LATIS2010. Reclamation Planning of Pits and Quarries. 2nd Edition. Anthony M. Bauer, FASLA, and Robert E. Ford, ASLA

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1 LATIS2010 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series Number 1 Reclamation Planning of Pits and Quarries 2nd Edition Anthony M. Bauer, FASLA, and Robert E. Ford, ASLA

2 LATIS Reclamation Planning of Pits and Quarries by Anthony M. Bauer, FASLA and Robert E. Ford, ASLA, Copyright (c) 2000, 2010 by the American Society of Landscape Architects 636 Eye Street, NW Washington, DC First edition 2000 Second edition 2010 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number ISSN: LATIS is produced by ASLA as an education service to the profession of landscape architecture. Policy and subject matter selection is administered through ASLA s Professional Practice Library under the guidance of the Professional Practice Institute, the Council on Education, and the Council of Professional Practice Networks. Cover photos: Lower right: Mining operation integrated with development of the Hidden Lake Residential Project Upper left: View of Cascades development from corporate office located on a quarry bench within the limestone quarry. cover images courtesy Anthony M. Bauer, FASLA ii Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

3 Publisher s Note The American Society of Landscape Architects publishes the Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series (LATIS) to encourage professionals to share specialized expertise relating to landscape architecture. ASLA considers LATIS papers to be important contributions to a necessary and ongoing dialogue within a large and diverse community of landscape architecture researchers and practitioners. ASLA oversees a rigorous peer review process for all LATIS papers to ensure accuracy of content. Each author offers a unique perspective on the practice area covered, reflecting his or her portfolio of professional experiences. This LATIS is an introduction to mining and reclamation practices of the construction aggregate industry. Aggregate mining offers professional opportunities as well as challenges for the landscape architect. The paper describes planning procedures and techniques for reclaiming mined land and gives general guidelines for those interested in this area of professional practice. Case studies of several successful reclamation projects provide an overview of the wide range of development options made possible by the mining and reclamation of land. Feedback on this LATIS and on the series in general should be sent to ASLA, c/o Professional Practice Manager, 636 Eye Street NW, Washington DC ASLA welcomes suggestions for future LATIS topics that will broaden awareness of new and/or rapidly evolving practice areas within landscape architecture and enhance technical proficiency for practicing in these areas. iii RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

4 Table of Contents Title Page ii Publisher s Note iii Abstract vii Objectives vii Acknowledgements viii Chapter I. Introduction A. Scope of Publication B. Background of The Aggregate Industry C. Landscape Architects and the Reclamation Process II. The Aggregate Mining Industry A. Nature of Industry B. Components of Mining Operations C. Questions to Raise D. Summary III. Surface Mine Reclamation Regulations A. Operational Standards B. Reclamation Standards C. Data Requirements D. Submission Requirements E. Questions to be Raised F. Summary IV. Reclamation Planning Process A. Opportunities For Landscape Architects B. The Reclamation Team C. Recent Reclamation Practices D. Reclamation Planning is a Site Planning Process E. Reclamation Planning Objectives F. Reclamation Planning Elements G. Reclamation Of Mined-Out Land H. Reclamation Planning Continuum iv Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

5 I. Questions To Be Raised J. Summary V. Reclamation Projects A. Illustrated Reclamation Projects B. Additional Reclamation Projects C. Summary VII. Additional Sources of Information References and Resources List of Figures Figure 1. Isopach map illustrating deposit thickness with each contour representing 5 ft. thickness. Dots are locations of deposit borings Figure 2. Color pattern indicates depth of deposit below water table. Black areas are the deepest, light orange areas are the shallowest Figure 4. Section illustrates enhancement of wetland areas and fish habitats with the use of overburden fill and mine waste Figure 3. Color pattern indicates depth of overburden. Black areascontain the thickest overburden, light orange areas contain the shallowest Figure 5. Site selection study for the processing plant. Based upon evaluation of criteria for each site, the selected site is the white symbol in the center of the site Figure 6. Processing plant located in pit floor surrounded by pit walland 8 to 12 ft. berms. Sounds and views are contained by the earth forms. The curved entrance road plan insert prevents direct view into the pit Figure 7. Grading plan of contour earth berms screening the mining operations Figure 8. View of contoured earth berm screen and mine operation from top of berm Figure 9. View of road and home from top of berm that screens mine area (to the left) Figure 10. Sequential mining and restoration phases Figure 11. Perspective of mining and land shaping phases Figure 12. Perspective of final and completed mine shaping program Figure 13. Plan for end use development of mined-out sand and gravel pit Figure 15. Perspectives of lake and shoreline during and after mining Figure 14. Concepts for shaping shorelines for different types of activity and uses Figure 16. Shoreline edge and lake bottom shaped by mining operation v RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

6 Figure 17. Madison Lakes master plan. Phase I development started in top portion of site in Mining in bottom part of the site was nearing completion in Figure 18. Madison Lakes aerial photo Figure 19. View of community center along quarry wall at Madison Lakes Figure 20. Master plan of Independence Grove planned mining and reclamation program Figure 21. View of Independence Grove park from path overlooking partially filled lake and underwater fish structures. A significant portion of the land area is now covered by water Figure 22. View of Independence Grove park from path overlooking partially filled lake and underwater fish structures. A significant portion of the land area is now covered by water Figure 23. The Cliffs housing project built in a quarry and along a quarried lake Figure 24. Blue Heron Condominium constructed around a sand and gravel pit. View overlooking the sediment pond (in the foreground) that evolved into a regulated wetland Figure 25. View of Cascades development from corporate office located on a quarry bench within the limestone quarry. Housing units are under construction on top of quarry in the background Figure 26. Quarry Place office park building constructed at the edge of a quarry wall Figure 27. Black Diamond Green tucked into quarry Figure 28. Existing quarry wall Figure 29. Plan concept for quarry wall modification Figure 30. Section illustrating modifications of quarry area and wall to create waterfalls Figure 31. Perspective of proposed quarry wall modification Figure 32. Three uses in one old quarry in Austria: a quarry, an amphitheater, and an outdoor sculpture studio vi Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

7 Abstract The extraction of sand, gravel and hard rock to produce construction aggregates and related products is the largest type of mining in the United States. The industry processes more than 2.6 billion tons of material per year for communities, developers, landscape architects, home owners, farmers, etc. It operates within or near every metropolitan area in the U.S. and in every state. As an urban land user striving to meet an increasing demand for its products, mining companies face challenging land uses, environmental, regulatory and community relations issues. Consequently, they are increasingly seeking the services of professional consultants to prepare a complex array of mining, reclamation planning and environmental documents, site plans, and also assist in community relation efforts. In addition, based upon recent experiences, the industry has begun to recognize the potentials and values of end use development in their mine sites. This publication describes the issues, reclamation planning processes and end use development opportunities related to the mining of aggregates. Objectives To broaden the landscape architecture profession s understanding of the aggregate mining industry. To expand the profession s knowledge of issues and opportunities related to the planning and design of reclamation projects. To illustrate reclamation planning elements and procedures. vii RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

8 Acknowledgements My work in the field of surface mine reclamation has crossed many paths and has been directly and indirectly aided and supported by many of my co-workers. There is no way to cite every deserving person. There are a few that must be recognized, beginning with my mentors, William Carnes (deceased) and Thomas Hazlett (retired) of the University of Illinois who started me on this path. There is Victor Chanascyk, (retired) University of Guelph who encouraged me to pursue this discipline with vigor, and Kenneth Schellie, (deceased) who provided and guided my first opportunities in the field of consulting. I also need to express my appreciation to the National Stone Association and the National Aggregate Association for their continual support throughout my career. The Landscape Architecture Program at Michigan State University allowed me to pursue my interests in this field, for which I am deeply indebted. I also want to recognize my partner, Robert Ford, ASLA, for his continual support in this effort. Finally, I must recognize my patient wife, Lois, who put up with me bringing mud and aggregate from the mine sites into the living room. viii Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

9 Chapter I. Introduction A. Scope of Publication This publication is an introduction to mining and reclamation practices of the construction aggregate industry. It is limited to this particular mining industry because of the greater opportunities and challenges the aggregate industry offers the landscape architecture profession when compared to other segments of the mining industry. However, it is noted that many issues and procedures described herein are applicable to other types of mining operations. Readers are presented general issues associated with aggregate mining to better understand both the problems it faces and the opportunities it presents. Descriptions of planning procedures and techniques for reclaiming mined land provide general guidelines for individuals interested in this area of professional practice. Case studies of several successful reclamation projects provide an overview of the wide range of development options made possible by the mining and reclamation of land. Two general reclamation processes are addressed. The first and most significant is the reclamation design process that occurs before mining is initiated or at least long before it is terminated. This process gives the designer more opportunities to mold and shape mine sites into interesting landscapes and to minimize impacts of mining on the environment. The second process involves designing the reclamation program after mining is terminated. It is the most difficult, most expensive and least productive approach to reclaiming land. Whereas the first approach involves the organized use of equipment and placement of materials to create a preconceived scheme, the latter is a repair job of an unorganized landscape. But why limit this discussion to the aggregate industry? There are three reasons. Issues, problems, and opportunities associated with the aggregate industry are distinct from other segments of the mining industry with regard to regulatory and environmental issues and with regard to the industry s proximity to the urban environment. It is the largest and most widely dispersed of the mining industries. It presents the greatest array and number of employment opportunities to the landscape architecture profession. B. Background of The Aggregate Industry The extraction of sand and gravel and hard rock to produce aggregates for the construction industry is the largest segment of the mining industry in the United States. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) states aggregate production amounts to more than one-half the volume of all minerals produced. More than 2.6 billion tons of 1 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

10 sand, gravel and crushed rock were produced in Annual per capita consumption ranges from eight to ten tons and can be more than twenty-five tons depending on national, regional and state economic conditions. Aggregate is mined in every state, within or near every metropolitan area, and in most counties throughout the United States. It is an essential material for all forms of construction as well as in a variety of common products. Aggregates are basic materials for highway pavements, bridges, buildings of all types, patio pavements and base courses, drainage systems, urban plazas, etc. This material is used in soil erosion-control projects, water purification, and reduction of sulfur dioxide emissions. It is also a constituent in the production of paper, paint, plastics, and glass. When limestone is ground into powder it is used as a mineral supplement in agriculture, medicine, and a wide range of household products. Because of the low cost and bulky nature of the product, the industry strives to locate operations close to its market (urban areas). As a consequence it seeks access to mineral-bearing lands within a very competitive real estate market and within populated areas where opposition to extractive operations is intense. Based on its close proximity to populated areas, aggregate mining can be looked at as an urban land use. But, as an urban land user this industry faces an increasingly daunting task in opening new operations, expanding existing operations, and even continuing present operations. While demand for aggregate products grow, available reserves are diminishing. Reserves are depleted, not because the aggregate deposits have been mined out, but because they have been built over by urbanization. Also, they have been frozen in place by community planning policies that do not recognize the significance of this industry and by the general public that simply does not want anything to do with the industry. Consequently, mining companies face challenging land use, environmental, aesthetic, regulatory, and community relation issues. In response they often seek the services of professional consultants to prepare a complex array of mining and reclamation planning and design studies to aid their efforts to open new sites, expand existing operations, or continue in presents sites. In addition, recent experience indicates many mining companies are beginning to recognize the potentials and added values of end-use development of the mined-out sites, presenting additional opportunities for professional planning and design services. C. Landscape Architects and the Reclamation Process Landscape architecture s involvement with the aggregate industry has increased steadily since the early 1960 s. The profession s role has expanded beyond beautification and basic site plan assignments to preparation of more complex sequential mining and reclamation plans and involvement with the permitting, regulatory, environmental assessment and community relations processes. Most issues and problems associated with mining and reclamation are common to the education, experiences and everyday vocabulary of landscape architects, such as site analysis, site and land use planning, visual analysis, grading, zoning, re-vegetation, slope stabilization, etc. 2 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

11 Within the realm of this professional background, but at the outer edge of most landscape architects education and experience, are three subject areas critical to the understanding and success of reclamation planning services. These include a working knowledge of: Mining operation elements that are relevant to the reclamation process Geologic complexities and structures within each aggregate deposit Mechanics and procedures for linking mining procedures with reclamation activities An understanding of these subjects is paramount to the preparation of reclamation documents.this publication is not a definitive statement on the subject of surface mine reclamation. It does strive to introduce some of the basic elements, issues, and processes associated with mining and mine reclamation planning. It also provides a framework for interested professionals to pursue the subject in a more focussed manner. 3 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

12 II. The Aggregate Mining Industry This section provides an overview of the basic components of aggregate mining that are important ingredients in the planning process. The reader should realize, however, that each deposit and operation presents unique combinations of issues and conditions that can influence reclamation planning decisions. Materials may vary within each deposit from uniform quality and distribution to extremely variable conditions. Mine operators design mining operations to deal with specific deposit conditions, product specifications, and production goals. Consequently, operations within similar deposits may vary considerably. A. Nature of Industry 1. Geology Geologic formations containing aggregate material set the framework within which future landscapes are formed. The success of most mining and reclamation plans depends upon an accurate description and assessment of what the deposit contains and what it will look like at the end of a mining operation. Aggregate is located in a variety geologic formations. For the purposes of this publication aggregates are placed into two categories. The first category includes glacial, stream-borne, and to a limited extent, wind-borne deposits. These deposit formations contain sand and gravel and are referred to as pits. They exist in typical glacial formations of kames, drumlins, eskers, and outwash plains. Stream-borne deposits of sand and gravel exist within streams, in old stream beds, and in stream terraces. Another type of stream deposit is the alluvial fan located at the mouth of a valley in more hilly or mountainous terrain. Each deposit present different conditions for the mining company and for the landscape architect. Material size and quality gradations will vary considerably. Deposits may extend into the groundwater table or remain well above any water table. They exist in hilly terrain where high pit banks may be an issue or in flat and open fields fully exposed to surrounding areas. Intrusions of unmarketable clay or other materials may be bedded in the deposit and could represent potential fill material. Topsoil and sub-soil (overburden) depth and quality covering the deposit will vary. The second category contains hard rock materials. The most common deposit formations include limestone, dolomite, and granite, and to a lesser degree traprock, sandstone, quartzite and marble. Mined deposits of this material are referred to as quarries. They exist on hillsides and mountains, below surrounding terrain, and in a wide variety of landscape formations. Many deposits are above groundwater table but reserves may extend below water table. While there may be some variability of material quality and depth, these deposits tend to be more uniform than sand and gravel deposits. Top soil and sub-soil (overburden) depth and quality covering these deposits 4 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

13 will vary. 2. Types of Mining Operations In order to reduce earth handling costs, take full advantage of the deposit structure and deposit characteristics, and maximize the end use potential of any mined-out site, mining operations must be integrated with reclamation operations. This section provides a general overview of mine operations and the components relevant to the reclamation planning process. Landscape architects need not know all the details and components in the mining process. For example, the type and number of screens used to create products is not significant, but the type of equipment used to remove overburden will have a major influence on land shaping operations. This section highlights equipment, mine processes, and mine procedures that need to be considered in the reclamation planning process. While each mine operation is designed to fit specific deposit, production, and mine operation conditions and criteria, there are two basic types of mining operations to be considered. These are hard rock mining (quarries) and unconsolidated sand and gravel materials mining (pits). Each is described in the following paragraphs. Hard rock mining involves the excavation of stone from limestone, dolomite, granite, etc. deposits. The primary difference between quarry and pit mining is that explosives are required in quarry operations to break the stone into small pieces so it can be transported to the processing plant. Another distinction is that when mineable materials extend below ground water, pumps must be installed to lower the water table within the quarry. Another aspect of quarry operations is an increasing trend toward underground mining. These types of operations exist in the Midwest in limestone formations. The mining of unconsolidated materials involves excavation of sand and gravel deposits. It does not require the use of explosives. When mineable materials extend below the ground water, special excavating equipment can be used. The water table is seldom lowered to remove sand and gravel. B. Components of Mining Operations Within the context of these two types of mining, there is a need to gather information on four components of the operation. These include stripping, excavating, processing, and trucking. 1. Stripping This is the initial step in the mining operation and involves removal of topsoil and sub-soil (overburden) that covers mineable materials. The topsoil is stored separately from the sub-soil and used later in the reclamation process. Topsoil depths will vary from a few inches to more than one foot, while the depth of the overburden will range 5 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

14 from a few inches to over twenty feet. Initial areas stripped of overburden include the processing plant site and portions of the deposit to be mined during the first year or so, during what might be called the first phase of the mining operation. Subsequent stripping will be conducted either on a yearly basis or in accordance with an incrementally phased plan that removes overburden from areas covering more than one year of excavation. This operation may be conducted by the mining company or contracted to local earth moving firms. A variety of equipment is used to strip, transport, and re-deposit overburden. Carryalls, pans, and scrapers are similar pieces of equipment and have the ability to excavate and transport large volumes of material great distances. This equipment can be beneficial in creating developable land forms because the earth material can be laid down in lifts to improve compaction. Another common stripping method is using a front-end loader to excavate the material and a dump truck to transport it to the selected areas. Overburden has several uses. One is to shape berms in selected areas around the site to provide sound and visual barriers. Another is as fill to reshape mined-out lands for a particular use. A third use is as a material to be blended with aggregate to produce a product used as a road base. Information about the quantity and characteristics of this material is critical. It is important to know the general depth patterns around the site in order to determine hauling costs and best locations for depositing this material. It is equally important to minimize any double handling of this material. After all the earth berms are constructed, the primary goal should be to place all remaining overburden in pre-determined fill areas designated in the reclamation plan. 2. Excavating Excavating equipment and procedures also vary with each operation. Knowledge of the equipment used, and of operating procedures associated with the equipment, is useful for planning earth moving activities. In addition, landscape architects should understand the pattern and direction of mining within the pit or quarry. This information is important because the direction and pattern of excavation may be a determining factor in the cost effectiveness and feasibility of earth handling and land shaping operations proposed in the reclamation plan. For purposes of clarification, excavation operations are described by mine type. Quarries: Excavation of quarry material involves a three-step process. The first step is to break the stone away from the quarry wall and also break the stone into small pieces. This is accomplished by the use of explosives. Holes are drilled behind the quarry wall within which explosive charges are placed. The size of the deposit area to be broken will depend on the production capacity of the processing plant and the number of times, in any given week, charges are set. Depending on the deposit depth, a standard procedure is to create a series of terraces or benches with twenty to forty foot high walls. The second step is to excavate broken stone by either front-end loaders or electric shovels operating at the base or toe of the bench. The stone is deposited into 6 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

15 some type of transport to the processing plant. The third step is to transport broken stone to the processing plant. This is accomplished by one of two methods. The most common method is by truck, usually large off- road trucks. If the stone is broken into small enough pieces, it may be placed in a container call a hopper that funnels stone onto a conveyor belt, which carries it to the processing plant. When a quarry mining operation extends below the water table, a fourth step is added to the excavating operation to keep ground water below the quarry floor. This is the de-watering operation. A pump is located in the lowest part of the quarry and water is pumped off-site. This step obviously adds a layer of permitting with local, state, and federal agencies. One condition of quarry mining that must be dealt with in the reclamation process is large areas of the quarry must remain open because of the downward terracing. Consequently sequential reclamation efforts will be limited except on the outer edges. Unless quarry areas can be isolated from active mining, only minor reclamation efforts can be completed before mining is completed. Pits: Sand and gravel excavation is a two step process. No blasting is required in this type of mining. The first step is to remove sand and gravel from the deposit. This is accomplished with a variety of excavators, depending on the size and depth of the deposit, the production capacity, and whether or not mining extends above or below water or both. Front end loaders and shovels operate in the same manner as described in quarry sites. Typically they work at the bottom or toe of a bank. They cannot work in deposits below water. Draglines are some of the most common pieces of excavating equipment in a pit. They are used to extract material from above and below water. Typically draglines operate on top of the bank. The excavating bucket is cast over the side and the bucket is dragged along the pit bottom or up the pit bank toward the dragline. Most draglines can excavate material to thirty feet below water. Large machines can go to forty-five foot depths. When excavating deposits below water, the excavated material is deposited in stockpiles along the path of excavation to allow the water to drain away before it is hauled to the processing plant. A floating dredge is another type of machine used to extract sand and gravel from below water. Materials can be excavated to sixty-foot depths, with some dredges digging to 100 feet below water. Advantages of this machine are that it has a low profile and is relatively quiet to operate. The excavated material is pumped to the processing plant through a pipeline. 3. Processing It is not necessary to understand the specific details and components of a processing plant area. For purpose of planning it is important to know the general functions, spatial requirements, and physical characteristics of the processing plant area. This is useful information in dealing with issues of access as well as visual and noise impacts. The size of a plant area will depend on the production capacity of the operation. Production will vary from one-half million to ten million tons per year, with one million tons being a common production rate. Processing plant sizes range from ten to fifty or more acres. The height of these plants will also vary, which is an important consideration in dealing with the visual impact of the plant on surrounding lands. Structures and product stockpiles may range from thirty feet high for semi- portable plants to 7 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

16 fifty feet high for large permanent plants. For planning and design purposes a processing plant area can be divided into three components. These include the processing plant, sedimentation ponds, and support facilities. Processing Plant: The processing plant is the heart of a mining operation. It produces products that meet a variety of product specifications for the construction industry. A typical plant includes: one or more crushers used to reduce the size of stone; screens that segregate the stone and sand into various sizes; wash plants that remove various impurities, such as clay and dirt; conveyor belts that transport the stone and sand to various parts of the plant; blenders that mix various sized materials to create a specific product; stackers that deposit each product into a separate stockpile; and load-out facilities for transporting products to the construction site. Sediment Ponds: Sediment ponds contain the fines and clays washed from the aggregates. Typically a series of three ponds is created. Sediment-loaded water is deposited in the first pond, with the water filtering into second and third ponds. Water from the third pond is clean enough to be recycled back into the wash plant. Periodically the first pond will fill with fines and must be excavated. This material is inert and has little commercial value, but may be mixed with porous soils to increase water retention capabilities. It may also be used in creating wetlands in shallow excavations. An aggregate deposit may contain anywhere from three to fifteen percent fines by volume. Support Facilities: These facilities are located in close proximity to the processing plant. They include maintenance areas, equipment and supply storage areas, a scale house and offices. The scale house and office are located near the entrance between the public road and the processing plant. Additional Uses: In a number of aggregate mining operations additional, but related, uses might be proposed in conjunction with the mining operation. Typically each will require a separate use permit. These include operations for the recycling of asphalt and concrete, asphalt plants, and concrete plants. 4. Trucking Trucking is the primary means of transporting construction aggregates to the market. Some material is hauled by rail and by boat but it is relatively insignificant. Trucking is also one of the most contentious issues in the permitting of a mining operation. Typical concerns raised by local citizens and officials include excessive wear on local roads, increased traffic, safety, dust, and impact on property values. Trucking issues that need to be addressed in the permitting process include entrance points, intersection design, truck routing, and bonding of local roads. C. Questions to Raise Following is a series of questions that should be addressed in the development of a reclamation plan. These are in addition to the questions typically raised in the develop- 8 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

17 ment of any type of project that can alter the use and character of a site. How much topsoil and overburden covers the deposit? What are the characteristics of this material? How is this material distributed throughout the site? What types of earth moving equipment will be used to strip overburden from the deposit? How far can this material be hauled? What are the costs of moving this material? Are there alternatives in handling and depositing this material? How much of an area is stripped of overburden at any one time? Will this material be stockpiled for future use or can it be deposited to form specific land forms according to a plan? What is the total volume of overburden that can be available for land shaping? What is the depth and extent of the deposit? What is the present and future exposure of this site to the surrounding lands? What are the characteristics of the deposit? Are there any significant quality changes in the deposit that could affect mining activity? Are there any areas within the deposit that will not be mined? What is the estimated percentage of fines that will be washed from the processed aggregates (this is based upon total volume of reserves)? Can any reserves be left in place for the benefit of land development? What parts of the deposit can be mined first? What parts of the mined deposit can be reclaimed first? What is the projected life of the mining operation? What is the estimated elevation of the ground water table? Before mining? After mining? What is the depth of deposit below and above this water table? Where are the deepest and shallowest water areas? If it is a quarry operation, what will be the impact on ground water elevations in the surrounding areas if the water table is lowered? What is the quality of this water? What type of excavating equipment will be used in the pit or quarry? What will be the visual and sound exposure of the excavating equipment? Can this equipment be used in shaping proposed land forms? What is the pattern and direction of excavation? Can this pattern and direction be modified to benefit reclamation efforts? How much area will be disturbed each year? If developing a sequential or phased mining and reclamation program, how large an excavation area must remain un-reclaimed at any given point in time? To what extent is it possible to integrate the stripping, excavating, and reclamation operations? If water areas are created, how will the shorelines be shaped? Can excavating be conducted in such a way as to minimize exposure of the pit or quarry to the surrounding lands? What techniques can be used to screen the pit or quarry? What is the size of the processing plant area? What is the physical relationship between the processing plant, the pit or quarry, and the entrance area? What are the area requirements for the sedimentation ponds? How will the accumulated sediments be handled? Can the processing plant be located within the pit or quarry or must it 9 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

18 remain on the original grade? To what extent can the processing plant be sited to take advantage of terrain and wooded areas for purposes of visual and sound screening? What is the height of the tallest structure? Can the entrance to the site be designed to create a more attractive industrial setting? How many trucks will leave the site each day? What type of entrance-public road intersection design will be required? What road improvements will be required? What truck routing options are available? D. Summary In summary, the primary components of a mining operation present a dynamic and fluid set of conditions. To develop the full end-use potential of a given mine site, it is important not only to understand the issues and character of each component but also to understand how these components can be integrated into a systematic reclamation process. The full end-use potential of the mine site cannot be achieved if the reclamation process is not a part of the mining process. While four components of a mine operation were discussed, the deposit and excavating are the two most critical ones from the standpoint of shaping a new landscape. The deposit sets the frame and provides the materials for a new landscape. The excavating and other earth moving equipment are the tools that shape the new landscape. To use the analogy of an artist, the deposit is the clay and the equipment are the tools used to shape the clay. 10 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

19 III. Surface Mine Reclamation Regulations This section describes the typical components of surface mine regulations related to the extraction and processing of construction aggregates. Environmental regulations or other regulations applied to all types of land use and land development are not addressed or are only referenced in this section. These include, for example, regulations pertaining to wetlands, erosion and sedimentation control, water discharge into lakes and streams, etc. Regulations pertaining to the reclamation of pits and quarries exist at local units of government (city, township, and county) and/or state units of government. There are NO federal regulations pertaining to the reclamation of aggregate mining, except where mining occurs on federal lands. The existing federal surface mine reclamation regulation covers the coal mining industry only. In most states, local units of government have primary jurisdiction for permitting and regulating pit and quarry mining. Usually mining is a permitted use within one or more local zoned districts such as agriculture or industrial districts. As a permitted use in a particular zoned district, applicants must request a "special use" status and proceed with permit applications, preparation of mining and reclamation documents and participate in a series of public hearings as set forth in "special use" sections of local ordinances. When a proposed mine site is situated in a zone district that does not permit mining as a special use, the applicant must first request a re-zoning to a zone district that permits mining. If successful with this request, the applicant can then proceed with a request for a "special use" status as described above. Few planning and regulatory agencies recognize the role that aggregates play in the maintenance and development of a community. It is common practice for communities to inventory wetlands, woodlands, special landscapes, wildlife, etc. and develop corresponding policies and regulations to protect these elements from urbanization. With few exceptions it is not the case for aggregates. While most units of governments have regulations for mining operations, few undertake inventories of aggregate resources or develop policies and regulations to protect these resources from urbanization. Consequently many deposits have been lost to urbanization and to the "not in my back yard" syndrome. That is why urban areas such as Denver, which contain extensive aggregate reserves, are facing aggregate shortages. Most states have enacted mining and reclamation regulations covering the extraction of aggregates. Administration and enforcement of these regulations varies considerably among these states. State responsibility may range from advisory, to review, to being the primary administrative body. In most cases local units of government are involved in the permitting process, even when the state is the primary agency. Where state agencies have primary jurisdiction, local units of government are typically allowed to develop regulations that are more stringent than the state s regulations. 11 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

20 Regulations cover two basic areas. These include operational standards and reclamation standards. The specifics of each ordinance will vary considerably between each community and from state to state. For example, an environmental impact assessment may or may not be required depending on overriding state requirements or the requirements of local ordinances. A. Operational Standards Operational standards cover issues commonly associated with industrial impacts. These standards are set up to eliminate or reduce the potential impacts of mining on the environment and surrounding land uses. Most of these impacts can be resolved by a combination of proper siting of operations and facilities or by technical solutions. Specifically, these operation standards cover such topics as: 1. Noise Primary sources of noise are truck traffic, stone crushers, processing plants, and dumping of aggregates on metal such as trucks and loading hoppers. Communities set decibel levels for mining operations. Most noise levels standards can be met through a combination of proper equipment maintenance, using natural terrain to reduce the noise level or by creating earth berms in appropriate locations. Distance between the noise source and the recipient is an important factor in reducing noise impacts. Vegetation of any type has little value in noise reduction. Investigative studies of noise levels in similar situations may be required as part of the permitting process. In addition, it may be necessary to monitor the noise levels during the mining process. 2. Dust Primary sources of dust are from truck traffic within the mine site, processing plants, stockpiles of processed material, and from land areas stripped of vegetation. Methods for controlling dust in mine sites include water suppression, application of environmentally safe chemical solutions, proper design and maintenance of processing equipment, and minimization of the amount of land void of vegetation at any point in time. Dust is not as serious an issue in mine sites where washing operations are included in the processing plant. The mining company may be required to document dust levels at similar sites and monitor dust levels during the course of the mining operation. 3. Aesthetics Primary issues are undesirable views of industrial structures and equipment, waste material and processed aggregates stockpiles, and disturbed land areas. Most negative visual aspects of a mine site can be resolved by using the natural terrain and woodlands in siting the processing plant and by using the natural terrain and woodlands in directing the pattern of excavation. In addition, negative views associated with disturbed land areas can be minimized by a sequential mining and reclamation program 12 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

21 to keep the amount of disturbed land, at any given point in time, to a minimum. Proper design and maintenance of the processing plant, areas surrounding the plant, and entrances to the plant will reduce negative visual aspects of the processing plant. Other techniques include installation of earth berms and plant material screens, and placement of all operational areas and activities at the lowest point in a pit or quarry. 4. Surface Hydrology For the most part off-site surface drainage is reduced because of the hole created by mining operations. However, erosion and sedimentation associated with disturbed land areas and with constructed earth berms may increase sediment load in runoff leaving the site. Standards dealing with alterations to natural drainage courses and wetlands are addressed in other federal, state and local statutes and are typically referenced in mining ordinances. An incidental benefit to ground water systems that can occur in mine sites is that a greater amount of surface water will flow into the ground water system. 5. Sub-surface Hydrology The primary concern of mining activities on sub-surface hydrology is the potential impact on the ground water table. At issue is whether or not the water table will be contaminated by the mining operation or whether or not the water table will be lowered, thereby affecting the water table level on adjacent properties. This is a complex and many times controversial issue. There are several points to understand. First, all mining does not extend into the ground water. If mining stays above the ground water, it is unlikely an operation will affect the quality or quantity of the ground water. Second, if a quarry operation extends below the natural water table, the water level must be lowered to the level just below the quarry floor. This means water will be discharged off site. If the water table is proposed to be lowered, extensive hydrologic engineering tests and modeling will be required to assess how far beyond the mine site boundaries the water table will be lowered. Tests must also be conducted to assess the quality of discharged water. This process then leads into an extensive permitting procedure. It will also require a remediation program if the lowered water table has any negative impacts on adjacent properties. Third, sand and gravel can be extracted from the water table without lowering the water. This can be accomplished with either a dredge or a dragline. Public concerns about contamination and lowering the water table also exist for these sand and gravel operations. However, except as described below, this author has never encountered or was ever presented any evidence of ground water tables being negatively affected by sand and gravel mining operations when no effort was made to lower the water table. Exceptions to the above comments exist in the more arid western states. In areas were evaporation exceeds precipitation there is a net loss of ground water exposed by mining operations. That is why western communities set up a variety of restrictions on mining into ground water. 13 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

22 6. Traffic Off-site trucking is one of the most contentious and controversial issues associated with mining operations. Issues of road type and condition, trucking routes, truck size, the number of trucks, and access from the mine site are commonplace. The involvement of traffic engineers in both the determination of trucking impacts and the design of entrances is critical. 7. Additional Standards Landscape architects will address a variety of other operation standards. These include setback requirements that detail how close mining operations and facilities can be to property lines and to neighboring uses; hours of operation during the day and during the week; and fencing requirements to secure the site from accidental intrusion. These standards vary considerably from community to community. For example, setback requirements related to how close mining can come to property lines may be 25 feet in one community and 500 feet in the neighboring community. B. Reclamation Standards Reclamation standards set minimal requirements for the stabilization of disturbed sites. Followed to the letter of the law, these standards will not result in the creation of the most productive, useful or attractive landscapes. The typical result is standardized and environmentally mundane landscapes consisting of uniform slopes, uniform soil conditions, and uniform vegetative cover. In general, when landscape architects seek more creative solutions to the reclamation and development of mine sites they will be required to seek modifications and alternative approaches to the reclamation process. This is not an argument against regulations but a recognition that these regulations typically set a low bench mark for development, whether it involves habitat, housing, recreation, or industrial development. Following is a description of reclamation standards commonly found in local mine reclamation ordinances. 1. Topsoil Removal and Replacement Most ordinances require preservation of topsoil for use in reclaiming mined land. They typically prescribe stockpiling methods and minimum depth of replaced topsoil. Many ordinances also prohibit removal of topsoil from the site. This particular requirement may be challenged when lakes are created in the mined areas resulting in less area to be covered by topsoil. 2. Sub-soil Handling Sometimes referred to as overburden, this material covers the deposit to varying depths and may include more than 20,000 cubic yards of earth material per acre. 14 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

23 Ordinances are inconsistent in regulating the handling and application of this material even though it is one of the primary materials used in reclaiming mined land. It is material that must be excavated to gain access to the mineral deposit. It is also a material that can be used to shape lands in a cost effective way. 3. Slopes Minimum slope requirements for pit and quarries vary considerably. They range from 2h:1v to 15h:1v with the most common slope requirements being in the range of 3h:1v to 4h:1v. For quarry walls the slope requirements may be expressed as height of walls and width of benches or terraces. In addition, special slope requirements may be set for shorelines and below-water areas. The stated reasons for establishing these "minimum" slopes are safety and land stability. 4. Revegetation Most ordinances call for the establishment of "suitable" ground cover with few other planting and landscaping requirements. Some require vegetation screens with no other specifics while others spell out density and size requirements and provide lists of acceptable species that can be used in "screen" plantings. Few require tests for disturbed soil conditions or require any type of land management program to assure establishment of vegetation on disturbed areas. 5. Mining in Relation to Water Table Many local ordinances have little to say about the water table other than to require setting some monitoring wells. Others set a variety of limits and requirements. These may include setting specific monitoring programs, minimum depths of undisturbed soil above the high water table, or minimum depths below water table. Some prohibit the creation of shallow water areas. This latter requirement presents some difficulties when the end use involves the creation of certain types of water-based habitats. 6. Bonding Bonding requirements are established to assure reclamation activities are completed according to the approved plan. The purposes of the bond are to provide money to re-grade and re-vegetate disturbed areas, stabilize steep banks and remove structures, equipment and debris from the site in the event the mining company defaults on the reclamation agreement. The landscape architect may be asked to determine the peracre reclamation cost or negotiate the per-acre cost with the local community. One technique may be to argue for a floating bond that applies only to disturbed land. The bond is released from any land that has been disturbed but reclaimed. This accomplishes two objectives: First, it reduces bonding costs. Second, it encourages mining companies to reclaim land as quickly as possible. 7. Ancillary Uses A variety of ancillary uses commonly associated with aggregate mining operations may be allowed or prohibited, depending on the land use zone district within which 15 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

24 the site is located. These typically include asphalt plants, concrete ready mix plants, and concrete and asphalt recycling operations. Some ordinances will not allow any of these uses in conjunction with mining operations. Other ordinances will require additional applications and hearings. C. Data Requirements Information required in applications to extract sand, gravel, and stone typically falls into five categories. 1. About the Applicant Financial data, corporate ownership information, property ownership, and previous experiences are common types of information required on each applicant. 2. Surface Conditions This information includes any data typically required for a site analysis, including topographic map specifications; natural, historical and archeological features; visual characteristics on and off site; and off- site conditions such as land use, access, and road systems. 3. Deposit Conditions Often a minimum number of borings are required to determine general deposit characteristics and ground water information. Some ordinances request information of resource specifications and quantity. This latter data may become a testy issue due to the fact that this is often considered privileged information that could benefit competitors if it was made public. 4. Operations Information required under this category includes descriptions of equipment to be used on-site, the processing plant and types of processes, water handling methods, excavation methods, production capacity, and the number of trucks entering and leaving the site on an average day. 5. Other Data A variety of other types of information to be included in a permit application may include: Modeling studies to determine impacts of the operation on ground water Traffic studies Decibel levels for each piece of equipment Proposed truck haul routes Soil tests Boundary survey Cross-sections of the deposit 16 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

25 Woodlands inventory Isopach maps indicating thickness of deposits and depths to ground water D. Submission Requirements In addition to the above described data the following documents, including written material, will be required as part of any application to mine. 1. Operation Plans Required documents may include plans that show locations of entrance areas, scale houses, processing plants, stockpile areas, sediment ponds, and berms and planting screens. In addition, these plans may be required to illustrate and describe mining and reclamation sequence activity. 2. Grading Plans These plans will illustrate the drainage and proposed configuration of the reclaimed site. Information about fill areas may or may not be required. 3. End Use Plan This plan is required to illustrate concepts for end use development of the reclaimed site. Because of the long-term nature of mining, it may be imprudent to be very specific about the end use of a site that may not be available for development for twenty to fifty years. The best approach is to illustrate the usability of the reclaimed site for a number of potential uses. 4. Planting Plan Few ordinances require a detailed planting plan. However, it is strongly suggested that a plan be prepared to illustrate areas to be screened, erosion control techniques, and general landscape improvements for the reclaimed site. E. Questions to be Raised Is the proposed mine site located in a land use zone district that will permit aggregate mining? What type of information is required to complete an application for a permit to extract aggregates? What is the relationship between state and local regulations pertaining to the mining of aggregates? What types of documents are needed to complete the application? Will any of the standards impede efforts to develop a creative reclamation program? Will there be a need to request variances to the standards in order to develop a better reclamation plan? What tests are needed to meet regulatory requirements? 17 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

26 What are the bonding requirements? Can a concrete and asphalt recycling operation or any other ancillary uses be included? Are there any local or state policies related to the protection, use and development of aggregate resources? F. Summary The regulation of aggregate mining falls under the jurisdiction of both state and local agencies, with local agencies being the most predominant regulatory body. These regulations are set to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community. They set minimum standards for the mining of aggregates and the reclamation of mined land. Landscape architects should view these standards as a baseline rather than as guidelines for the reclamation and development of mine sites. The landscape architect needs to understand both the intent of each standard and the applicability of each standard to the particular proposed mining operation. This understanding then becomes the basis for appropriate variations to the standards. 18 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

27 IV. Reclamation Planning Process Reclamation of mined land is a creative earth moving process that involves a systems approach to shaping and building new landscapes. This means earth moving activities associated with extracting and processing aggregates are integrated with earth moving activities associated with shaping and building these landscapes. Consequently, a multi-disciplinary team effort is required to develop a sound mining and reclamation strategy that addresses the complexity of an operation: geology, environment, legal, land use, and community issues associated with this type of land development project. Issues related to the development of reclamation plans for both abandoned mine sites and proposed mine sites are addressed in this section. In addition, an overview of opportunities for landscape architects in this field is presented. A. Opportunities For Landscape Architects In general, the educational background of landscape architects associated with the understanding and manipulating the physical environment, along with specialized experiences in land use planning and development, gives the landscape architect a distinct advantage in dealing with mining and reclamation issues. The range of opportunities for landscape architects in this particular area of practice is broad but falls into three categories. 1. Government Agencies The primary area of opportunity in this category is with state agencies such as Departments of Natural Resources or Environmental Quality within which most surface mine regulatory and oversight agencies are housed. To a more limited extent, opportunities exist with the U.S. Forest Service and with the Bureau of Land Management, each of which are involved in the regulation and management of mining activities on public lands. Work with these agencies will involve processing of permits and reclamation plans, field inspections, monitoring of various mining activities, and upgrading, developing, and overseeing the implementation of reclamation standards. 2. Mining Companies An increasing number of large aggregate mining companies are establishing land use/ land management/resource management departments. The responsibilities of these departments typically involve resource exploration, land acquisition, land management, permitting, environmental auditing and management, community relations, reclamation planning, land planning, development, and land sales. As a member of this department, landscape architects work with geologists, mine operators, and realtors. In addition, they will be involved with regulatory agencies, coordinate the efforts of various consultants, meet with neighbors, and maintain relationships with various community constituents concerned about, and interested in, both mining activities and reclamation opportunities. 19 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

28 3. Consultants Landscape architects are becoming increasingly involved with issues related to mining of aggregates. They represent mining companies in the permitting process and in preparing mining and reclamation planning and design documents. They work with mining companies in the preparation of landscape plans for mine sites before and after mining is completed and in the siting of processing plants and entrance areas in pits and quarries. Their work also includes visual impact studies and the preparation of site development plans for mined-out lands. Other consulting opportunities exist with government agencies where landscape architects represent, for example, park agencies in dealing with mining companies to secure access to existing or future mined-out sites for park and habitat development. This activity can involve working with both the mining company and park agency in the development of sequential mining and reclamation plans. This type of relationship can have multiple benefits. It can benefit the mining company in terms of securing access to more resources. It can benefit the park agency in terms of developing recreation and open space areas at a relatively low cost. Most importantly, the community will benefit by eliminating an "eyesore" and by having access to an attractive and in many situations a unique recreation landscape. In addition, similar types of services can be provided to land developers and land owners involved with mining companies. Other consulting opportunities with government agencies include preparation of reclamation plans for special habitats, providing inspection and monitoring services of ongoing mining operations, reviewing reclamation plans and permit applications submitted by others, and preparing reclamation guidelines and ordinances for mining operations. B. The Reclamation Team As with any planning and design project the best project team will include the expertise needed to resolve all the issues and create the best solution possible. Project scale and complexity, special issues, and the client s objectives are factors that help determine the type of expertise required to do the best job. On occasion only a landscape architect may be involved. In other situations many different types of experts will be required. For projects involving permitting and the preparation of mining and reclamation documents, the most common team members include landscape architects, mine operators, geologists, hydro-geologists, and civil engineers. Following is a brief description of the services each discipline might perform in the preparation of a permit application and mining and reclamation plan documents. 1. Landscape Architect The landscape architect, with a basic knowledge of and experience with geology and mine operations, should be in a position to direct the project team and undertake the 20 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

29 responsibility of preparing the mine permit application and the preparation of the mining and reclamation planning documents. These will include grading and land forming plans and earth work calculations (including earth handling plans that involve balancing earth quantities with land fill options). It will also include the preparation of planting plans, mine operation plans, reclamation phasing plans, preliminary land use concepts, erosion and sedimentation control plans, plans to reduce the visual impacts of the operation on surrounding lands, and various supportive graphics. 2. Mine Operators These experts are usually part of the clients staff. They can provide information about the equipment, earth moving processes and costs, mining procedures, processing plant characteristics and requirements, water handling methods, dust control techniques, etc. Most importantly they can advise the team on matters related to earth handling and reclamation techniques. 3. Geologist The geologist sets the base line data for any mining and reclamation program. The geologist provides critical deposit information to the client concerning the economic viability of the resource. This professional will also provide essential information to the landscape architect for sound reclamation planning decisions related to the development of the future mined-out site. This information includes depth and distribution of overburden, amount of waste material extracted from the deposit that can be used for land shaping, elevation of the water table, depth of the deposit below the water table, variability of deposit depths, and the total extent of the deposit. 4. Hydro-geologist The hydro-geologist s responsibility is to determine the impact, if any, the mine operation will have on the ground water. If the water table is lowered to conduct quarry operations, the hydro-geologist can conduct tests and prepare models that will predict the extent of the impact on ground water beyond the limits of the mine site. 5. Civil Engineer The civil engineer can undertake a variety of responsibilities in these types of projects. This professional can be involved in preparing earth handling and grading plans, calculating earth quantities, preparing entrance road designs, conducting traffic studies, and preparing reports related to the impacts of trucking on the haul routes. In some cases it may be appropriate to involve an engineer who specializes in traffic studies. 6. Additional Disciplines Land Use Attorney: This person is involved in the process to ensure that statutory requirements are addressed and legal procedures followed and that a defensible record is established, in the event future legal action is warranted. Appraiser: Occasionally a certified appraiser is brought into the team to undertake comparison studies concerning possible impacts mining operations have on property 21 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

30 values in the vicinity of the mine site. Community Facilitator: This professional can assist the team efforts in working with neighbors and various interest groups and communicating their concerns about the operation to the design team and by communicating the client s efforts in developing a responsible mining and reclamation operation. Wetland Specialist: Wetland specialists are involved in the permitting and mine reclamation process when wetland mitigation efforts are necessary or when new wetlands and special aquatic habitats can be created as a direct outcome of the mining operation. C. Recent Reclamation Practices It is often contended that mining is incompatible with urban land uses and with urban landscapes. In the past this negative image was nurtured by mining companies because they were not particularly responsive to the concerns of their neighbors and to the environment within which they operate. Significant changes in the aggregate industry s attitude toward the environment and community have occurred since the 1970 s. This change has been stimulated by three factors. First was the emergence of more sophisticated and comprehensive environmental regulations, including laws covering mining and reclamation activities, which had and continue to have a significant influence on ways mining companies can operate. Second has been the growing activism of local citizens and interest groups. While these individuals and interest groups demonstrate little knowledge about, or concern for, the importance of aggregates to an urban society, they actively, and many times successfully, pursue concerns related to the quality of life and the environment within which they live. Third, and a more recent phenomenon, is that mining companies are becoming more aware of the development value of properly reclaimed pits and quarries. Recent practices of the industry demonstrate mining operations can be a positive, compatible, and productive use in a community: Mining facilities have been sited in ways that have eliminated negative impacts on surrounding lands. A wide variety of productive, scenic, valuable urban end uses have been developed from pits and quarries throughout the United States and Canada. Significant number of wetlands, fish habitats, and wildlife habitats have been developed in mined-out pits and quarries D. Reclamation Planning is a Site Planning Process Reclamation planning is a site planning process that provides an organized approach to altering the landscape for human activities. It is based upon an understanding of all factors that relate to and influence the qualities of a particular site. It also requires a detailed knowledge of existing and proposed activities within that site. 22 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

31 The basic site planning procedure and site plan elements are similar in most projects. It is recognized, however, that each site and project presents unique conditions and circumstances that must be considered in the process. In the case of mining operations, three conditions uncommon to other projects exist. Mining is a major but transitory use that may exist for periods of time ranging from a few years to fifty years or more. Mining results in a massive modification of the site. It creates special land shaping and land development problems. It also presents unique landscape features and special development opportunities. The earth moving processes that alter the landscape are the same processes that can be programmed to create productive land forms and special landscape features. The real challenge to landscape architects is not whether or not mining should occur but how the operation can be planned and programmed to take full advantage of deposit conditions and operational procedures to create attractive and productive landscapes. Mining then becomes a means by which new and desirable landscapes are created. This concept recognizes that earth forming and earth moving are natural and integral parts of any mining operation. It also recognizes that only when mining operations are merged with land shaping operations can the fullest end use potential of any pit or quarry be achieved. E. Reclamation Planning Objectives Reclamation planning objectives relate to a range of environmental, production, aesthetic, land use, and economic issues. They address a dynamic and integrative process that links two basic activities: mining and land development. It is a process initiated at the opening of a mine operation and ends at the closure of the mine: a time frame that can encompass between five and fifty years. Objectives include: Create a mine environment that is compatible with adjacent land uses throughout the life of the mine operation. Maximize access to aggregate resources on the site. Take full advantage of unique deposit features created by the mining operation in shaping new landscapes. Utilize non-aggregate earth materials such as overburden, clay deposits, and mine waste in building and shaping land forms. Utilize available earth moving equipment and earth moving procedures in an efficient way to reclaim the mine site, without interfering with ongoing mining operations. Develop a coordinated and sequential program of mining, earth moving, land shaping, and landscaping to ensure lands are prepared for development as mining progresses through the deposit. 23 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

32 F. Reclamation Planning Elements There are five elements of an aggregate mining and reclamation planning program. The first four involve inventory and evaluation of data pertinent to the project. The last element involves preparation of a master mining and land shaping program based upon the synthesis of data. 1. Context The region within which a proposed pit or quarry operation is to be located is one of the first and most significant elements of the plan. It has economic, aesthetic, and land use implications both in terms of the impact the operation will have on surrounding lands, and in terms of impacts surrounding lands will have on the end use development of the mine site. Population projections provide a basis for determining future demand for aggregates. This information can also indicate potential population increases in the immediate vicinity of the mine site over a particular period of time. Comprehensive plans, zoning district maps, and land use policies are used to assess patterns of growth and development. This information provides data about the direction of potential utility expansion, road improvements, open space needs, environmental issues, and growth patterns. It is useful in assessing future aggregate needs, markets for particular land uses, and for assessing possible land use conflicts associated with future development in the vicinity of the mine site. Strategies can be incorporated into the reclamation plan to avoid or minimize anticipated conflicts before they occur. Transportation systems are evaluated for two reasons. One reason is to assess the potential for development activity around the mine site, and the other reason is to assess potential conflicts and opportunities for delivering aggregate to the consumer. This information is useful in selecting truck haul routes to minimize conflicts with the community. Regulations discussed in the previous section are part of the data base upon which the reclamation plan is developed. They provide guides and limits within which the plan can be developed. Understanding the limits placed on the reclamation process is the first step toward modifying or gaining variances to the regulations, should such modifications be reasonable to accomplish certain reclamation goals. 2. Surface Conditions Although the surface will be drastically altered by the mining operation, consideration must be given to existing physical characteristics of the site. This information is useful in assessing potential visual exposure of the mine operation, the possible limits of mining, desirable access points, and various environmental constraints. It is equally important to extend the assessment to adjacent lands to determine the relationship of these 24 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

33 lands to the project site and to assess both existing and potential areas of conflict. The character of the site and its relationship to adjacent lands can influence such things as entrance locations, the layout and siting of the processing plant, direction of mining, extent of mining, reclamation phases, visual and sound screening requirements, and various environmental design requirements. Existing terrain and vegetation are delineated to assess the potential for screening both the processing plant and the actual mining activity throughout the life of the mining operation. Areas exposed to adjacent lands typically require alternate site design solutions. It is noted that while natural terrain and created earth berms can be used as effective sound barriers, natural and planted vegetation is only effective as visual barriers. Vegetation can also be used as wind barriers to control dust. Thus, in efforts to minimize impacts of mining on adjacent lands, existing terrain and vegetation can be used to influence the location of facilities and the pattern of excavation. Surface drainage relates to several different drainage conditions. These include offsite drainage into the mine site, site drainage off the mine site, flood plains, flood ways, natural lakes and ponds, and wetlands. Each of these conditions must be addressed within the context of the appropriate local, state, and federal environmental laws. These conditions will influence decisions related to the permitting process, the pattern and extent of mining operations, the location of stockpiles, processing plants, and overburden fill areas. They will also affect design details on such items as erosion and sedimentation control, water discharge, mitigation of disturbed wetlands, and end use options. Access to the site is a major concern. Five factors must be considered in identifying potential access points into the site. First is sight distance for trucks entering and exiting the mine. Second is the classification and condition of nearby public roads on which trucks will travel to the market. Third is access options to public roads that present least conflicts with the public. Fourth is the need to design an entrance road that does not expose the public to the processing plant and mine site. Fifth is the need to design an entrance road that has a suitable grade for loaded trucks exiting the pit or quarry. This grade should be less than six percent. 3. Sub-surface Conditions The ultimate configuration and character of land and water areas in a pit or quarry is determined by a combination of the deposit structure and by the quantity and character of non-aggregate earth materials that will be handled during the course of the mining operation. A detailed investigation and assessment of the deposit is essential. This data should be recorded in a way that will provide images to the landscape architect of how the site would look when it is totally mined-out. The accuracy of this deposit structure image is critical because it is the base from which the final land form will emerge. It will influence decisions related to the direction of mining, the placement of overburden to create land, and the type and character of future land uses appropriate for the site. The following deposit information is significant to the design of a minedout site. 25 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

34 A deposit outline should be delineated to determine the horizontal and vertical extent of the mineral reserves. This information is extrapolated from data provided by deposit borings. It is typically illustrated in the form of an isopach map (Fig. 1) that shows the thickness of the mineral resources. This map can be interpreted to determine the variations in the depth and lateral limits of mineral reserves. Another type of map, (Fig. 2) can be developed to illustrate patterns of deposit depth. These graphics can show the deepest and shallowest reserve areas. Using this information the landscape architect can begin forming decisions relative to likely water areas, potentials for creating aquatic habitats, and potential land areas. Overburden, in the form of topsoil and sub-soil, covers most deposits of stone, sand, and gravel. Information about this material can be obtained from county soil reports, field tests, and the deposit borings. This material should be evaluated in terms of its characteristics, such as fertility, permeability, and compaction. In addition, the depths of both the topsoil and sub-soil should be determined in order to estimate the total volume of material available for reclamation. Another bit of information that should be recorded is the distribution of overburden quantities around the site (Fig. 3). The landscape architect can use this information in terms of trying to maximize land shaping opportunities while minimizing earth hauling distances and costs. In addition to the depth of aggregate reserves the following information about reserve characteristics is useful in the reclamation planning process. The quality of reserves may vary from one part of the site to the other. When some parts the reserves contain materials of a low enough quality, a trade-off between mining and leaving the area for land development can be considered; particularly where there is a potentially significant economic trade-off. Another bit of information that is useful in the planning process is the percentage of fines that will be washed from the aggregate during the processing operation. Varying from three to fifteen percent of the volume of aggregate mined, this material can be a significant resource in building wetlands, shaping aquatic habitats, or improving the water retention capabilities of sandy soils. Because it is a very fine-grained inert material with high water retention capabilities, it has limited value as a fill material to create buildable land. The above described information is obtained from soil borings. Figure 1. Isopach map illustrating deposit thickness with each contour representing 5 ft. thickness. Dots are locations of deposit borings. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. Figure 2. Color pattern indicates depth of deposit below water table. Black areas are the deepest, light orange areas are the shallowest. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 26 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

35 The ground water elevation, in relation to deposit depths will, of course, indicate whether or not lakes will be created by the mining operation. Ground water elevation is one of the most significant factors in the reclamation process. The presence of ground water will influence the type of extractive operation that will be conducted, the type of excavation equipment that can be used, the pattern of excavation, and the land development options for the site. Of particular importance to the landscape architect is the projected elevation of the water table and the depth of excavation below ground water. Knowledge about the potential water depths will influence the placement of fill and the type of end use options that can be considered. Obviously, depositing fill material in deep water will result in the creation of less land then depositing the similar amount of fill in shallower areas (Fig. 2). Variable pit bottom depths will be the basis for determining where overburden fill should be placed to build the greatest amount of water-oriented land forms or where the potential aquatic habitats can be built with the least amount of effort (Fig. 4). Figure 3. Color pattern indicates depth of overburden. Black areas contain the thickest overburden, light orange areas contain the shallowest. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 4. Mining Operations The mining operation is the vehicle through which new lands will be created. The challenge is to combine the earth moving activities of mining with the earth shaping activities of reclamation. In doing so, it is essential to keep in mind that land shaping activities must be conducted within the context of efficient mining activities. In order to shape land within the context of mining operations, the landscape architect must understand extraction procedures, how the earth moving equipment operates, costs of moving earth, and adaptations that can be made to the earth moving process for Figure 4. Section illustrates enhancement of wetland areas and fish habitats with the use of overburden fill and mine waste. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 27 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

36 the benefit of reclamation. In addition, the visual and audio impacts of both the extraction process and the processing plant must be an integral part of the reclamation planning process. The processing plant is the front door to most mining operations. It is the centerpiece between the pit or quarry and the trucking exit. Components of the processing plant are described in Section II. The entrance road should be aligned to provide quick and easy access to the processing plant without exposing the plant and mine area to the surrounding lands. In turn, a significant challenge to landscape architects is to site the processing plant and support facilities with consideration for its relationship to the deposit, to the entrance, and to the surrounding land. The processing plant needs to be close to the mine site to minimize aggregate transport costs. In siting the plant, advantage should be taken of terrain and vegetation to screen views and sounds from the public. At the same time it is important to avoid locating the plant in the midst of the best aggregate reserves. Proper siting of the processing plant can reduce many of the negative issues the public associates with mine operations. The landscape architect can have an influence on the direction of the mining activity when it is demonstrated land development options will be enhanced. To accomplish this the variables of and potential adaptations to the extraction process must be understood. Generally, extractive operations extend outward from the processing plant, thus exposing the pit or quarry face to the processing plant area. One of the challenges in planning the extraction process is to minimize exposure of disturbed areas to surrounding landscapes. Mining behind a hill or a wood lot to screen disturbed areas from adjacent lands would be one approach. If this is not possible, constructing earth berms and planting screens in appropriate locations before mining is initiated might suffice. In any event, every means to minimize exposure of disturbed land should be explored. A second challenge is to get the mine operator to initiate extraction in those areas where potential land forms are to be shaped. There are two critical reasons for addressing this opportunity. The double handling of earth material is a costly process. Overburden, stripped ahead of mining operations needs to be deposited somewhere on-site. If it cannot be placed in locations for building and reclaiming land, it must be stockpiled for removal to designated building areas at a later date. If extraction operations can be directed to those parts of the site designated as future building areas, any subsequent overburden can be placed in the right location the first time, thus avoiding stockpiling and double handling of the material. 5. The Mining and Reclamation Plan Design of the final mine site configuration occurs hand-in-glove with the design of the processing plant, selection of various mining and earth moving equipment, and programming of aggregate extraction activities. Preparation of this design involves synthesis of data, collected about the context, surface, sub-surface, and operations, into a single operational program. This is followed by a statement of operational objectives and a series of plan documents that illustrates the conduct of the mining operation and reclamation operation as the sequence of activity over a period of 28 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

37 time. This period of time may range from a few years to fifty years or more. In addition, these documents will illustrate the projected outcomes of the mining and reclamation program. A case study is used here to supplement descriptions of the various design steps. This case study, referred to as CTE, is a 750-acre site containing over 18,000,000 tons of sand and gravel and 3,500,000 cubic yards of overburden and fines for land shaping. The site was a series of open flat fields that sloped gently toward a river that formed the west boundary. The river area contained a flood way, flood plain, wetlands, and an archeological site, all of which represented approximately twenty percent of the site. This river area was excluded from the mining program. The site was dissected into five parcels by a private railroad and a class "A" county road and a short unimproved local road. It is bordered on the north and south by two small residential areas. Almost eighty percent of the site can be viewed from adjacent lands or public roads. Figure 2 illustrates the general sub-surface conditions of the site. With the water table being only fifteen to twenty-five feet below the ground surface, a series of lakes will be created by the mining operation. Seven primary project objectives guided development of this mining and reclamation project: 1. Design and locate the processing plant so it is totally screened from public view throughout the mining operation. 2. Select mining equipment and conduct an extraction pattern that will be hidden from public view throughout the mining operation. 3. Minimize the impact of mining on adjacent lands throughout the mining operation. 4. Design an earth moving and mining sequence that will enhance the creation of useable lake-oriented land areas. 5. Take full advantage of available earth materials and deposit characteristics to create developable land and water areas. 6. Design an integrated mining and reclamation sequence that will result in the phased development of a lake-oriented residential community. 7. Allow for maximum access to aggregate reserves. The following series of design steps and documents are presented as a guide to the development of a mining and reclamation program. Variations to this process are likely for each project. They will be influenced by local and state regulations, needs of the client, community issues, the character of the site and mining operation, end use options, and the complexity of the project. Design Steps and Documents Step 1. Locate the processing plant and entrance road. In the case study, the following criteria were used in studying various plant locations: Locate the plant as close to primary public roads as possible. 29 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

38 Locate the plant as near to the center of mass of the aggregate resource as possible in order to reduce pit to plant hauling costs. Locate the plant on the shallowest and poorest quality reserves as possible. Locate the plant in an area that can be effectively screened from the public. Locate the plant in an area that will complement final land shaping options. Seven locations were studied in the CTE project (Fig. 5). No location satisfied all criteria and no location fully satisfied the screen criteria. It was determined that the selected site near the center of the property satisfied most of the criteria and a special design solution for screening the site was necessary, using the following procedures: a. Strip topsoil and overburden from an area of a size needed for both a temporary processing plant and permanent processing plant and use the material to create a six to twelve foot-high contoured and landscaped berm around the site, including the area where the processing plant is located. b. Locate a low profile temporary processing plant in the stripped area and begin excavating in the permanent processing plant location to within four feet of the ground water. c. Build a permanent processing plant at the lower level which would be about twentyfive feet below the top of the berms (Fig. 6). Figure 5. Site selection study for the processing plant. Based upon evaluation of criteria for each site, the selected site is the white symbol in the center of the site. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. Figure 6. Processing plant located in pit floor surrounded by pit wall and 8 to 12 ft. berms. Sounds and views are contained by the earth forms. The curved entrance road plan insert prevents direct view into the pit. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 30 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

39 d. Construct an entrance road with a curved vertical and horizontal alignment to block any view of the processing plant. e. Landscape the entrance area so the character of the entrance blends in with the character of the surrounding landscape. Step 2. Coordinate the overburden stripping with the building of all berms required to screen open excavation areas (Fig. 7, 8, & 9). Depending on the nature of the site, this activity may be completed within the first year or two or be programmed over a period of time as mining expands throughout the site. At the same time the stripping is being programmed to create earth screens, the landscape architect needs to begin planning the placement of overburden stockpiles in conjunction with future mined areas to be filled. Typically there is a period of time between the time mining opens up a large enough area for land shaping and the need to dispose of a quantity of overburden. Once this mine area is open, stockpiling of additional material will be unnecessary. Figure 7. Grading plan of contour earth berms screening the mining operations. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. Figure 8. View of contoured earth berm screen and mine operation from top of berm. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. Figure 9. View of road and home from top of berm that screens mine area (to the left). Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 31 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

40 Step 3. This is the most complicated step because it involves the integration of mining, earth handling, and land shaping within the context of the deposit structure. It also involves balancing the amount of land to be created with the shape of the mined out deposit and the amount of available fill material. It is, in fact, a program with two missions: to mine resources efficiently and to shape land efficiently. (Fig. 10, 11, & 12) illustrate a mining sequence directed at extracting aggregates from the shallowest parts of the deposit first. As soon as these shallow areas are mined out, overburden is deposited in the areas to reshape the land to the intended configuration. Thus, the process of stripping and depositing overburden in pre-determined areas, aggregate extraction, and land shaping occurs simultaneously and in an orderly sequence. Figure 10. Sequential mining and restoration phases. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. Figure 11. Perspective of mining and land shaping phases. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 32 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

41 Figure 12. Perspective of final and completed mine shaping program. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. Step 4. Prepare a series of documents that details the intended character of the new landscape. These include grading plans, planting plans, sedimentation and erosion control plans, sections, and site detail plans. (Fig. 13) illustrates an end use concept, (Fig. 14) shows various shoreline configurations that can be created to satisfy specific end use requirements, (Fig. 15) illustrates a shoreline during and after mining activity, and (Fig. 16) demonstrates the configuration of an aquatic area to be shaped during the mining operation. G. Reclamation Of Mined-Out Land Reclaiming land that has been mined-out is a difficult and costly task. In spite of the fact that some features exist in these abandoned sites that are interesting, and maybe even attractive, efforts to make these areas useable requires considerable work, with an end-use potential that is limited when compared to pre-mine planned projects. Figure 13. Plan for end use development of mined-out sand and gravel pit Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 33 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

42 Figure 14. Concepts for shaping shorelines for different types of activity and uses. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. Figure 15. Perspectives of lake and shoreline during and after mining. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. Figure 16. Shoreline edge and lake bottom shaped by mining operation. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 34 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

43 1. Site Conditions for Development Noteworthy examples of reclaimed abandoned mines exist throughout the United States. A review of these projects indicates combinations of three conditions are present. The sites are situated in prime real estate locations where the opportunity for development allows for costly reclamation efforts. The site contains unique and attractive physical features. By chance, portions of the site contain buildable land. 2. Abandoned Mine Site Problems Anyone involved in abandoned mine reclamation projects needs to proceed with caution and with the intent of discovering exactly what type of site conditions exist on the property. The issues are not only what can be seen but the unknown conditions that have been covered over or that exist below the water surface. In some situations the only practical way of reclaiming abandoned mines is by re-activating the mining operation, if marketable material was left behind. Following are some of the more common potential conditions that need to be addressed as part of any site investigation: Prevalence of infertile and very permeable soil with most of the topsoil and even sub-soil removed from the site Irregular waste piles of rock, overburden, and silt that are partially covered with weedy species of vegetation Steep unstable and eroding banks, cliffs, and slopes Unknown depths and bottom contours of water bodies Unknown slopes and stability of shorelines Unknown fill areas that may present compaction problems for building sites Unknown dump sites Excavation banks too close to property lines Excavation too close to water table if area is to accommodate building sites Potential for flooding Size of building areas limited without addition of a significant amount fill Limited access to the site and within the site H. Reclamation Planning Continuum Aggregate mining operations often last twenty or more years. Because a variety of changes can occur over this period of time that can impact the mining process and end use options, landscape architects may have an opportunity to be involved with the mining client over an extended period of time. For example, unexpected changes in the quality and quantity of resources may decrease or increase the life of an operation, alter mining and reclamation patterns, or alter land shaping options; changes in demand can affect the life of the operation; changes in material specifications may of- 35 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

44 fer opportunities to use previously un-saleable resources; and changes in surrounding land use and development activities may alter end use development options. There are three stages in the reclamation planning process that may extend the landscape architect s relationship with the mining client. 1. Initial Stage: Planning and Permitting Documents This stage is described in the previous pages. It is undertaken to gain approval of a mining operation and of the reclamation plan and to secure the necessary mining permits. But the various changes often render parts of the planning documents obsolete, particularly in relation to shaping land forms and determining end uses. Thus, those documents serve more as a guide rather than as a specific and final detail. For example, it is unlikely that an appropriate end use can be determined with any accuracy when mining will not be completed for twenty or more years. While the ordinance and/or the community may demand specific and detailed end use determinations, the mining client is better served by efforts to create land forms that can accommodate a variety of end uses. Thus, parts of the planning documents should be considered conceptual in nature as more specific data about the operation, deposit, and surrounding environment is accumulated over time. 2. Second Stage: Review and Update Many times local ordinances require periodic reviews and inspections of the mine operation and mine site. An annual review and report is a common practice. Sometimes a review may only be required every five years. Because of changing conditions described above, it may be necessary to retain the services of a landscape architect to revise the permit and planning documents. 3. Third Stage: Detailed End Use Planning As specific information about the final stages of the mining operation and development potential emerge, the landscape architect may be asked to prepare detailed studies, site plans, and grading plans that delineate the specific end uses and development patterns as well as final mining and reclamation efforts. Usually this stage should occur within the last five years of the mining operation. I. Questions To Be Raised Which disciplines are needed for the planning and design of a mining and reclamation program? What is the role of each discipline on the team? What type of information needs to be gathered and evaluated about the region within which mining operations are proposed? What surface conditions are relevant to the project? What information about the deposit is needed to determine the configuration of the reclaimed site? How can the mining operation be used to shape land in a cost-effective way? What is the relationship between the processing plant, surrounding landscape and 36 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

45 the pit or quarry? How much overburden is on-site and how can it be used to create productive land areas? What conditions of an abandoned mine site that could affect the end use development opportunities of the site? Could the site be reclaimed by re-activating the mining operation? What level of detailed end use planning should be undertaken? What reasons can a landscape architect give for maintaining a continued relationship with the mining client? J. Summary The most effective way to develop the maximum end use potential of a mine site, whether it is for housing, habitat, or open space, is to coordinate the use of the mining equipment, earth materials, and deposit configuration. To be effective this process needs to be started before mining is initiated. It requires a detailed understanding of the characteristics of the region, site, deposit, and operations. 37 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

46 V. Reclamation Projects A perception exists among the public and within the minds of many professionals that the natural outcome of aggregate mining operations is a sterile and unattractive wasteland. To some it is inconceivable that mined-out sites could be put to any productive use. The basic response to this point of view is that there is only one use that cannot be considered in the reclamation of a mine site. That use is another mine operation, and even that limitation is subject to debate because new technologies and product specifications may make re-opening abandoned sites feasible. The point is, all uses can be considered in the development of mine sites. Pits and quarries have been developed throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe as nature areas, farm lands, orchards, amphitheaters, wetlands, parks, resorts, housing, office and industrial sites, arboretums, golf courses, and gardens. And the list goes on. As with any property, location is a critical factor. In addition, distinct site features created by the mining operation, such as rock cliffs, bodies of water, shallow water areas, and variable land forms can add interest and value to the site and increase the end use development options. Illustrated examples of reclaimed pits and quarries are described below. These are followed by a brief list of other reclaimed sites. A. Illustrated Reclamation Projects The illustrated projects represent park, housing, office, golf course, and special end uses that have been developed in both sand and gravel pits and in stone quarries. 1. Madison Lakes County Park This project is a good example of a long term publicprivate venture (Fig s. 17, 18 & 19). In the early1970 s the Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Department, Dayton, Ohio, purchased a partially mined stone quarry with the understanding it would assist the mine operator in a local zoning application to expand the mine site. As part of the agreement, the mining company would undertake reclamation work according to a reclamation plan prepared by the Parks Department. The first phase of the park was opened in Mining has continued along side the public park area to the present date, with additional land being purchased by the County for mining and park Figure 17. Madison Lakes master plan. Phase I development started in top portion of site in Mining in bottom part of the site was nearing completion in Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 38 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

47 development during the intervening years. The present site is more than 200 acres and will include about ninety acres of water. Facilities in the initial phase included the construction of two lakes, a community building, fishing piers, non-motorized boat docks, parking, picnic areas, and trails. Additional facilities will include a swimming area, trails, small boat ramps, picnic and day camp areas, and parking. Figure 18. Madison Lakes aerial photo. Image source unknown; contact ASLA with appropriate credit if known. Figure 19. View of community center along quarry wall at Madison Lakes. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 39 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

48 Two special site problems were encountered during the reclamation process. First, the local ordinance required that all quarry walls be back filled to a 3H:1V slope. This would have resulted in the burying of one of the most distinct and attractive features in the site. After plan details were developed illustrating the benefits of leaving portions of the wall, variances to this part of the ordinance were approved. The second site problem was that the water in the quarry was too clean to support fish life. Working with the State Fish and Game Department, nutrients were added through the deposit of topsoil in the lake and through controlled application of fertilizer. 2. Independence Grove Park Another example of a cooperative arrangement between a park agency and a mining company is the Independence Grove project in Libertyville, Illinois. It is an excellent example of how a public agency, working with the mining industry, can profit from the use of one important resource (sand and gravel) while creating another major community resource (in the form of an attractive water-based environment), at minimum cost to the community. In 1979 the Lake County Forest Preserve District purchased a 171- acre partially mined-out gravel pit along the east side of the Des Plaines River. At the time of the purchase, no reclamation plan was in place, all topsoil had been removed from the site, and 45-foot high vertical banks were near the property lines. The District staff realized the best way to economically reclaim the gravel pit was to authorize additional mining to offset the reclamation costs. Geologic tests indicated a significant amount of sand and gravel reserves existed on site, including sizeable quantities below the ground water table. Hydrologic studies indicated that the water table could be lowered without having negative impacts on adjacent water bodies and water tables. A market study indicated a major demand for this material existed in the region. In 1980 a plan for the mining and reclamation of the site was prepared. In 1982 detailed plans and specifications, involving consultants and District Staff landscape architects and naturalists, were sent out for bid to mining companies (Fig. 20). A contractor was selected to extract the sand and gravel and re-grade the site, including the proposed lake bottom, in accordance with the approved plan and specifications. During the course of the reclamation activity, Figure 20. Master plan of Independence Grove planned mining and reclamation program. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 40 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

49 an old landfill was uncovered in an abandoned part of the mine site. The landfill was cleaned up under the guidance of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. From 1980 to 1992 the District received more than $4,000,000 in royalties for the excavated sand and gravel. This was in addition to the $3,000,0000 worth of re-grading performed by the mining company up to that point in time. Mining continued through the summer of 1998, and included extraction of material from additional lands purchased by the District. Reclamation was completed and the preserve was opened to the public in The project was developed as a recreational and natural resource component of the overall park system. It was shaped in accordance with a reclamation plan that could only be completed through the process of mining. Over 160 acres of water were shaped by the mining company, the shoreline and bottom contours of which were specifically designed for diverse fish and wildlife habitats, a swimming beach, and for non-motorized boating (Fig. 21). Water depths vary from a few inches to more than thirty feet. Figure 21. View of Independence Grove park from path overlooking partially filled lake and underwater fish structures. A significant portion of the land area is now covered by water. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 41 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

50 Special land forms were designed to create a rolling landscape within which secluded areas, overlooks, hidden trails, and gentle shorelines could be developed (Fig. 22). The master plan links bike and hiking park trails with the County-wide trail system along the Des Plaines River. It also includes a variety of picnic areas, small playing fields, a visitor center, non-motorized boat ramps, a small marina, reconstructed prairie landscapes, and various support facilities. Figure 22. View of Independence Grove park from path overlooking partially filled lake and underwater fish structures. A significant portion of the land area is now covered by water. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 3. The Cliffs Housing Project The Cliffs housing project is located in Columbus, Ohio. A series of apartments and condominiums were built around and along the edge of a water-filled limestone quarry (Fig. 23). The distinguishing feature of this site is the rugged and rustic rock formations emerging from and outlining a body of water. Housing units are built on various levels created by the mining operation. Figure 23. The Cliffs housing project built in a quarry and along a quarried lake. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 42 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

51 4. Blue Heron Creek Housing Project Located in the western part of the Detroit Metropolitan area, this up-scale housing project was built on an abandoned sand and gravel site. It consists of a mix of apartment and condominium units built along the shore of the lake created by the mine operation. One of the significant development problems associated with this site was that much of the land area adjacent to the lake was too narrow or too close to the water table for building units. Consequently extensive earth moving and earth shaping efforts were required to create areas large enough on which to build the various housing units and support facilities. The water was one of the site features that added significant value to this property. Another feature of interest was the wetland that emerged from the sediment ponds. These ponds were filled with silt from the wash process of the mining operation and evolved into a productive and protected wetland (Fig. 24). A boardwalk and overlook were built along the wetland area as part of the overall walkway system. Figure 24. Blue Heron Condominium constructed around a sand and gravel pit. View overlooking the sediment pond (in the foreground) that evolved into a regulated wetland. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 5. Cascades Office Park This is an eighty acre water-filled limestone quarry located in Findlay, Ohio. It is actually a mixed-use development of medical offices, condominiums, and corporate offices. Several of the office building are built on the quarry terraces within the actual quarry (Fig. 25). The remaining structures will be built on setback areas and adjacent lands overlooking the quarry. A special design feature of this site is that the lake level has been maintained at about ten feet below the natural water table by using a series of hydraulic Figure 25. View of Cascades development from corporate office located on a quarry bench within the limestone quarry. Housing units are under construction on top of quarry in the background. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 43 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

52 pumps to discharge the water off-site. This ten-foot freeboard serves as a community flood control device which can store the flood water for a given period of time. 6. Quarry Place Office Park A series of office buildings was constructed on the site of an abandoned limestone quarry, located near Columbus, Ohio. No reclamation has ever occurred on the site other than the construction of buildings and support facilities. The distinct character of the site is shaped by the limestone walls which are softened by successional vegetation of trees, shrubs, and grasses. The architect took advantage of these features by placing the building structure at the edge of the limestone wall (Fig. 26). An important factor to consider in related projects is the stability of these quarry walls. Figure 26. Quarry Place office park building constructed at the edge of a quarry wall. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 7. Black Diamond Golf Course Located near Lacanto, Florida, this project is part of a large retirement community. Holes 13 through 17 of the community golf course were built in and around an abandoned limestone quarry. The distinguishing design feature of this project is that the golf course architect protected the unkempt qualities of the abandoned quarry in order to create a striking contrast with the manicured character of the golf course playing area (Fig. 27). As in other quarry projects, it is the quarry remnants, in the form of Figure 27. Black Diamond Green tucked into quarry. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 44 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

53 rock walls and rock materials, which provide strong points of landscape interest. 8. Shaping a Quarry Wall This project illustrates how a straight, one-half mile, 50-foot high quarry wall (Fig. 28) can be made more attractive for existing and future residential developments. A team of landscape architects, explosive experts, and quarry people developed a plan that selectively shaped a series of valleys, terraces, cascades, and irregular wall configurations as an integral part of the quarrying operation (Figs. 29, 30 & 31). Figure 28. Existing quarry wall. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. Figure 29. Plan concept for quarry wall modification.image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 45 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES

54 Figure 30. Section illustrating modifications of quarry area and wall to create waterfalls. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. Figure 31. Perspective of proposed quarry wall modification. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 46 Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series

55 Figure 32. Three uses in one old quarry in Austria: a quarry, an amphitheater, and an outdoor sculpture studio. Image courtesy Anthony Bauer. 9. Special Feature-Amphitheater There is a combination of three uses in this site, which happens to be one of the oldest continually operating quarries in Europe. These uses include an on-going limestone quarry operation, the large amphitheater for major concert events (Fig. 32), and an annual international sculpturing workshop located at the edges of active quarry operations. The site is located on the eastern side of Austria near the Hungarian border. B. Additional Reclamation Projects A complete list of reclaimed pits and quarries would fill many pages. Numerous golf course, housing, office, and park projects have been built and are being planned throughout the United States. These projects occur wherever active or abandoned pit and quarry sites cross the path of urbanization. The following are some additional and special types of projects built in pit and quarries. This list is not intended to be allinclusive. Rather, it is presented to illustrate the wide range of end use options for pits and quarries. 1. Agricultural Most agricultural reclamation projects have been developed on sand and gravel sites. There are several issues, common in the successful projects, that should be considered in other projects. These include: replacement of sub-soil and topsoil on the reclaimed land re-grading adequate slopes for drainage, particularly areas that have been filled, because of differential settling 47 RECLAMATION PLANNING OF PITS AND QUARRIES