English

Abstract

Geomorphology is the study of landforms and development of an understanding of the processes that shape them. Reclamation of mined land, including drainage system reconstruction, is evolving through increased use of geomorphic principals and site specific environmental conditions to design and construct surface topography that is geomorphically and hydrologically stable, aesthetically pleasing, and suitable for and capable of supporting post-disturbance land uses. A case study that exemplifies the benefits of using this fluvial geomorphic design and construction approach is reclamation of a surface quarry at GCC Rio Grande, Inc.’s Tijeras Cement Plant and Limestone Mine, Tijeras, New Mexico; a semi-arid region of the United States. Surface quarrying removes burden and mineral resources that normally results in the mined area becoming significantly lower in elevation than surrounding undisturbed land. Typically, backfill materials are limited in availability at the conclusion of mining; backfilling frequently requires earthen materials to be hauled into the reclamation area. Fluvial geomorphic post-mining topography (“PMT”) designs should: 1) Incorporate mined-out quarry features; 2) Aesthetically blend reclaimed surfaces into adjacent undisturbed lands; 3) Optimize the use of in situ with imported backfill materials; 4) Establish reconstructed soil depths adequate to support growth of desired vegetation communities; 5) Produce a stable landform; 6) Reconstruct adequate drainage features; and consider post mine land use goals. This case study compares the latest fluvial geomorphic PMT design method with conventional terrace and drain PMT methods. Potential fluvial geomorphic method cost advantages are identified in design, permitting, construction and reclamation liability period maintenance activities. This project is a 2008 Portland Cement Association award finalist which recognizes leaders in the industry for use of innovative technologies relevant to environmental preservation. _______________________________ 1 Paper was presented at the 2009 National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Billings, MT, Revitalizing the Environment: Proven Solutions and Innovative Approaches May 30 – June 5, 2009. R.I. Barnhisel (Ed.) Published by ASMR, 3134 Montavesta Rd., Lexington, KY 40502. 2 Melissa Robson is a project engineer for Water and Earth Technologies, Fort Collins, CO, 80525, Richard Spotts is a Professional Engineer for Water and Earth Technologies Inc., Fort Collins, CO, 80525; Ryan Wade is a project engineer for Water and Earth Technologies Inc., and Wayne Erickson is a Principle Environmental Scientist for Habitat Management Inc., Englewood, CO 80112