This research was aimed at implementation of Geomorphic Landform Design (GLD) principles to the Royal Scot abandoned coal refuse disposal facility in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, USA. This facility currently exhibits many undesirable environmental problems including acidmine drainage and significant erosion and sediment transport. A multi-layer cap and cover system in conjunction with GLD principles was proposed as a solution to these environmental problems. This cover is proposed to be constructed from the coarse coal refuse material on-site and a short paper fiber material (MGro™) from the MeadWestVaco paper mill in nearby Covington, Virginia, USA. To determine the possible effectiveness of this design, multiple research stages were completed. First, the principles of GLD and landform covers were investigated, as well as the use and properties of coarse coal refuse combined with short paper fiber. Second, a suite of geotechnical laboratory testing was completed on the materials to be used in the construction. Third, the cap and cover system was designed based on the measured geotechnical parameters. Fourth, the cap and cover system was applied to three reclamation alternatives and its seepage control performance and geotechnical stability were analyzed by the finite element method (FEM) for slope stability and seepage using SVFlux™ and SVSlope® computer modeling software.

Geomorphic landform design is a reclamation technique that may offer opportunities to improve aspects of mine reclamation in Central Appalachia. The design approach is based on constructing a steady-state, mature landform condition and takes into account the long-term climatic conditions, soil types, terrain grade, and vegetation. Geomorphic reclamation has been applied successfully in semiarid regions but has not yet been applied in Central Appalachia. This work describes a demonstration study where geomorphic landforming techniques are being applied to a coarse coal refuse pile in southern West Virginia, USA. The reclamation design includes four geomorphic watersheds that radially drain runoff from the pile. Each watershed has one central draining channel and incorporates compound slope profiles similarly to naturally eroded slopes. Planar slopes were also included to maintain the impacted area. The intent is to reduce infiltration rates which will decrease water quality treatment costs at the site. The excavation cut and fill volumes balanced to approximately 250,000 yd 3. This volume is comparable to those of more conventional refuse pile reclamation designs. If proven successful then this technique can be part of a cost-effective solution to improve water quality at active and future refuse facilities, abandoned mine lands, bond forfeiture sites, landfills, and major earthmoving activities within the region.