& !»5s'H5'(>o

<7

r

' DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

l!> OP

TECHNICAL NOTE

TN^

Mailing List 1

Filing Code 3042
Date Issued

Ol

^ 1 'l*

U>5

*« i

c)

Bureau of Land Management U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Subject: Annotated Bibliography of Reclamation Literature

Pertaining to Western U. S.

1. Armstrong, W. H., Establish Drought-Tolerant Plants by Direct
Seeding . California Division of Highways, Department of Public
Works, October 1968.

This is a review of the progress of research at the University
of California (Davis) toward establishing drought-to lerant
plants by direct seeding methods. Plant species are being
evaluated for drought-tolerance , aggressiveness, insect and
disease resistance and appearance. Seeding methods are being
designed to make optimum use of natural conditions. Soil tem¬
peratures, moisture readings and plant survival are tabulated.

2.

Beerbower, R. C., Jr., Maintenance of Refuse-Disposal Areas.
Coal Age, February 1968, pp. 102-106.

Discusses planning, design and location of preparation plant,
spoils and tailings area. Based on U. S. Steel's coal mining
operation at Maple Creek Mine, Pennsylvania.

3. Bergoffen, Gene S., A Digest (of) Strip-Mine Reclamation.
U. S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, 1962.

This is a review and summary of published reclamation litera¬
ture through mid-1961. Most of the reclamation research up to
that time was being carried out in the eastern U. S., but some
of the results and conclusions are applicable in the western
states. The coverage includes a discussion of the character¬
istics of spoils and the influences these have on revegetation,
selection of plant species and methods of planting, potential
uses of strip-mined lands, and mining methods used. The
stringency and administration of state strip-mine reclamation
legislation is reviewed.

FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES WRITE TO DIRECTOR, PORTLAND SERVICE CENTER, BOX 3861, PORTLAND, ORE., 97208

4. Bingham, E. R., and Chabot, L. E., White Pine's Program.

Mining Congress Journal, August 1968, pp. 29-32.

Discusses maintenance of environmental quality and reclamation
of disturbed lands from total operational standpoint - mine,
mill and smelter. Located in northern Michigan.

5. Brooks, David B., Strip Mine Reclamation and Economic Analysis.
Natural Resources Journal, Volume 6, No. 1, January 1966.

The author suggests that a rational allocation of resources
(value of minerals vs. social costs resulting from extraction)
can be made based on benefit-cost analysis. Goals used are
national productivity, cultural and aesthetic values, and
local employment (redistribution of income).

6. Chapman, A. G., Effects of Spoil Grading on Tree Growth.

Mining Congress Journal, August 1967, pp. 93-100.

Discusses effects of grading spoil banks as to compaction of
materials and resulting effects on water absorption, erosion
and plant survival. Emphasis is on clayey soils; test results
of tree species, soil types and various types of grading are
listed.

7. Coal Age, Strip Coal Mining, The Total-Benefit Industry, April
1966.

This brochure emphasizes the coal industry viewpoints: eco¬
nomic contributions of the industry to national needs, voluntary
reclamation of mined areas, economic considerations of reclama¬
tion. Some of the uses of reclaimed lands include timber,
wildlife habitat, agriculture, urban development, water storage
and recreation sites.

8. Coal Age, P&M Reclamation - Forests, Lakes, Recreation Centers,
October 1966, pp. 100-107.

Reviews techniques used and results obtained on reclamation at
Pittsburgh and Midway Coal Company mines nationwide. The Edna
Mine at Oak Creek, Colorado and the McKinley at Gallup, New
Mexico are in the western U. S. Revegetation at the McKinley
Mine started in 1962; plantings include red cedar, ponderosa
pine and fescue grass. At the Edna, native grass, scrub trees,
Russian olive and various grasses have been planted.

-2-

9. Coltharp, G. B.; Cook, C. Wayne; and Jensen, I. Bernard,

Methods and Techniques for Seeding Roadway Cuts and Fills on

Interstate Systems in Utah, Annual Project Report and Work
Plan, Project No. 684, Agricultural Experiment Station.

This study was initiated in 1965 at various Interstate Highway
locations throughout the State of Utah. Some of the topics
covered are: effect of mulches and fertilizers on seedling
establishment; effect of drill types on seedling establishment;
species adaptability; use of pre-emergent and post-emergent
herbicides in weed control for seedling establishment. Plots
are identified and specific treatments discussed.

10. Dean, Karl C.; Havens, Richard; and Harper, Kimball T. ,

Chemical and Vegetative Stabilization of a Nevada Copper

Porphyry Mill Tailing. U. S. Department of the Interior,

Bureau of Mines, R. I. 7261, May 1969.

Tests were made on stabilizing windblown tailings at McGill,
Nevada. Legumes, winter wheat, wheatgrasses and wild rye
were seeded and protected with a resinous adhesive chemical
until sprouting. Annual precipitation is about eight inches,
strong winds common and tails were slightly basic (pH 7.3 to
7.5). Fertilizer was used; no irrigation. Costs are esti¬
mated at about $135 per acre and probably could be reduced.

11. Dean, Karl C.; and Havens, Richard; and Valdez, E. G.; Utili¬
zation and Stabilization of Solid Mineral Wastes. U. S.
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines. Presentation at
the 16th Ontario Industrial Waste Conference, Niagara Falls,
Ontario, June 1969.

Authors briefly reviewed possible uses for solid wastes from
mines, mills and smelters. Stabilization techniques by chem¬
ical, physical, vegetative and combined methods are discussed
in detail. Salient features, advantages and problems with
each method are reviewed. Cost estimates for chemical stab¬
ilization are given. Vegetation studies are reviewed, in¬
cluding effects of salinity and heavy metals. Interaction of
fertilizers with heavy metals, possible modification of
structure or pH of tailings and dewatering tailings were stu¬
died. The chemica 1 -vege tat ive stabilization test at McGill
is reviewed.

-3-

12. Gordon, I. M., Erosion Control at Hollinger Mine Tailing Site.
Canadian Mining Journal, June 1969, pp. 46-49.

This discusses establishing a vegetative cover on mill tail¬
ings (pH 7. 0-7. 4) at Timmons, Ontario by the Hollinger Conso¬
lidated Gold Mines, Ltd. Fertilizer rates, seedings and grass
species are listed. A novel aspect is use of sewage sludge on
one area; highly successful. Scrub trees are planted as wind¬
break, and conifers will be planted in subsequent years for
future timber.

13. Grubb, Hayes F., The Feasibility of Vegetating Mine Tailing at
Climax, Colorado. Master's Thesis, Colorado State University,
August 1965.

This study was made to determine the feasibility of establish¬
ing vegetation on the mill tailings at Climax. The site is at
an elevation of 11,000 feet in central Colorado. Mean annual
precipitation is about 23 inches, but the growing season is
very short - the general environment is near alpine. The study
included particle size distribution, cation exchange capacity,
hydrogen ion activity, nutrients and trace minerals. Various
plant species were tested in the greenhouse and field. It was
determined that nutrients must be added, the pH raised and the
surface stabilized for survival of vegetation.

14. Gwynn, Thomas A. , Rehabilitation of the Lignite Areas of North
Dakota Following Surface Mining. Knife River Coal Mining
Company, Bismarck, North Dakota, April 1965.

See : Reclaiming Strip-Mined Land in North Dakota by Establish¬

ing Game Management Areas, January 1965.

15. Gwynn, Thomas A., Reclaiming Strip-Mined Land in North Dakota
by Establishing Game Management Areas. Knife River Coal
Mining Company, Bismarck, North Dakota, January 1965.

The author gives a review of strip mine problems and reclama¬
tion in North Dakota. The Knife River Coal Mining Company re¬
clamation of its properties in North Dakota and Montana dates
from 1963. Soil analyses and fertility tests of the soils
were made. Wildlife habitat was selected as the optimum use
of the mined lands. A wide variety of grasses, shrubs and
trees were tested in diverse sites - 20,000 seedlings planted
in 1964. Information is given on tree survival by site and
species, recommended hand planting methods for trees, and
effect of spoil bank grading.

-4-

16. Gwynn, Thomas A., Reclaiming Strip-Mined Land by Establishing
Game Management Areas. Knife River Coal Mining Company,
Bismarck, North Dakota, July 1966.

This is a follow-up report of work done by Knife River Coal
Mining Company on properties in North Dakota and Montana.

Over 156,000 seedlings were planted during 1965 at various
sites. Preliminary observations were made on plant survival.
Wildlife use is considerable. This program is compared with
reclamation progress in other states.

17. Gwynn, Thomas A., An Improved Environment through Intelligent
Mined-Land Reclamation. Paper presented at the SME Fall
Meeting,* Rocky Mountain Minerals Conference, Salt Lake City,
Utah, September 19, 1969.

Summarizes recent legislation in field of mined-land reclama¬
tion, stressing that mining companies must cooperate in se¬
curing just, realistic reclamation laws.

18. Haf enrichter , A. L. , et al.. Grasses and Legumes for Soil
Conservation in the Pacific Northwest and Great Basin States.

U. S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service
Handbook 339, April 1968.

Experimental work on grasses and legumes over the past 32
years at various Soil Conservation Service plant material
centers in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Utah is
summarized. Plants are grouped by rapid-developing short¬
lived grasses, saline- and alkali-tolerant, drought-resistant
long-lived bunch and sod grasses, bluegrasses, five-leveled
grasses and legumes. Characteristics, adaptability, uses and
planting of each is discussed. Maps of the agricultural zones
of each state are given.

19. Havens, Richard and Dean, Karl C. , Chemical Stabilization of
the Uranium Tailings at Tuba City, Arizona. U. S. Department
of the Interior, Bureau of Mines RI 7288, August 1969.

Acid and basic uranium mill tailings at Tuba City, Arizona
were stabilized against wind erosion by use of an elastomeric
polymer on the dike areas and a calcium magnesium ligno-
sulfate on the beach areas. Cost was $335 per acre for the
34.5 acre tract. Details as to methods of application and
cost breakdown are given.

-5-

20. Horton, Jerome S. , Trees and Shrubs for Erosion Control in
Southern California Mountains. California State Board of
Forestry, Department of Natural Resources, 1949.

Discusses trees and shrubs that have proved adaptable to
planting in eroding areas of the Southern California Moun¬
tains. It also briefly describes the different types of
eroding areas, outlines conditions that restrict the choice
of what and where to plant and suggests special precautions
that are necessary to establish the selected species success¬
fully. (Source: A1 Thompson, Portland Service Center)

21. Jacoby, Pete W. , Jr., Revegetation Studies on Coal Spoil Banks
in Southwestern Wyoming. Master's Thesis, University of
Wyoming, January 1968.

This was a second phase of study at the Sorensen Coal Mine
following Lujan's work. Tests were made of crested and inter¬
mediate wheatgrasses , Russian wildrye, smooth bromegrass and
alsike clover on various ages of spoils. Treatment included
mulch, jute net, snowfence, irrigation and combinations of
these. Succession of native, invading and introduced plants
was noted. Economic evaluation of the treatments is given.

22. Jacoby, Pete W. , Jr., Revegetation Treatments for Stand Es¬
tablishment on Coal Spoil Banks. Journal of Range Management,
March 1969, Volume 22, No. 2, pp. 94-97.

See : Revegetation Studies on Coal Spoil Banks in Southwestern

Wyoming .

This is a short summary of the research, results and
conclusions .

23. Johnson, Craig, Practical Operating Procedures for Progressive
Rehabilitation of Sand and Gravel Sites. National Sand and
Gravel Association, Silver Spring, Maryland, 1966.

This is a general presentation of operating methods and re¬
clamation of sand and gravel deposits. These are usually ex¬
ploited in urban areas so the emphasis is on rather intensive
development. Some application, especially of pre-mine plan¬
ning suggestions, may be made to other mineral development in
less populated areas. Equipment characteristics and recom¬
mendations are given.

-6-

24.

Lujan, Leandro E., Revegetation of Strip-Mined Areas in
Southwestern Wyoming. Master's Thesis, University of
Wyoming, August 1966.

This study was made at the Sorensen Coal Mine testing native
and introduced grasses, shrubs and trees (emphasis on latter)
for survival in strip-mine spoil piles. Various combinations
of irrigation, fertilization and site orientation were tried.
Soil analyses, moisture content and some soil temperatures are
given. The mean annual precipitation is about nine inches.
Survival rates are given and evaluations made.

25. May, Morton, Mine Reclamation in the Western States. Mining
Congress Journal, August 1967, pp. 101-105.

Reviews problems and research findings as to mined-land re¬
clamation in the western United States. The major problems
of this area are lack of moisture and selection of desirable
plant species adaptable to revegetation of the area. Diver¬
sity of problems and need for study are emphasized.

26. Neumann, G. W. , Tailings Disposal of No. 12 and No. 6 Con¬
centrators at Brunswick Mining and Smelting Corporation. Ltd.
Canadian Mining Journal, June 1969, p. 60.

Construction details are given for tailing storage and ef¬
fluent settling ponds designed to avoid pollution of local
streams. Soluble zinc and copper are removed by addition of
lime to give a pH of 9.5+.

27. Peters, T. H. , The Use of Vegetation to Stabilize Mine Tail¬
ings Areas at Copper Cliff. Presented at the annual meeting
of the Mines Accident Prevention Association of Ontario,

May 1969.

See: Young, C. A., The Use of Vegetation to Stabilize Mine

Tailings at Copper Cliff. Canadian Mining Journal,

June 1969, pp. 43-45.

28. Peterson, Howard B., and Monk, Ralph, Vegetation and Metal
Toxicity in Relation to Mine and Mill Wastes. Utah State
University (Logan) Utah Agricultural Experiment Station,
Circular 148, September 1967.

This annotated bibliography of the literature relating to ef¬
fects of metal toxicity on plants is indexed by specific ele¬
ments found in mine, mill and smelter wastes.

-7-

c

29. Progress for Stabilization of Federal Aid Highways in New

Mexico, 1965-1970: Project Report, New Mexico State Highway
Department, 1969.

Stabilization seedings were made to reduce soil erosion on
rights-of-way and to protect adjacent lands from siltation and
pollution. Long fibre mulches, applied with asphalt, were
most effective in stabilizing soil, reducing erosion and en¬
couraging grass growth and survival on critical areas. Low
cost methods, such as broadcast seeding with little or no bed
preparation, were generally not successful. Competition by
desirable species appeared to be the most effective and
cheapest weed control. Natural revegetation of New Mexico
roadsides normally takes three to five years on relatively
stable areas with seed source from adjoining rangelands.

During the five year period the State Highway Department had
19 stabilization seeding contracts. All were successful;
results and costs are detailed.

30. Reilly, J. D. , Planning Surface Mine Reclamation before Mining.
Mining Congress Journal, November 1965, pp. 93-96.

Stresses need for pre-mine planning of reclamation. Consid¬
erations are economics, revegetation, erosion, water conserva¬
tion and aesthetics. Potential land uses must be considered -
recreation, forage, timber and urban development.

31.

Schellie, Kenneth L. and Rogier, David
and Rehabilitation Practices for Sand
National Sand and Gravel Association,
1963.

L. , Site Utilization
and Gravel Operations.

Silver Spring, Maryland

*

This is a guide for pre-planning the useful adaptation of land
after extraction of minerals. Since it is concerned with sand
and gravel operations, the emphasis is on the intensive land
uses found in urban areas. However, some of the material is
applicable to mining projects involving other minerals in less
populated areas. The authors stress long-range pre-use plan¬
ning to ensure legal availability of deposits and proper sub¬
sequent land use. Various land uses and site requirements of
each are given. Site improvement practices - involving grad¬
ing, soils and planting - are described.

-8-

(

32. Schellie, Kenneth L. and Bauer, Anthony M. , Shaping the Land-
Planned Use of Industrial Sand Deposits. National Industrial
Sand Association, 1968.

The authors point up the need for preliminary site planning,
before mining begins, to realize the highest potential use of
the mined-land. Industrial sand deposits and the usual ex¬
tractive processes are suggested. The planning procedure,
plan elements and objectives are discussed.

33. Stark, N., Review of Highway Planting Information Appropriate
to Nevada. University of Nevada, College of Agriculture,
Bulletin No. B-7, 1966.

The ecological factors involved are briefly summarized. Cri¬
teria for various types of plantings are given: intensive-
beautification, intermediate, nonintensive , erosion control
and miscellaneous. The problems related to highway plantings
are discussed; many of these are applicable to revegetation
of any disturbed area. Weed control, need for seed informa¬
tion and sources, water and fertilizer requirements, various
mulches and other special problems are considered. Highway
planting programs of other states are reviewed. A detailed
list of plants is given by vegetation zones. Soil and mois¬
ture requirements, insect and disease resistance, seed source
and general characteristics of each plant are listed.

34. Sullivan, G. Don, Current Research Trends in Mined-Land Con¬
servation and Utilization. Mining Engineering, March 1967,
pp. 63-67.

A review of the research on mined-land reclamation currently
underway by the coal industry. The work is centered princi¬
pally in the eastern states with some interest and research
starting in the Midwest, North Dakota and Wyoming. Areas of
interest include revegetation, soil chemistry (spoils), hy¬
drology and earth movement.

-9-

35. Thompson, Wesley W. , Cover Establishment on Strip-Mined Area
Using Two Rhizomatous Grass Species. Master's Thesis,
University of Wyoming, January 1969.

This study at the Sorensen Coal Mine tested sprigging and
sodding of two species of grasses in spoil piles. Species
tested were Inland saltgrass (Distichlis spricata var
stricta) and Western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii). Com¬
parisons were made of the grasses, the two planting methods,
seasons of planting, influence of age of spoils, orientation
of slope and influence of protection (snowfence). Soil
analyses, moisture readings and soil temperatures were com¬
piled. Survival rates are given and evaluations made.

36. U. S. Atomic Energy Commission. Erosion Control Uranium Mill
Tailings Project, Monticello, Utah. RMP-3005, December 1963.

This project involved stabilization and revegetation of 40
acres of mill tailings at Monticello, Utah. Average annual
precipitation is quoted at 14 inches. Tailings were graded,
covered with rock, sand and topsoil. Both commercial fertil¬
izer and manure were added and grasses seeded with rangeland
drill. Some watering was done to germinate the spring seed¬
ing. Costs were quoted at $190,000. Report lists seeding,
soil analyses as to pH, radiation readings, fertilizer ap¬
plied, material moved, equipment used and evaluation of re¬
ports.

37. U. S. Department of Agriculture. Restoring Surface-Mined
Land. Miscellaneous Publication No. 1082, April 1968.

The extent of surface damage from mining is briefly reviewed.
Tabulations are presented showing acreage of damaged land by
commodity, mining method, state, ownership, age of mines,
etc. Various aspects of the damage are considered - onsite
and offsite effects. Accomplishments in reclamation, land
treatment, research and legislation are reviewed.

-10-

38. U. S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Disposi¬
tion and Control of Uranium Mill Tailings Piles in the Colorado
River Basin. Federal Water Pollution Control Administration,
March 1966.

This report is a survey of mill tailings at idle and active
uranium mills in the Colorado River Basin - western Colorado,
eastern Utah, northeast New Mexico and northwest Arizona.
Long-range health hazard potential and possible pollution of
groundwaters are considered. Treatment methods are recommended
and costs estimated.

39. Waldbie*ser, William C., Development of Equipment for Cast
Overburden Reclamation. Mining Congress Journal, July 1968,
pp. 50 and 51.

Reviews the need for more economical equipment or methods for
the reclamation phase of strip-mining operations. Discusses
enlarged trenchers or backhoes, use of booster draglines and
wheel excavators.

40. Young, C. A., The Use of Vegetation to Stabilize Mine Tailings
Areas at Copper Cliff. Canadian Mining Journal, June 1969,
pp. 43-45.

This article describes the methods International Nickel Company
used to stabilize and secure vegetative cover on tailings at
Copper Cliff, Ontario. Details as to preparation, seeding
and fertilization are given. The tailings have a pH of 4.0.
Grass has been established on over 500 acres.

41 . 1968 Fiscal Year Annual Report, Highway Beautification.

Los Lunas Plant Materials Center, New Mexico, 1968.

A total of 161 varieties or accessions of plants are being
evaluated at the Los Lunas Plant Materials Center for use in
roadside stabilization, beautification and conservation.

Field evaluations will be made on many of these. Fertilizer
tests have been made along Interstate 25. An excelsior soil
retention blanket has proved successful in protecting ditch
bottoms and berm areas from water erosion. Sites are listed,
sample seeding instructions are given and test results of
various species are discussed.

-11-

-

-

• r» ■' aW

■

.