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This thesis project explores the transformation of an active mining site into an infrastructure with a dual purpose. The project aims to address the negative environmental impacts associated with the mining industry and contribute to the development of a sustainable energy grid. Focusing on Boliden's Garpenberg Mine in Sweden, the proposal utilizes a technique called Mine Storage, which harnesses pumped storage principles to store and release energy. By repurposing mine shafts as energy storage systems, this approach enables the stabilization of the residual load curve and alleviates energy grid bottlenecks. The project recognizes the challenges of mine reclamation, particularly concerning water pollution, and explores the potential for an architect's contribution in enhancing the outcomes of such projects. The proposed solution involves the creation of a wetland-like environment within the reclamation area, which acts as a natural filter, purifying water as it flows through. The wetland helps trap and break down pollutants, improving water quality and reducing the impact of pollution on downstream ecosystems. The architectural design integrates the wetland with the Mine Storage infrastructure, aiming to provide a variety of conditions and habitats for biodiversity to thrive. The shape-shifting nature of the wetland, influenced by the operation of the energy storage system, creates visual effects and an intuitive understanding of the interconnectedness between electricity demands, local communities, and the environment. The proposal demonstrates the potential for an infrastructure to serve a functional purpose while also carrying symbolic meaning, engaging the community and raising awareness of sustainable practices. Through research, collaboration with experts, and critical analysis of default solutions, the project emphasizes the importance of research as an integral part of the design process. It highlights the transformative power of architecture in creating dynamic and living structures that remind us of our responsibility to care for the environment. The proposed project presents a unique opportunity to repurpose a mining site, extending its lifespan, and contributing to a sustainable energy supply while fostering biodiversity and reconnecting communities with their natural surroundings.

Plans to construct a wetland to replace wetland losses has become a common feature of permit requests. The purpose of this project is to suggest a methodology for quantifying the effectiveness of palustrine forested wetland construction in Virginia. Wetlands constructed by ~ne Virginia Department of Transportation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were surveyed and Wagner Road constructed wetland in Petersburg, Virginia was selected as the primary study site. Chapter One of the present study suggests a method for early assessment of revegetation success utilizing weighted averages of colonizing vegetation. An adjacent reference site was chosen that was in close proximity to the constructed site and was used for comparison. Results from the Wagner Road site and the reference wetland indicated that colonizing vegetation weighted averages provide a more sensitive measure of revegetation success than the methods described in the federal wetland delineation manual. / Ph. D.

Studies were conducted to determine the sediment oxygen demand (SOD) of a created urban wetland, the cause of differences between SOD methods, and the effect of temperature on the rate of exertion of SOD. <i>In situ</i>, laboratory tank, and laboratory core methods were employed to measure the SOD. It was observed that the main cause of differences in the results obtained by the three methods was differing water volume to sediment surface area (V/SA) ratios. SOD was found to increase with increasing V/SA ratios. By approximating the V/SA ratio of the marsh, the SOD for the system was estimated to be 3.08 g/m²/day. A 10°C rise in temperature was observed to more than double the SOD rate. / Master of Science

Six wet pine flat sites were salvage logged following Hurricane Hugo in the fall of 1989. High soil moisture conditions during salvage operations resulted in soil compaction and deep rutting (puddling) on primary skid trails. Two studies were established to assess the effects of trafficking on soil physical properties and hydrologic characteristics. One addressed soil compaction; the other addressed soil rutting (puddling). Each study consisted of 3 sites (blocks) and trafficked and undisturbed areas were sampled on each site. Effects of trafficking on soil physical properties and hydrology were tested by comparing the disturbed (trafficked) and undisturbed subplots. Traffic increased bulk density and decreased soil porosity (macro-, micro-, total), water table levels, and saturated hydraulic conductivity within the compacted areas. However, the depth to reducing conditions was not significantly different from between undisturbed and disturbed areas of compacted sites. Puddling increased in bulk density and a decrease water table levels, depth of reducing conditions, soil porosity (macro-, micro-, and total), and saturated hydraulic conductivity (field and laboratory methods). Soil strength was not significantly different between disturbed and undisturbed areas. Overall, puddling resulted in soil changes that are more deleterious to tree growth than did compaction. Also puddling changes may prove more difficult to mitigate. / Master of Science