Abstract
Comparative Evaluation of Sediment Yield from Native and Fluvial Geomorphic-Reclamation Watersheds.
This research study was carried out by the San Juan Coal Company (SJCC) at its La Plata Mine in New Mexico, USA. The SJCC reclaimed 743 ha (1,835 acres) at its La Plata Mine using the GeoFluv fluvial geomorphic reclamation design method from 1999 (Bugosh, 2000) through 2008. Beginning in 2011, the SJCC began quantifying sediment production rates on fluvial geomorphic reclamation projects to evaluate sedimentation rates occurring using fluvial geomorphic design methods versus surrounding undisturbed native landforms.
Fluvial geomorphic reclamation is an established and international approach used to achieve long-term stability against erosion, reduced maintenance, and increased biodiversity as compared to traditional reclamation methods. In Australia, state agencies are now favourably considering fluvial geomorphic landform designs over traditional designs. We present these results along with supporting observations from design and construction projects using the GeoFluv method from all over the world (North and South America, Europe and Australia).
The study provided data from precipitation events sufficient to cause sediment transport from the end of 2012, through 2013, to the beginning of 2014. The results showed the greatest sediment yield came from an undisturbed native site (9.53 t/ha/yr), compared to a geomorphic design with topdressing and poorly established vegetation (8.25 t/ha/yr; a 13% lower sediment yield) and a geomorphic design with topdressing and significant vegetation (5.65 t/ha/yr; 41% lower).
The results of this study, supported by qualitative inspections of completed reclamations, confirm the benefits of fluvial geomorphic reclamation methods. This methodology has significant potential for similar long-term sediment monitoring research into the benefits of fluvial geomorphic reclamations.
Study Authors: Bugosh, N, Epp, E. G., 2015.
Presentation content and examples: Bugosh, N., Dickins, G., Martin-Duque, J.F., 2016.
Comparative Evaluation of Sediment Yield from Native and Fluvial Geomorphic-Reclamation Watersheds.
This research study was carried out by the San Juan Coal Company (SJCC) at its La Plata Mine in New Mexico, USA. The SJCC reclaimed 743 ha (1,835 acres) at its La Plata Mine using the GeoFluv fluvial geomorphic reclamation design method from 1999 (Bugosh, 2000) through 2008. Beginning in 2011, the SJCC began quantifying sediment production rates on fluvial geomorphic reclamation projects to evaluate sedimentation rates occurring using fluvial geomorphic design methods versus surrounding undisturbed native landforms.
Fluvial geomorphic reclamation is an established and international approach used to achieve long-term stability against erosion, reduced maintenance, and increased biodiversity as compared to traditional reclamation methods. In Australia, state agencies are now favourably considering fluvial geomorphic landform designs over traditional designs. We present these results along with supporting observations from design and construction projects using the GeoFluv method from all over the world (North and South America, Europe and Australia).
The study provided data from precipitation events sufficient to cause sediment transport from the end of 2012, through 2013, to the beginning of 2014. The results showed the greatest sediment yield came from an undisturbed native site (9.53 t/ha/yr), compared to a geomorphic design with topdressing and poorly established vegetation (8.25 t/ha/yr; a 13% lower sediment yield) and a geomorphic design with topdressing and significant vegetation (5.65 t/ha/yr; 41% lower).
The results of this study, supported by qualitative inspections of completed reclamations, confirm the benefits of fluvial geomorphic reclamation methods. This methodology has significant potential for similar long-term sediment monitoring research into the benefits of fluvial geomorphic reclamations.
Study Authors: Bugosh, N, Epp, E. G., 2015.
Presentation content and examples: Bugosh, N., Dickins, G., Martin-Duque, J.F., 2016.
Presentation
Comparative Evaluation of Sediment Yield from Native and Fluvial Geomorphic-Reclamation Watersheds.
Presented on 31st March 2017 at the 7th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference (2017)
10.35am_15_min_grant_dickins_comparative_evaluation_of_sediment_yield_from_native_and.pdf |