Reclamation Plan Research Articles

The status of agricultural lands in Egypt: The use of multitemporal NDVI features derived from landsat TM

Agricultural production in Egypt is limited by soil salinity and by the encroachment of urban settlements onto previously cultivated lands. In contrast, reclamation efforts in the desert and coastal areas increase the amount of land cultivated. In this study, field-calibrated, multi-temporal NDVI features derived from 10 Landsat TM images dating from 1984 to 1993 were used to assess the status of agricultural lands in the Nile Delta, and adjacent Western Desert and coastal regions. Four classes central to agricultural planning in the Delta are healthy agricultural lands, fields of reduced productivity, urban settlements, and urban expansion. The results indicate that 3.74 % of agricultural land in the Delta has reduced productivity. This quantity is greater than previously realized, indicating a need to incorporate these lands in reclamation planning. The amount of land lost to urbanization, defined as the encroachment of an existing urban settlement onto previously productive agricultural lands, is less than anticipated. Only 0.4 % of productive agricultural lands were converted to new urban use between 1984 and 1990. Assessment of reclamation in the Western Desert and coastal areas over six time periods indicates continued high rates of reclamation. Between 1986 and 1993, the amount of cultivated land in these regions increased by 43.3%. The high overall accuracy of the map (95.85%) supports the use of multitemporal features in mapping the status of agricultural lands.

Environmental assessment for wastewater reclamation and reuse projects

The purpose of an environmental review and assessment is to incorporate environmental considerations into the planning process. Prior to the selection of a specific project alternative, a thorough and unbiased analysis of the environmental impacts of every reasonable project alternative should be made. It is intended that environmental concerns be considered on an equal basis with engineering feasibility, economics, and social considerations in wastewater reclamation and reuse. This paper discusses the “procedural” and “substantive” provisions of environmental law in the United States; National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and more specifically the law in California; California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The procedural aspects require the preparation of an environmental document such as an environmental impact statement (EIS) or an environmental impact report (EIR) and the substantive provisions require mitigation of harmful environmental impacts. Suggested outlines of the content of an EIS and an EIR are provided. Specific impacts associated with wastewater reclamation projects such as groundwater impacts and growth inducing impacts are discussed. This paper is intended to be a useful tool for the planning of any wastewater reclamation and reuse project. Two examples are given for this purpose.

Policies for the Planning and Reclamation of Coal-mined Landscapes: An International Comparison

Governments differ significantly in their attempts to mitigate the effects of mining disturbance. The approaches of Australia, Canada and the United States are reviewed here, relative to coal-mining reclamation. State and provincial examples (Queensland, Alberta and Montana) are used to illustrate legislation and planning below the national level. This paper explores three main issues that contribute to coal-mining reclamation: governmental level of legislation and planning; legislative scope; and inter-governmental co-ordination. The legislative histories vary, but are young and evolving. All require the submission of a reclamation plan before granting mining permits, enforce reclamation standards by security deposits and contain provisions for non-compliance. Australia and Canada are only beginning to address reclamation planning at the national level, whereas the United States has done so since 1977. The relationship to the environmental impact assessment process is uneven across the three nations. The...

Environmental planning in regulation and management of instream gravel mining in California

In California, the mining of sand and gravel from rivers and streams is presently regulated under the state's Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA), with 113 different countries and cities designated as lead agencies for approving reclamation plans and issuing special use permits. These agencies rarely have the technical expertise or resouces to assess cumulative impacts of instream mining or to monitor the sometimes subtle and frequently delayed off-site environmental impacts. Moreover, the concept of ‘reclamation’ is unsuitable for instream mining whose effects propagate upstream and downstream during mining and cannot be reversed by subsequent on-site reclamation. Instream operators also fall under the jurisdiction of other agencies, such as the US Army Corps of Engineers and the California Department of Fish and Game, but these agencies lack resources and a consistent approach to evaluate and mitigate the environmental effects of instream mining. Instream gravel mining can be properly addressed only by comprehensive environmental planning that evaluates all potential aggregate sources, including upland deposits, and the environmental impacts of their extraction. Aggregate extraction from rivers must be managed on the scale of river basins, while the demand for aggregate and the various sources of its supply must be managed on the scale of production-consumption regions.

Possible use of wetlands in ecological restoration of surface mined lands

Surface mining for coal has dramatically altered millions of hectares throughout the Appalachian region of eastern North America. Flat benches and vertical high walls have replaced well-drained slopes, and wetlands have developed ‘accidentally’ on abandoned benches. Surface mining is continuing in this region, but new regulations do not include specifications for wetland construction in the reclamation process. Recent research has suggested that many ecosystem services appropriate for the Appalachian landscape could be performed by constructed wetlands. Inclusion of wetland construction in a reclamation plan could lead to a net increase in wetland acreage locally, as well as offset the loss of natural and/or accidental wetlands. By studying accidentally-formed wetlands, we hope to determine what species can be established in wetlands that are constructed to enhance nontreatment goals in reclamation. Study sites included 14 emergent wetlands in Wise County, Virginia. Sampling in June and August detected a total of 94 species in 36 vascular plant families. Obligate wetlands species, species that occur in wetlands over 99 percent of the time, were found in all 14 sites and included 26 species. The presence of so many wetland species without intentional management efforts suggests that wetland establishment could become a common component of mine reclamation.

Gravel-Pit Lakes Connected with the River Rhine as a Reserve for High Productivity of Plankton and Young Fish

During the last two decades an increasing number of sand and gravel-pits were established in the original flood plain of the River Rhine. Some of these are connected with the stream by a small canal for the transport of the spoil. Some of these dredged lakes have been studied during recent years at the ecological field station of the University of Köln, with regard to seasonal phytoplankton succession, productivity of copepods and cladocerans, occurrence of macrozoobenthos, and both spawning and recruitment of fish populations. These eutrophic lakes represent a valuable substitute biotope for lost lentic waters of the former flood plain. They offer via the canal connection an advantageous habitat to resident fish species of the Lower Rhine, (1) for reproduction and growth of the 0+-generation, and (2) for shelter during flood events. Recommendations for reclamation plans of such lakes are required.

Computer Aids Land Reclamation Plan in Mine Areas

Computer Aids Land Reclamation Plan in Mine Areas

Reclamation Planning for Abandoned Mining Subsidence Lands in Eastern China - A Case Study

ABSTRACT China has a long hlatocy of coal mining and more than 96% of coal output is takan from underground mines each year. with the excavation of coal from underground, aevere aubaidanca often result. which produce many subsidanca lands. This paper explores the principle and method of reclamation planning for abandened mining subsidence lands and present a case study in eastern China. A 373 ha of abandoned mining subsidance land in Anhui province was selected as an experiment site. Since China ls a developing country and land shortage is severe in this area, the high economic benefits from the reclaimed land was the final reclamation goal Based on the topography of subsidence lands |some parts of the abandoned lands were wetland or lake-like trough restoring farmland and fishponds were chosen as post-reclamation land uses. The elevation of reclaimed lands was the key for restoring farmland successfully because of the high underground water level in this area, and the optimum fishpond size and side-slop ...

Reclamation Planning and Permitting at the Hayden Hill Project

Reclamation Planning and Permitting at the Hayden Hill Project

Soil and water characteristics of a young surface mine wetland

Coal companies are reluctant to include wetland development in reclamation plans partly due to a lack of information on the resulting characteristics of such sites. It is easier for coal companies to recreate terrestrial habitats than to attempt experimental methods and possibly face significant regulatory disapproval. Therefore, we studied a young (10 years) wetland on a reclaimed surface coal mine in southern Illinois so as to ascertain soil and water characteristics such that the site might serve as a model for wetland development on surface mines. Water pH was not measured because of equipment problems, but evidence (plant life, fish, herpetofauna) suggests suitable pH levels. Other water parameters (conductivity, salinity, alkalinity, chloride, copper, total hardness, iron, manganese, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, and sulfate) were measured, and only copper was seen in potentially high concentrations (but with no obvious toxic effects). Soil variables measured included pH, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, aluminum, iron, sulfate, chloride, and percent organic matter. Soils were slightly alkaline and most parameters fell within levels reported for other studies on both natural and manmade wetlands. Aluminum was high, but this might be indicative more of large amounts complexed with soils and therefore unavailable, than amounts actually accessible to plants. Organic matter was moderate, somewhat surprising given the age of the system.

Should Climate Change be Taken into Account in Reclamation Planning

Should Climate Change be Taken into Account in Reclamation Planning

Reclamation of the Carr Fork Property, Tooele, Utah

Abstract In 1986, reclamation of the 655-acre Carr Fork tailings and smelter complex was undertaken by the Anaconda Minerals Company in conformance with the Utah Mined Land Reclamation Act. Reclamation objectives were the mitigation of the detrimental effects of mining, allowing a safe return of the land to its pre-mining use of wildlife habitat. In achieving these objectives activities included removal of structures, sealing of portals, redistribution of topsoil, and revegetation. Reclamation activities were conducted in accordance with a Reclamation Plan approved by the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining. Site studies contributing to the plan approval included surface and ground-water chemical characterization, design of surface-water diversions, geochemical characterization of soil borrow materials and impacted soils, and characterization of vegetation and wildlife communities. The following paper summarizes the history of the site, discusses development of the Reclamation Plan, and summarizes the reclamation methodology and results.

Natural Revegetation of an Unreclaimed Lignite Surface Mine in East-Central Texas

Evaluating plants and soils on unreclaimed surface mines helps land managers un- derstand the effects of minesoil properties on plant growth and community development and may aid in the development of current reclamation plans. Eight unreclaimed surface mined sites in east-central Texas, ranging in age from 3 months to 50 years, were sampled to evaluate vegetation and minesoil changes over time and for comparison to an adjacent unmined area. Three- and 6-month-old unre- claimed areas had about 1% plant cover composed of pioneer grass and forb genera, including Di- chanthelium, Aster, Chenopodium, and Polygonum. Herbaceous plant cover increased from 12% on the 5-year-old site to a peak of 25% on the 20-year-old site. Dominant genera on 10- to 20-year-old sites were Andropogon, Bothriochloa, Cynodon, Dichanthelium, Paspalum, Aster, and Rumex. Woody species established as early as 5 years after mining (predominantly Baccharis salicina T. et G.), and canopy cover reached 14 and 35% on the 20- and 30-year-old sites, respectively. On the 50-year-old site, 17 woody species formed a multilayered vegetation structure with > 100% cover. Bulk density of minesoils in the surface 12 cm declined with time from 1.30 to <1.00 Mg/m3 as vegetation and litter increased. Undisturbed soils had an average pH of 5.9. Minesoil pH decreased from 6.9 on 3- and 6-month- old sites to 3.8 on 5- to 30-year-old sites (due to pyrite oxidation) and increased to 6.8 on the 50- year-old site. Several grass and forb species found on acidic minesoils in this study may be good candidates for low input revegetation programs for other postmining land uses.

Landscape reclamation for recreational use. Jarama river park. Community of Madrid-Spain

This paper focuses on a rivershore reclamation scheme for an area of the Community of Madrid (Spain). Due to its location not far from the City of Madrid, recreational water based use was proposed as the final use for this disturbed river environment. The reclamation plan proposes the creation of the Jarama River Park (Parque Fluvial del Jarama) that would be integrated into the Rivershore Reclamation Program of the Integral Water Plan of Madrid (Plan Integral del Agua en Madrid-PIAM). Several sets of actions are considered for the reclamation of the river and ponds system. Some of them are: — Reclamation of the old railway corridor located along the river. — Reclamation of the river bed and banks. — Reclamation of the Campillo Pond area.

Combined Treatments of Urban and Olive Mill Effluents in Apulia, Italy

The effluent from olive mill plants (OME) presents a seasonal problem, as although small in volume it has very high organic content, and in consequence it is particularly difficult to meet Italian law discharge limits. This problem has been carefully studied in Apulia where, during the olive milling season, organic pollution exceeds that from domestic use by a factor of three. Preliminary research allowed the estimation of organic load per ton of milled olives, and the comparison of the effectiveness of feasible treatment processes. The results have been utilized in the Water Reclamation Plan of the Apulia Region (WRP). This Plan permits the discharge of OME into public sewers only when its contribution is less than 20% of urban wastewater's (UW) organic load, or provides the transport of a controlled amount to treatment facilities, over a period ranging from 100 to 300 days. Results of full-scale and pilot biological treatment plants for combined UW and OME effluents are reported, together with the main project parameters. Anaerobic processes are more economical but their successful operation needs to be confirmed on full-scale plants.

Prevention of water pollution problems in mining: The bactericide technology

In pyritic environments, the bacteria Thiobacillus ferrooxidans catalyze acid formation by increasing the oxidation rate of pyrite by a factor of one million. This acid solubilizes metals and pollutes adjacent streams and lands. Bactericide sprays during mining and waste disposal operations attack the source of the problem by preventing acid formation and metals solubilization. Used in conjunction with current water treatment systems, bactericides can dramatically reduce operating costs. Controlled release bactericides contribute t,o successful reclamation by providing assurance against revegetation failure and post-reclamation water quality problems that can necessitate perpetual water treatment. While inhibiting T. ferrooxidans, these organic compounds aid in the establishment of beneficial heterotrophic bacteria which support vegetation. These conditions continue to persist after the bactericide is depleted from the controlled release system. Case Studies I and I1 show that bactericides inhibit acid generation during hard rock and coal mining operations and they are cost effective. Case Studies I11 and IV illustrate the improvement in water quality and vegetation after reclamation when controlled release bactericides were used. Economic analyses show cost benefits are achieved when controlled-release bactericides are part of the reclamation plan.

Reclamation of Exxon Ray Point Tailings Basin

This paper outlines key items for reclamation of uranium tailings impoundments, using the reclamation of Exxon Coal and Minerals Company's (ECMC'S) Ray Point (or Felder) uranium mill site and tailings impoundment as a case history. ECMC's Ray Point is the first Title II site for which a final reclamation plan has been approved and constructed. Initial reclamation work of the Ray Point Site consists of mill decommissioning, mill site cleanup, and initial tailings impoundment cover placement. The licensing process in Texas consists of submitting the reclamation plan documents to Texas Department of Health (TDH), with subsequent discussion of the plans and submittal of additional data, analyses, and clarification. Following approval of the Ray Point reclamation plan, final reclamation work is carried out, and consists of random fill placement, compacted soil cover construction, topsoiling, and revegetation. The Ray Point site is currently monitored for specific performance criteria. After these performance criteria have been achieved, ownership of the property will be transferred to the state.

Planning new landscapes: A comparison of the Columbia basin project and the IJsselmeerpolders

The ecological and political contexts of the Columbia Basin in the United States and IJsselmeerpolders in The Netherlands are briefly described. Within these settings, two large-scale reclamation projects have been planned and developed. The planning processes employed in these projects are analyzed by comparing the general approaches with reclamation planning in the two nations, the ecological and political contexts, planning goals for the projects, project organizational structure, the extent to which a regional planning framework was used, the influence of environmental planning considerations, and the length of the planning process. Based on this analysis, concepts about landscape planning and landscape design in reclaimed areas are explored.

Coal mine soil and overburden surveys and reclamation planning

Coal mine soil and overburden surveys and reclamation planning

Resistance to ‘betterment’ in the Transkei: a case study from Willowvale district

This paper is concerned with the introduction and initial implementation of an agricultural 'betterment' scheme in Shixini Administrative Area, Willowvale district, Transkei. It is an attempt to throw light on two questions: why has betterment been resisted so strongly and widely, from its beginnings in the 1930s to the present day; and how does betterment affect 'traditionally oriented' people who, it has been claimed, have been in the forefront of this resistance? The answer to these questions lies in understanding the nature of economic activity in Shixini and the social and organisational basis of this activity. More specifically, it is necessary to look at the effect of 'betterment' on the economic and social life of the people involved. As outlined in the 1936 Native Trust and Land Act and other legislation, betterment was designed to transform the pattern of land use in the reserves by dividing rural locations into residential, arable and grazing units, fencing off grazing camps and fields, and grouping homesteads together into village-like settlements. Sometimes, such schemes also included plans for soil conservation and veld reclamation, afforestation, improved agricultural extension services, and other small scale development projects. Betterment policy underwent various changes over the years and wa.s applied differently in different parts of South Africa.' In most areas where attempts were made to implement these schemes, resistance was encountered from the people affected, who came to associate the schemes with loss of livestock (through culling), restrictions on the use of grazing, and reductions in the availability of arable land. In the 1950s and 1960s resistance to betterment became interwoven with resistance to the implementation of the Bantu Authorities Act.