Applying WEPP technologies to western alkaline surface coal mines

Abstract

One aspect of planning surface mining operations, regulated by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), is estimating potential environmental impacts during mining operations and the reclamation period that follows. Practical computer simulation tools are effective for evaluating site-specific sediment control and reclamation plans for the NPDES. The purpose of this study was to apply the USDA's WEPP (Water Erosion Prediction Project) model to evaluate cumulative watershed hydrological responses and the spatial variation of soil detachment and deposition as affected by complex topography and spatial distribution of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for erosion control at Western Alkaline Surface Coal Mines. Our specific objectives were (1) to acquire and compile WEPP inputs for climate, topography, soil, and land management to describe mining conditions, and (2) to develop templates for erosion control BMPs (revegetation, sediment basin, and silt fence).

Citation

Wu, J. Q.; Dun, S.; Rhee, H.; Liu, X.; Elliot, W. J.; Golnar, T.; Frankenberger, J. R.; Flanagan, D. C.; Conrad, P. W.; McNearny, R. L. 2011. Applying WEPP technologies to western alkaline surface coal mines. ISELE Paper Number 11086. Paper presented at the international symposium on erosion and landscape evolution; September 18-21, 2011; Anchorage, AK. 8 p.