Overburden characterization as topsoil replacement at Jewett and other Texas lignite mines -- Texture and pH indicators

Journal Article · Fri Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Environmental amp Engineering Geoscience

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2113/gseegeosci.I.3.327· OSTI ID:136682

Hasan, K ^[1]

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1. Texas A and M Univ., College Station, TX (United States)

Evaluation of the suitability of overburden as topsoil replacement material at the Jewett Lignite mine was conducted with an emphasis on the textural criteria and geochemical parameters. Attempts were made to determine the relationships between geologic units and their chemical properties, especially the parameters that are indicative of their suitability for use as topsoil replacement materials. These parameters included pH values, texture and elemental composition. Little workable correlation was found to predict the usefulness of overburden as topsoil replacement material. The only exception was a massive coarse to medium channel-fill sand that was found within the Calvert Bluff and Carrizo formations. This channel sand had somewhat consistent pH values. For this geologic unit only, the environment of deposition can be used as a predictive and planning tool to locate suitable topsoil replacement material in the Jewett Lignite mine. Comparing the results of similar studies in other mines within the same geological setting in Texas leads one to accept textural and geochemical variability as the rule. However, the channel-fill sand bodies are present throughout this lignite belt and maintain consistency in geochemical properties which are acceptable by the regulating guidelines. The high sand content can be corrected by mixing silt and clay present within the sand bodies. It is recommended that by choosing this sediment unit as the topsoil replacement material in these mines, the reclamation process can be made more efficient and cost effective.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 136682
• Journal Information: Environmental amp Engineering Geoscience, Journal Name: Environmental amp Engineering Geoscience Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 1; ISSN XZ456G
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
COAL MINES
GEOCHEMISTRY
LAND RECLAMATION
OVERBURDEN
PH VALUE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SOIL CHEMISTRY
TEXAS