Abstract. Over l ,200 wetlands have been created in northeast Wyoming as a byproduct of bentonite mining activities. Most of these wetlands were created or enhanced as a result of the reclamation of abandoned bentonite surface mines by the Abandoned Mine Land Division of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WAML). Beginning in 1985, and eventually using over $40.6 million from fees collected for abandoned mine reclamation under the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of l 977 (SMCRA), W AML reclaimed over 3,320 hectares of terrestrial habitat and l 80 ha of wetland habitat at 236 AML sites. These reclamation activities included enhancing existing wetlands and creating new wetlands to mitigate for the destruction of jurisdictional (Section 404c of the Clean Water Act) wetlands that were deemed hazardous. Enhancement and creation activities produced small ( X = l .2 ha) and shallow ( < 2 m deep) wetlands, designed to provide maximum habitat benefits for migrating and breeding waterfowl. We subsequently examined 92 wetlands that had been enhanced or created under WAML. Our objectives were to identify physical variables that were important to waterfowl and could be manipulated during the construction process. In general, waterfowl use wetlands that are > l.O ha in size, have abundant emergent and submersed vegetation, and are located within complexes of> 5 wetlands within a l km radius. Soil qualities on abandoned bentonite sites are generally heavy clay in texture with high Exchangeable Sodium Percentages and require physical and chemical amendments to facilitate vegetative growth. Wetland plants have been slow to establish at these created wetlands because of the poor soils and a lack of suitable propagules; natural wetlands within this region are almost nonexistent and are mostly limited to seasonal playas and small creeks. Ongoing research, including both greenhouse experiments and field trials, has been focused on improving aquatic plant establishment and growth. Techniques to improve bentonite wetlands will be useful not only in future WAML activities, but to bentonite mining companies. Additional
Abstract:The Wyoming Abandoned Mine Land Program has reclaimed 8635 acres of abandoned bentonite surface mines since 1985.Available minesoils were high sodium, heavy clay residual overburden materials with Exchangeable Sodium Percentages as high as 81.An amendment program to mitigate the clay and sodic problems was developed that included sawmill residues such as chips, bark and sawdust in combination with calcium compounds such as calcium chloride, gypsum and phosphogypsum or calcium compounds alone. The cost of the amendments varied depending upon sodium levels and the amendment or combinations used. Mean cost per acre for reclamation was $4879. 42 and . the combined amendments were 21.3% of the total reclamation cost. Reclamation completing its fifth growing season and subjected to livestock grazing during this period shows good visual performance. Additional
Abstract:The Wyoming Abandoned Mine Land Program has reclaimed 8635 acres of abandoned bentonite surface mines since 1985.Available minesoils were high sodium, heavy clay residual overburden materials with Exchangeable Sodium Percentages as high as 81.An amendment program to mitigate the clay and sodic problems was developed that included sawmill residues such as chips, bark and sawdust in combination with calcium compounds such as calcium chloride, gypsum and phosphogypsum or calcium compounds alone. The cost of the amendments varied depending upon sodium levels and the amendment or combinations used. Mean cost per acre for reclamation was $4879. 42 and . the combined amendments were 21.3% of the total reclamation cost. Reclamation completing its fifth growing season and subjected to livestock grazing during this period shows good visual performance. Additional
The reclamation of a tailings impoundment, waste rock dumps, and a railroad grade associated with a taconite operation in Wyoming was a political and public relations challenge. Several stake-holders had strong personal agendas and objectives to be achieved through the reclamation project. Thorough newspaper coverage, numerous public meetings, and interaction with local landowners regarding innovative reclamation techniques were some of the methods used to combat the project's complicated web of miscommunication and misinformation that hindered the public's acceptance of the proposed construction plans and progress of the work.
Abstract. Since 1986, a modeling procedure has been used in the Wyoming Abandoned Mine Land Program for conserving wetland values for waterfowl and other species. The model was initially applied to the reclamation of abandoned bentonite workings but was adapted for use on abandoned uranium pits and other reclamation projects. Use of the procedure produced repeatable output and provided an accounting system that facilitated the resolution of differences in program and agency goals, and quickly became a negotiating medium that provided a basis for agreement on reclamation design. The model was designed to conserve wetland habitat values for waterfowl, but experience showed that this process also conserved other functional values of wetlands. Model parameters reflect habitat needs of breeding and migrating Anatidae species. The process was applied to 976 wetlands on eight Abandoned Mine Land project sites and resulted in post-reclamation conditions that included: a 9.7% gain in wetland habitat values, a reduction in both numbers (65.3%) and acres (33.2) of wetlands, and a 90% increase in the average size of wetlands (1.00 to 1.90 A). Costs can be paid back within as little as three years, with recreational fishing providing most of the pay-back.
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