Surface Erosion and Sediment Yields on Steep-Sloped Coal Mining Reclamation Sites in the Appalachian Region

Reclamation activities on coal mining sites to prevent excessive erosion have traditionally been very successful with the establishment of grass covers, on sites where the slopes are moderate to low. Establishment of native forest cover on reclaimed sites has become a priority directive of the US Department of Interior, Office of Surface Mining. However, standard construction techniques are based on slope stability criteria using high levels of compaction, resulting in poor soil medium for tree survival. A team of researchers at the University of Tennessee are engaged in studies with the overall objective to develop design criteria for stable steep slopes (~28–35%), minimal erosion, and successful reforestation. A part of the overall project, the focus of this presentation provides a summary of the hydrological and erosion monitoring results at three experimental study sites on active coal mining locations in East Tennessee. Each site was equipped with a fully automated weather station, and consisted of four measurement plots. Sediment yields were measured using Pinson divider budgets following an H-flume and sedimentation tank. Initial results characterized pre-cover conditions in which erosion ranged from approximately < 1 ton to 10+ ton per event. Particle size distributions of the transported sediment from the hillslopes were also characterized. Results from this study will guide erosion control and detention pond design practices at early stages of coal mining reclamation, prior to reestablishment of native forest cover.