approximately eight miles of stream habitats at the Consolidation Coal Burning Star #4 Mine in Perry County, Illinois was reviewed. Important hydrologic and biologic functions were successfully restored following surface... more
Reconstruction of approximately eight miles of stream habitats at the Consolidation Coal Burning Star #4 Mine in Perry County, Illinois was reviewed. Important hydrologic and biologic functions were successfully restored following surface mining for coal through two large streams by reconstruction of the stream systems. Riparian and wetland habitats exceeded that which existed before mining. Stream water sulfate concentration was identified as the biggest difference between the pre-mining and post-mining stream environments with a tenfold increase as a result of mining. Data from these reconstructed streams and from other nearby reclaimed mine sites suggest that elevated sulfates may have little effect on tolerant macroinvertebrate communities but may be detrimental to sensitive macro-invertebrates and may persist for several decades.
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The ecological environment is extremely fragile in the western region of China, where the largest coal mining company in China is located. After mining, subsidence and massive loss of water resources occur in many areas. Plant mortality... more
The ecological environment is extremely fragile in the western region of China, where the largest coal mining company in China is located. After mining, subsidence and massive loss of water resources occur in many areas. Plant mortality caused by lack of water, has made the fragile ecological environment deteriorate much more rapidly after 1986. Therefore, an investigation of eco-environmental sustainability in the mining area is imperative. Based on Remote Sensing (RS) and GIS, two typical mines were selected as study areas. Four types of spatial information (desertification, land use structure, water and soil erosion, and vegetation) for the ecological environment were extracted from remote sensing imagery for 5 periods (August 2, 1986, August 29, 1990, July 26, 1995, July 31, 2000, and July 24, 2006). The spatial information was used to construct an evaluation index system. Based on a grid of environmental data, the environmental index was used to develop and design an integrated...
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: Objectives of the study were to develop a comprehensive bibliography of literature pertaining to animals and their habitats; to inventory the mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, macroinvertebrates of public health significance, and... more
: Objectives of the study were to develop a comprehensive bibliography of literature pertaining to animals and their habitats; to inventory the mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, macroinvertebrates of public health significance, and habitats of the lower Illinois and upper Mississippi River floodplains; to describe rare and endangered species present; to evaluate fauna for public health, economic, scientific, and aesthetic purposed; to examine the effects of periodic inundation on floodplain animal life; and to assess the effects of pool regulation, bank revetment, wing dike maintenance, and disposal of dredged material on wildlife. Seven study sites were selected along the two rivers.
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The guide is intended to promote the incorporation of fish and wildlife habitat enhancement into the reclamation of abandoned mine lands under the provisions of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (Title IV, PL 95-87).... more
The guide is intended to promote the incorporation of fish and wildlife habitat enhancement into the reclamation of abandoned mine lands under the provisions of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (Title IV, PL 95-87). The primary audience is state reclamation planners, but the guide is also useful to state natural resources agencies, the Office of Surface Mining, and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Discussion includes: abandoned mine land characteristics, the basis for fish and wildlife considerations, and planning for fish and wildlife habitat enhancement.
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Abstract. Underground coal mining and unplanned subsidence have occurred adjacent to and under Rend Lake, an 18,000 Ac impoundment in southern Illinois, for more than 90 years. Recent longwall mining permits for Rend Lake have emphasized... more
Abstract. Underground coal mining and unplanned subsidence have occurred adjacent to and under Rend Lake, an 18,000 Ac impoundment in southern Illinois, for more than 90 years. Recent longwall mining permits for Rend Lake have emphasized wetland habitat enhancement ...
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... 179-190 WETLAND DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF COAL MINE TAILINGS BASINS Jack R. Nawrot and Scott C. Yaich, Cooperative Wildllfe Research Laboratory Southern I11inois University--Carbondale, Illinois 62901 ... 978, Newling 1981, Saucier et... more
... 179-190 WETLAND DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF COAL MINE TAILINGS BASINS Jack R. Nawrot and Scott C. Yaich, Cooperative Wildllfe Research Laboratory Southern I11inois University--Carbondale, Illinois 62901 ... 978, Newling 1981, Saucier et al. ...
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Underground coal mining and unplanned subsidence have occurred adjacent to and under Rend Lake, an 18,000 Ac impoundment in southern Illinois, for more than 90 years. Recent longwall mining permits for Rend Lake have emphasized wetland... more
Underground coal mining and unplanned subsidence have occurred adjacent to and under Rend Lake, an 18,000 Ac impoundment in southern Illinois, for more than 90 years. Recent longwall mining permits for Rend Lake have emphasized wetland habitat enhancement as a benefit of planned subsidence that occurs under upland areas adjacent to the shoreline. However, planned subsidence under existing mudflats was
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... R. Nawrot b & Mike W. Eichholz b pages 208-216. ... Development of stream bottom communities in Illinois. Ecology , 18: 359390. [CrossRef] View all references, Keddy 198324. Keddy, PA 1983. Shoreline vegetation in Axe Lake,... more
... R. Nawrot b & Mike W. Eichholz b pages 208-216. ... Development of stream bottom communities in Illinois. Ecology , 18: 359390. [CrossRef] View all references, Keddy 198324. Keddy, PA 1983. Shoreline vegetation in Axe Lake, Ontario: effects of exposure on zonation patterns. ...
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ABSTRACT
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... Authors' uddresses: JAN NAWROT, Institute for Plant Protection, Miczurina 20, PL-60-318 Poznati, Poland; DANUTA KONOPI~KA, HUBERT BARTOSZ-BECHOWSKI, Institute of Chemistry, University of Wrodaw, PL-50-383 Wrodaw, Poland; WIEWAW... more
... Authors' uddresses: JAN NAWROT, Institute for Plant Protection, Miczurina 20, PL-60-318 Poznati, Poland; DANUTA KONOPI~KA, HUBERT BARTOSZ-BECHOWSKI, Institute of Chemistry, University of Wrodaw, PL-50-383 Wrodaw, Poland; WIEWAW SOB6TKA, Institute of ...
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Mine tailings dams, are embankments used by the mining industry to retain the tailings products after the mineral preparation process. Based on the “acid-waste” stereotype that all coal slurry is acid producing, current reclamation... more
Mine tailings dams, are embankments used by the mining industry to retain the tailings products after the mineral preparation process. Based on the “acid-waste” stereotype that all coal slurry is acid producing, current reclamation requires a four foot soil cover for inactive slurry disposal areas. Compliance with this requirement is both difficult and costly and in some case unnecessary, as