A program to expedite reclamation while reducing costs

Conference · Wed Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:613840

Friedlander, J D ^[1]; Hawkey, G M ^[2]

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1. National Meeting of the American Society for Surface Mining and Reclamation, Austin, TX (United States)
2. Coteau Properties Co., Beulah, ND (United States)

The Coteau Properties Company (Coteau) operates the Freedom Mine, a large surface coal mine in western North Dakota. About 5,000 acres have been reclaimed since 1986. Through partnerships with local farmers and ranchers, the mining company has developed a program to expedite a return of reclaimed cropland and prairie to full economic use. Reclaimed croplands are being farmed immediately after topsoil is spread, rather than following the common industry practice of planting a hayland crop and breaking it several years later. This reduces seeding and tillage costs and allows local producers to manage a quick economic return on reclaimed lands. It also provides crop yield data earlier in the bond liability period. Cattle grazing is used as a vegetation management tool as soon as grass stands are established. This also provides a local economic benefit in addition to reducing management costs. Grazing is an essential element in managing reclaimed stands for diversity. The mine works closely with local producers in developing annual farm plans that will satisfy the ultimate goal of final bond release. Amenities provided to enhance land use include all-weather section line roads, designed field a roaches, shelterbelts, fencing, stockponds and stockwater tanks, and livestock corrals.

• OSTI ID: 613840
• Report Number(s): CONF-9705128--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
COAL MINES
DOMESTIC ANIMALS
ECONOMICS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
LAND RECLAMATION
LAND RESOURCES
LAND USE
NORTH DAKOTA
REMEDIAL ACTION
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
SURFACE MINING