Staunton 1 Reclamation Demonstration Project. Progress report II
The Staunton 1 Reclamation Demonstration Project involves an evaluation of the reclamation process on a 13.8-ha abandoned deep coal mine refuse site in southwestern Illinois. The procedure included collection of preconstruction environmental data, determination of the site's final land use, and development and implementation of a detailed site development plan. Approximately 9.3 ha of refuse material was recontoured, covered with a minimum of 30 cm of soil obtained on site, and seeded with a mixture of grasses and legumes. Hydrologic investigation indicates some improvement in groundwater quality. Surface water quality also has shown improvement, but development of the aquatic ecosystem in the newly-constructed pond is slow. Revegetation has been successful, and a protective plant cover has been established on most areas of the site. Soil tests indicate that acceptable plant growth media have been constructed; however, continued application of fertilizer and limestone will probably be necessary to maintain the vegetation. The soil microbial community has achieved total numbers equal to those of old fields, but species' diversity is low. Small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians have invaded and are utilizing the site. The economic value of the site and adjacent property has increased substantially, and the area's aesthetic value has been enhanced significantly. The two-year period of intensive monitoring and evaluation has been utilized to develop recommendations for improving the designs of future reclamation efforts.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31-109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 5642691
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/LRP-4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
COAL MINES
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
ILLINOIS
LAND RECLAMATION
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS
AESTHETICS
ECONOMICS
LAND USE
PLANNING
REVEGETATION
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
WATER QUALITY
ECOSYSTEMS
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
GREAT LAKES REGION
MINES
NORTH AMERICA
USA
510500* - Environment
Terrestrial- Site Resource & Use Studies- (-1989)
010900 - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Environmental Aspects