Multidisciplinary approach to reclamation of abandoned refuse sites

The Staunton 1 Reclamation Demonstration Project involves an evaluation of the reclamation process at an abandoned coal mine refuse site in southwestern Illinois. A multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers selected the site, collected baseline environmental data, determined the final land use, and developed and implemented detailed engineering plans. Refuse material at the 34-acre site was recontoured and covered to a minimum depth of one foot with soil obtained on-site. This same multidisciplinary approach is being used to evaluate post-construction environmental conditions at the site. Current investigations are monitoring conditions related to groundwater, surface water, aquatic ecosystems, revegetation, soils, erosion and runoff, soil microbial populations, and wildlife invasion. Information collected to date indicates that a significant improvement has occurred in the environmental quality of the site. The economic potential of the site is also being investigated and documented; a substantial increase in the economic potential of the site and adjacent properties has been recorded. The project is demonstrating methods that can be used to reclaim abandoned coal refuse sites and is providing design for future reclamation efforts of this type.