Sediment Yield and Water Quality from a Steep-Slope Surface Mine Spoil

Abstract

ABSTRACT SEDIMENT yield and storm runoff water quality from a steep-slope, back-to-contour, coal surface mining spoil in the New River Basin of Tennessee were monitored for a period of three years. Sediment and mineral constituent concentrations observed in storm runoff from the spoil increased to a maximum 1.1 to 1.3 years following the completion of mining, then declined. This increase was associated with the loss of mulch provided at reclamation and the onset of rill and gully erosion. Maximum sediment yield also occurred within this period. By the end of the third (3rd) year following mining, a dense and uniform vegetative cover had become established on the spoil. Sediment, iron, and manganese concentrations decreased to premining levels and met Federal mine effluent standards. Calcium and magnesium concentrations, however, remained elevated above premining levels indicating chemical weathering of the spoil surface continued after sediment production had subsided. The runoff studied is non-acid..