Sustainable Mined Land Reclamation in the Eastern U. S. Coalfields: A Case for an Ecosystem Reclamation Approach

Abstract

Abstract. The demand for energy throughout the world grows each day, and coal will be needed to meet a large portion of that demand. Coal mining techniques in the Appalachian and Midwestern coalfields have evolved to mine larger land areas and multiple seams at greater depths. New reclamation methods and approaches also must evolve to minimize cumulative impacts on aquatic, terrestrial, and human resources. Mined land reforestation practices over the past 80 years illustrate the evolution of reclamation in the eastern coalfields of the U. S. Prior to the implementation of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA), tree planting was synonymous with reclamation. Grassland reclamation became the dominant approach post-SMCRA. As stakeholders of the mining and reclamation process have begun to appreciate the value of forest ecosystems, there is greater emphasis on ensuring land and forest restoration and proper ecosystem functioning on reclaimed mined land. A forestry reclamation approach is supplanting grassland reclamation where forests are the logical postmining land use. Restoring forestland capability, native species, and watershed protection are positive outcomes. However, greater public demand for stream protection, water quality, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, native wildlife habitat, and human protection may require a more comprehensive ecosystem reclamation approach. In my view, the components of such an approach already have a good basis in science and could be applied through a process of adaptive management in the event such an approach is needed to help the coal industry in the U. S. maintain its social license to operate.

Loblolly Pine Growth Patterns on Reclaimed Mineland: Allometry, Biomass, and Volume

“…Although lasting negative effects from mining can occur in some regions under certain types of mining, such as mountaintop removal in the Appalachian Mountains [9][10][11], research in east Texas has generally found no lasting negative effects for soil and water quality [12][13][14][15][16]. This may be due in part to the fact that the topography is relatively level on the upper Coastal Plain, and the parent materials are less rocky than in other regions.…”

The Forestry Reclamation Approach: Measuring Sediment Mass Accumulation Rates in Reclaimed Mine Lands and Naturally Regenerated Logged Forests of Eastern Kentucky

“…Grassland reclamation is the primary technique used post SMCRA (e.g., Burger 2011;Zipper et al 2011). Grassland reclamation falls under SMCRA, but has led to higher rates of soil compaction and the proliferation of widespread ground covers that slow the natural encroachment of forests (e.g., Angel et al 2009;Groninger et al 2007).…”

A comparison of coal mine reclamation seed mixes in Kentucky: implications for grassland establishment in Appalachia

“…Seeding exotic, invasive plants is an economical way to meet the SMCRA requirements, but these plants offer less value to wildlife compared to native vegetation [4,5]. Furthermore, in Appalachia, typical plantings often are invaded by sericea (Lespedeza cuneata) after approximately a decade [6].…”