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Applied Geomorphology Hydrologic Design Considerations to theStabilization and Reclamation ofMining Disturbed Lands
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30 Years: Changes in GeomorphicThought Applied to the Reclamation ofDisturbed Lands
A Continuum of Changes Engineering approaches and hard fixes
Riprap
Concrete
Steel
To a pure Geomorphic approach, coupled with
soft bio-fixes Vegetation retardance
Template design
Large Woody Debris
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Permanent ChannelDiversion: Use of
Culverts as Grade Controls
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Failure of 1968 ChannelDiversion: Little Medicine
Bow River
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Downstream Impact ofFailed Channel
Diversion
Depth of Downcutting30 to 40 feet
Two Deaths
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Channel Breach into Mine Pit-Failed Levee
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Revegetation Efforts to StabilizeFailed Breach
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Three Phase Approach - Reclamationof Mining Disturbed Lands
1. Qualitative Geomorphology
2. Quantitative Engineering Analysis
3. Final Design and Construction
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Three Phase Approach - Reclamationof Mining Disturbed Lands-Phase 1
1. Qualitative Geomorphic Evaluation of thePremining Landscape and Hydrologic Features
Establish Design Basis for Channel Stability
Controlling Variables in Slope Stability Define Your Mines Physical Position Within the
Landscape
Define Morphometric Parameters Which will beImportant in Predictive Modeling
Consider Impact of Mining on Defined Variables
Consider Opportunities
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Drainage Pattern Analysis
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Second Order Basin ReclamationCordero Mine
(courtesy of Rio Tinto)
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Field Data Collection
Geomorphic Observations
Existing Channel Geometry
Natural Grade Controls and GeologicInformation
Material Quality (overburden drilling)
Topsoil Characteristics and Handling Flow Gaging and Rating
Sediment Sampling (Bars and Banks)
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SEDIMENT SAMPLINGArmor and Subarmor AnalysisWolman CountParticle Size Analysis
Sediment Routing by Size FractionAtterberg Limits of Bank Material
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Understanding the Importance ofSlope Morphology toErosion and Sedimentation
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Acidic Spoils Slope OverlookingFailed Reclamation
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Office Analysis of Data
Historical Air Photograph Interpretation
Base Mapping and Photogrammetry
Horton Analysis of Basins
Morphometric Analysis of Watershed
Landform Stability Correlations to Gradient, SlopeAspect and Slope Shape
USGS and Baseline Gaging Data (water andsediment)
Soils Mapping Data
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Historical Air Photo
Analysis
Review of HistoricalPatterns
Planform
Sinuosity, Length,Width
Channel Geometry
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Hydraulic GeometryCharacteristics
Upstream (or Template)Reach
Downstream Reach
Reconstructed Reach
Leopold and Maddock,
1953 relationsVelocity vs. Discharge
Top Width vs. Discharge
Depth vs. Discharge
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Three Phase Approach - Reclamationof Mining Disturbed Lands-Phase 2
2. Detailed Engineering Analysis IntegratingGeomorphology with Hydraulic and SedimentTransport Analysis
Hydrology and Geomorphic Models
Integrate Previously Developed Baseline and GeomorphicTrend Data into Modeling Effort
Earthwork Models (Digital Terrain Model) Balance Landscape and Land Feature Design with Mining
Economics (earthworks, slope stability, haul distances andcost)
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There is an Abundance ofCOMPUTER MODELS Out There!!
Dont Let Your Pre-Occupation withImprovements in Numerical Methods, UserFriendliness or Other Peripheral Considerations
Allow You to Lose Sight of REALITY
REALITY IS THE PHYSICAL PROCESS OF
LANDFORM DEVELOPMENT and ALLUVIALCHANNEL FORMATION
Calibrate Your Model to Your PhysicalObservations!
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Reality Check
Calibration Use the baseline data, which you collected
Compare hydrology against regional regressions, historicgaging
Compare hydraulics to field or gaging data, known floodlevels or field observations
Sensitivity Analysis
Adjust select parameters like CN, mannings n, channelgrade or baselevel
Vegetation retardance (early reclamation versus latereclamation)
Verification Use monitoring data (sediment yield, profile changes)
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Develop WatershedHydrology
Example: 160 square mile basin Shirley Mountains to Shirley
Basin
Q100= 4721 cfs Q10=1438 cfs Q5= 783 cfs Q2=319 cfs
Compared results to
regional regressions andgage/basin area reductionmethods
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Basin Delivery:Water and Sediment
HEC RAS H d li St d
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HEC-RAS Hydraulic StudyComparison of Reach
Hydraulics
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Three Phase Approach - Reclamationof Mining Disturbed Lands-Phase 3
3. Final Engineering Design andConstruction
Earthwork balance with defined balancepoints
Simplicity
Operator (contractor) buy-in Revegetation
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Slope Shaping and Reclamation
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Revegetation Efforts:Scarifying, Pitting and Seeding
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Upper Reach West Fork Kicken Draw
Caballo Rojo Mine, Powder River Basin
Final Reclamation of Mine
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Final Reclamation of MinePit Impoundment
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Reconstructed Wetlands-Cordero MinePowder River Basin
Little Medicine Bow
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Little Medicine BowAbove Reclamation Area
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Reconstructed Little Medicine Bow River
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Little Medicine Bow River5 Years Later
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Little Medicine Bow River12 Years Later
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Questions??
Develop Design Concept: Sediment Transfer andPressure Relief
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Pressure Relief
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