Soil salvage evolution at the Rosebud Mine
- Western Energy Co., Colstrip, MT (United States)
Prior to 1968 soil salvage was unheard of in surface mining terminology. Soil was moved by dragline or truck and shovel right along with the other material, or {open_quotes}overburden,{close_quotes} lying above the coal seam. Remnants of mining without regard for soil salvage from 1923 to 1958 can still be seen at the Rosebud Mine. From 1968 to 1973 during the energy shortage and subsequent environmental awareness, miners, regulators private resource groups and researchers began looking for methods to improve reclamation. Initially, several surface manipulators were tried on overburden without soil salvage. Finally by 1973, consisted of one lift operations where all soil was stockpiled. From 1973 to 1978 several soil studies were completed at the Rosebud Mine. A soil wedge study determined that approximately two feet of soil was all that was needed at the Colstrip area. Another study found that land classifications could be improved by placing uniform soil depths on stable slopes. These, and other similar studies led to Western Energy Company`s present two lift soil salvage program. A {open_quotes}direct haul{close_quotes} salvage system has also been instituted to cut salvage costs and benefit from the viable native seeds and mycorrhiza available in the soil. Stockpiling now occurs only where regraded sites are not available. Today, some soils receive special handling. {open_quotes}Tree soil{close_quotes} is salvaged by one two foot lift and placed on sites conductive to tree establishment. Special operational activities, however, must be considered along with costs and reclamation benefits before incorporating them into the operations. Soil operations must be kept as simple as possible to be cost effective and to eliminate regulatory problems.
- OSTI ID:
- 56924
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9003298--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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