Geomorphic reclamation designs applied in western United States, Australia and Spain have reported success quantified by the economic, ecological, and hydrological benefits. Recent research suggests the feasibility of geomorphic principles in a steep humid environment (e.g. West Virginia). The primary objective of this work is to develop a reclamation alternative with geomorphic landform design principles for the coarse coal refuse pile at Royal Scot in Greenbrier County, WV. The reclamation design is based upon currently accepted engineering methods and promotes stormwater runoff, minimizes infiltration through the refuse pile, and is erosively stable. Design features include the following: (1) stormwater time of concentration was minimized using a radial hydraulic network; (2) significant infiltration reduction is expected resulting from the hydraulic barrier; (3) channel sediment transport is resisted by properly sized lining material; (4) prompt flow channelization minimizes overland flow reducing mass wasting effects; and, (5) growth media consisting of soil amendments mixed directly with the coal refuse. Significant reductions in water treatment costs are expected after construction is completed. Extended documentation of water treatment costs, site hydraulics, and noticeable erosion will prove useful to the scientific community providing a case study for future reclamation activities. If the application is proven successful, geomorphic landforming techniques may be considered for other large earthen applications such as other mining operations, landfills, dams, linear transportation projects, and commercial development.

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.