Abstract: A Coal Refuse Reclamation Research and Demonstration Project, Macoupin County, IL

Stanley D. Zellmer, Ray R. Hinchman, Donald O. Johnson

The Macoupin County Refuse Reclamation Project demonstrated and evaluated several innovative reclamation procedures on a 13.8-ha abandoned deep coal mine refuse site in southwestern Illinois. The procedures included collection of preconstruction environmental data, determination of the site's final land use, and development and implementation of a detailed site development plan. Approximately 9.3 ha of refuse material was recontoured, limed, covered with a minimum of 30 cm of soil obtained on site, fertilized, and seeded with a mixture of grasses and legumes. Sixteen plant growth research plots, each with differing liming rates and cover material depths were constructed on the top of the recontoured refuse pile. Hydrologic investigations indicated improvement in groundwater quality; s rface water quality also improved. Revegetation was successful, and an erosion-preventing plant cover was established on most areas of the site. Soil tests indicated that acceptable plant growth media had been constructed; however, continued application of fertilizer and limestone was necessary to maintain the vegetation. The soil microbial community achieved total numbers equal to those of old fields, but species diversity was low. Small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians colonized and used the site. The economic value of the site and adjacent property increased substantially, and the area's aesthetic value was enhanced significantly. The two-year period of intensive monitoring and evaluation was used to develop recommendations for improving the designs of future reclamation effor s. In 1987, a follow-up study was conducted at the site.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994