AN EVALUATIVE METHODOLOGY FOR RECLAMATION ACHIEVEMENT &amp; TECHNIQUES

Humphries, R. N.

doi:10.21000/jasmr00010345

Cited by 3 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…In selecting a methodology and sampling regime, the key decision to make is whether their metrics will be useable and reliable. At the Selar site, having completed 5 years of aftercare, the aim was to be able to argue on an evidence-basis (Humphries, 2000 and2013) whether the rehabilitated land was "reasonably fit for beneficial and sustainable agricultural use" as set out by the Welsh Government (2010, paragraph 61).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Case Study: Appraisal of Four Soil-Based Metrics in the Establishment of Sustainable Upland Grassland at a Mine Site in South Wales, United Kingdom

Humphries¹,

Thompson²,

Heames³

2019

JASMR

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In the United Kingdom, rehabilitated mineral workings are subject to a statutory minimum 5-year period of aftercare management to ensure that the rehabilitated land is of a 'standard' that enables the intended after-use to be "beneficial and sustainable." Aftercare begins on the completion of overburden backfilling, placement of soils, and the required sowing/planting. The current devolved Welsh Government guidance acknowledges that specific standards are difficult to define, so there is reliance on certain management activities having been undertaken, rather than specifying the outcome of evaluative methods. We appraise the application of four soil-based metrics (comprising the description of soil profile physical characteristics, grassland soil physical condition, soil fertiliser requirement, and a measurement of soil health) under operational circumstances at a rehabilitated mine site in South Wales. Here, the aim is to establish a sustainable upland acidic grassland ecosystem and to facilitate release of monies from the financial bond. It is concluded that evaluation of the upland grassland is more realistically and reliably based on determining the physical characteristics of the soil profile than the other three metrics deployed; although there is merit in the use of a more rapid visual assessment method for soil physical condition (VESS) for screening purposes and/or for increasing site coverage at a lower cost, as well as the determination of levels of organic matter and nitrogen mineralisation. The use of the soil profile characteristics metric enabled the planning authority to release the rehabilitated land from the financial bond.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Case Study: Appraisal of Four Soil-Based Metrics in the Establishment of Sustainable Upland Grassland at a Mine Site in South Wales, United Kingdom

Humphries¹,

Thompson²,

Heames³

2019

JASMR

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“…Those proffering an evidence-based approach have largely focused their attention on the processes involved (Humphries et al, 1984;Humphries, 2000;Pullin and Knight, 2009;Ntshotsho et al, 2011;Guldemond et al, 2012). In considering approaches to restoration, Doick (2010) importantly draws our attention to the relation of the process element in the delivery of the aims as the tangible outcomes.…”

Section: Rn Humphries Celtic Energy Ltd Ukmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…At present there is no central data holding body for the outputs and outcomes of evidence-based restoration schemes in the UK for either mineral sites or other schemes and initiatives. The merit of such a body had been advocated more than a decade ago (Humphries, 2000). With the recent formal adoption of an evidence-based approach by government and regulators, this has made it an imperative if the full benefit of restoration knowledge is to be realised.…”

Section: Rn Humphries Celtic Energy Ltd Ukmentioning

confidence: 99%

The requirement and implications of evidence-based restoration schemes in the United Kingdom

Humphries¹

2013

Proceedings of the Eighth International Seminar on Mine Closure

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“…The mineral industry is seen as a major facilitator of the UK's biodiversity recovery programme (Humphries, et. al., 2000), and has in many cases made positive contributions to national and local programmes (e.g.…”

Section: Biodiversity Driven Restoration Schemesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is believed there is justification for a UK centre for the restoration of mineral workings (Humphries, 2000). Such a centre could not only be an open source of information, but also carry out a risk-based assessment for likely achievement of proposals.…”

Section: Sources Of Evidencementioning

confidence: 99%

The Emerging Requirement for Evidence-Based Restoration Schemes in the United Kingdom

Humphries¹

2012

JASMR

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The concept of evidence-based decision making is now being applied by local government and regulators in the consenting and restoration of surface coal mines in the UK. The objective of this paper is to discuss some of the implications for the minerals industry by using, as an example, a recent application to extend a mine in South Wales. Over the past 10 years there has been a fundamental change in the approach to strategic planning and control of development in the United Kingdom. Both have become evidence-based, meaning that a proposal should be based on and supported by researched facts, which are open to objective scrutiny. Government and local authorities have not only adopted this approach, but in several cases have reorganised and renamed functional departments to reinforce the stance. The demand for evidence of the certainty of delivery of restoration schemes is a recent manifestation. Whereas, even as recent as 2-3 years ago, the detailing of restoration would be left as a reserve planning matter and finalised during the mining operation. This seems to be no longer some authorities' approach (as detailed evidence is required before approval of planning consent is granted). This may include a range of ecosystem service matters such as: land-use and habitat extent, types, character and ecosystem service function; establishment and management details during the statutory aftercare period; milestones and timescales for achievement, and its monitoring with target indicators. While this might be expected of modern mining operations, planning authorities in implementing their evidence-based agenda are taking it further to question the certainty of delivery (by demanding evidence it can be done), a measure of the certainty and detailing of fall-back measures and outcomes. A measure of success, Areal Value Index, is suggested whereby an objective assessment and judgement of certainty of delivery might be made. Given that an evidence-based approach is now likely to be widely adopted, the industry should expect to be challenged and needs to prepare its evidence well in advance of the submission of future mining schemes.

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AN EVALUATIVE METHODOLOGY FOR RECLAMATION ACHIEVEMENT & TECHNIQUES

Cited by 3 publications

References 7 publications

Case Study: Appraisal of Four Soil-Based Metrics in the Establishment of Sustainable Upland Grassland at a Mine Site in South Wales, United Kingdom

Case Study: Appraisal of Four Soil-Based Metrics in the Establishment of Sustainable Upland Grassland at a Mine Site in South Wales, United Kingdom

The requirement and implications of evidence-based restoration schemes in the United Kingdom

The Emerging Requirement for Evidence-Based Restoration Schemes in the United Kingdom

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