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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Reclaiming the West: the coal industry and surface-mined lands. [Books]

Book ·
OSTI ID:5379112
The information was obtained by visiting mines, interviewing managers, ranchers, and federal and state officials. Researchers also analyzed government inspection reports, company documents. Thirty criteria are used to evaluate reclamation practices found at 15 of the largest western strip mines. The study compares each company's operation against these criteria and gives details on company ownership, mine size, location, and plans for expansion. Areas examined in detail include: earthmoving-grading and contouring, topsoil removal stockpiling, replacement, toxic material control; water quality and protection-surface and ground-water, alluvial valley floors, erosion; seeding and amendments - revegetation, timing and currency, seed mixtures, fertilizer and irrigation use, mulch, tree and shrub regrowth; wildlife re-establishment-forage, habitat.
OSTI ID:
5379112
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English