Geomorphic landform design alternatives for an existing valley fill in central Appalachia, USA: Quantifying the key issues

DePriest, Nathan C.; Hopkinson, Leslie; Quaranta, John D.; Michael, Peter R.; Ziemkiewicz, Paul

doi:10.1016/j.ecoleng.2015.04.007

Cited by 20 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…The development of valuable new tools to improve landform performance has grown at the same time. There is also a fluvial geomorphic landform design method (GeoFluv) with its CAD-based software (Carlson Natural Regrade) that has been largely applied in the United States, whose potential use as a solution for mining reclamation in mountainous areas is being evaluated (DePriest et al, 2015). Landscape Evolution Models (LEMs), mostly SIBERIA (Willgoose et al, 1989) have been widely used in this context (Hancock et al, 2008(Hancock et al, , 2016, but also CAESAR (Coulthard et al, 2002).…”

Section: Implications For Contour And/or Mountain Mining Viabilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Landscape Evolution Models (LEMs), mostly SIBERIA (Willgoose et al, 1989) have been widely used in this context (Hancock et al, 2008(Hancock et al, , 2016, but also CAESAR (Coulthard et al, 2002). There is also a fluvial geomorphic landform design method (GeoFluv) with its CAD-based software (Carlson Natural Regrade) that has been largely applied in the United States, whose potential use as a solution for mining reclamation in mountainous areas is being evaluated (DePriest et al, 2015). Any of these methods and models have potential use here.…”

Section: In Search Of Durable Landform Stability Of Mine Waste Dumpsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Waste dump erosional landform stability – a critical issue for mountain mining

Martín‐Moreno

Duque

Ibarra

et al. 2018

Earth Surf Processes Landf

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Mining is the largest producer of solid wastes which, when released to land or into waterways, can cause harmful environmental impacts. This is mostly due to fluvial erosion, which is highly increased in mountain areas, due to abrupt slopes. We have analysed this situation at a mountain watershed (192 ha), where steep mined sites and their waste dumps are the main source of sediment in a Natural Park. This problem was tackled by building gabion check dams downstream from the mined sites. We used the DEM of Differences (DoD) method to quantify erosion and sediment yield from three waste dumps (5 ha). Their topography and substrate properties were analysed to understand the erosion problem. The sediment trapped by the check dams was quantified by electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). The rainfall characteristics triggering an episode that filled the check dams with sediment in the winter 2009–2010, were studied to confirm whether it was a case of extreme precipitation conditions. The waste dumps sediment yield (353 ± 95 Mg ha−1 yr−1) suggests severe landform instability. Analysis of topographic and substrate properties confirmed long, steep slopes combined with highly erodible materials. The check dams proved to be inefficient in controlling sediment loads, as they had only functioned for four years of 31 of existence, having trapped 13 000 ± 660 m3 of sediment, whereas we estimated that the waste dumps have yielded approximately three times more sediment for the same period. Rainfall analyses showed that neither intense nor extreme conditions (return period of 25 to 35 years) triggered the mobilization of 37 ± 2 Mg ha−1 in a month. This study highlights the fact that mining operations in similar mountainous settings, with equivalent waste dump construction and reclamation practices, are currently unfeasible. We conclude that landform stability cannot be achieved at this site without landform changes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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Section: Implications For Contour And/or Mountain Mining Viabilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: In Search Of Durable Landform Stability Of Mine Waste Dumpsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Waste dump erosional landform stability – a critical issue for mountain mining

Martín‐Moreno

Duque

Ibarra

et al. 2018

Earth Surf Processes Landf

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Successful geomorphic designs reestablish suitable hydrologic function for balance transport of water and sediment from the reclaimed land surface (Martin-Duque et al, 2010;Mossa and James, 2013). Consideration of geomorphic stability and channel design while considering the landscape within the mine permit boundary and expanded landscape impact area is critical (DePriest et al, 2015). Hence, connectivity or the capacity of a landscape to support the movement of organisms, materials, or energy generally includes linkages of biotic and physical processes (Love and Bates, 2009).…”

Section: Hydrologic Functionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Use of geomorphic principles in surface coal mine reclamation to design mature landforms also serves to improve the aesthetic appearance and provide a wider range of habitats for wildlife than traditional reclamation strategies (e.g., terraces). However, constructing landforms that naturally blend into the steep slopes of the surrounding environment may not ensure stability (DePriest et al, 2015).…”

Section: Hydrologic Functionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developing Diverse, Effective, and Permanent Plant Communities on Reclaimed Surface Coal Mines: Restoring Ecosystem Function

Vasquez¹,

Sheley²

2018

JASMR

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Surface coal mine disturbances affect vegetation, soil chemical/physical properties, bedrock, and landforms. The scope of this article focuses on lands to be reclaimed back to rangelands (post-mine land use) similar to the pre-mine ecosystem in terms of plant composition/diversity, structure, and ecosystem function. Reclamation programs that solely emphasize plant community composition and structure rather than effectively repairing disturbed or altered ecological processes ignores the foundation upon which the sustainability of reconstructed plant communities depends. Reclamation success may be improved by addressing primary ecological processes driving ecosystem function as part of the reclamation process. Altered primary processes require repair of the physical system in conjunction with adding seeds or plants. Land-form design strategies, which are designed to capture, store, and release water effectively into reconstructed watersheds is the foundation of successfully reclaimed ecosystems. Because plant functional groups can differ in their spatial and temporal acquisition of resources, improving functional diversity may be a method to more fully utilize soil nutrients in reclaimed soils and improve resilience to weed invasion. Strategically combining species with different seed/seedling traits in seed mixtures can increase chances of achieving adequate plant establishment during revegetation. Monitoring program design should be an integral part of the reclamation planning process, and indicators reflecting landscape-scale processes can be adapted to monitor reclamation project success. Effective reclamation plans are process-oriented, seek to initiate self-repair, and address landscape interactions. The probability of achieving successful reclamation is enhanced by pursuing a broader goal of improving ecosystem vigor, organization and resilience utilizing novel assemblages of species that perform desired functions and produce a range of ecosystem goods and services. Reclaiming mined land requires realistic objectives that consider the ecological potential of the site, land-use goals, and socioeconomic constraints. Additional

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“…Previous research on GLD implementation in Central Appalachia has been performed through modeling, as no GLD site has been constructed in Appalachia to date. Modeling focusing on slope stability (Russell, 2012;Russell and Quaranta, 2013), storm response (Snyder, 2013;Hopkinson et al, 2015b), flooding risk (O'Leary, 2014;Hopkinson et al, 2015b), and implementation challenges (DePriest et al, 2015). However, GLD prediction modeling of erosion at the watershed scale and hydrologic response at the landscape scale have not been researched.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hydrologic Response and Erosion Modeling of Geomorphic Landform Reclamation in Mountainous Terrain

Sears¹

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Surface mining and valley-fill practices often lead to environmental impacts including headwater stream loss, increased flooding risk, and degraded downstream water quality. Geomorphic landform design (GLD) is an innovative reclamation technique proposed to lessen the impacts associated with surface mining and valley-fill activities. GLD incorporates mature landform shapes and created stream channels on site, imitating the function of the undisturbed landscape. The purpose of this research was to model GLDs in mountainous terrain and evaluate the hydrologic response and erosion potential of GLD in surface mining application. Computer modeling of valley-fill designs using geomorphic landform principles of a study site in southern West Virginia was performed. Four enhanced GLDs were created for application on new and previously constructed valley fills: 1) regional data GLD for new valley fill, 2) retrofit GLD for existing conventional valley fill, 3) regional data GLD enhanced with bench pond retention structures, and 4) regional data GLD enhanced with valley pond retention structures. Soil erosion was evaluated using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) for the regional data GLD, conventional valley fill, and the undisturbed site during different stages of the reclamation process. Soil loss rates were highest (conventional: 123.2 t ha-1 yr-1 ; GLD: 204.3 t ha-1 yr-1) during the post-mining, pre-vegetation condition along the stream channels and steep slopes (slope >50%). Erosion rates were lowest for the post-reclamation, long term condition (conventional: 35.6 t ha-1 yr-1 ; GLD: 41.8 t ha-1 yr-1) along the ridges. Model predictions of soil erosion rates and spatial distributions illustrated areas of increased erosion potential for future minimization and reclamation method/management practices improvement. Hydrologic response modeling was performed for a watershed in southern West Virginia disturbed by surface mining and valley-fill activities to predict impacts on stream flows at the landscape scale. Incorporation of GLD reclamation methods did not result in substantial changes in current (2011-2020) or future (2041-2050) stream flowrates (<3.3% difference) or stormflow volumes (<2.1% difference). The differences in flows and volumes could be used for mitigation plans in watersheds disturbed by surface mining and valley-fill activities. iii Dedication To Cooper Allen Sears, our lil' man You are kind. You are smart. You are important. Your family loves you more than everything. The author would like to thank all of the people who committed their time and effort to the success of this research and her success in return. Special thanks go to the people that provided particular support and guidance including Dr. Leslie Hopkinson and Dr. John Quaranta for serving as my co-advisors, Dr. Vladislav Kecojevic, Dr. Hema Siriwardane, and Dr. Brijes Mishra for serving as a committee member. Without the knowledge and supervision of these individuals, this research would not have been successful. In addition to h...

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Geomorphic landform design alternatives for an existing valley fill in central Appalachia, USA: Quantifying the key issues

Cited by 20 publications

References 12 publications

Waste dump erosional landform stability – a critical issue for mountain mining

Waste dump erosional landform stability – a critical issue for mountain mining

Developing Diverse, Effective, and Permanent Plant Communities on Reclaimed Surface Coal Mines: Restoring Ecosystem Function

Hydrologic Response and Erosion Modeling of Geomorphic Landform Reclamation in Mountainous Terrain

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