Headwaters are crucial linkages between upland ecosystems and navigable waterways, serving as important sources of water, sediment, energy, nutrients and invertebrate prey for downstream ecosystems. Surface coal mining in central Appalachia impacts headwaters by burying streams and introducing pollutants to remaining streams including excessive sediments, trace elements, and salinity. Benthic macroinvertebrates are widely used as indicators of biological conditions of streams and are frequently sampled using semi-quantitative methods that preclude calculations of areal densities. Studies of central Appalachian mining impacts in non-acidic streams often focus on biotic effects of salinity, but other types of pollution and habitat alteration can potentially affect benthic macroinvertebrate community (BMC) structure and perhaps related functions of headwater streams. Objectives were: 1) use quantitative sampling and enumeration to determine how density, richness, and composition of BMCs in non-acidic central Appalachian headwaters respond to elevated salinity caused by coal surface mining, and 2) determine if BMC structural differences among study streams may be attributed to habitat and water-quality effects in addition to elevated salinity. I analyzed BMC structure, specific conductance (SC, surrogate measure of salinity), and habitat-feature data collected from 15 streams, each visited multiple times during 2013-2014. BMC structure changed across seasonal samples. Total benthic macroinvertebrate densities did not appear to be impacted by SC during any months, but reduced densities of SC-sensitive taxa were offset by increased densities of SC-tolerant taxa in high-SC streams. Total richness also declined with increasing SC, whereas BMCs in high-SC streams were simplified and dominated by a few SC-tolerant taxa. Taxonomic replacement was detected in high-SC streams for groups of benthic macroinvertebrates that did not exhibit density or richness response, showing that taxonomic replacement could be a valuable tool for detecting BMC changes that are not evident from analyses using conventional metrics. Specific conductance, water-column selenium concentration, large-cobble-to-fines ratio of stream substrate, and relative bed stability were associated with changes in BMC structure. These results suggest multiple stressors are influencing BMCs in mining-influenced Appalachian streams. These findings can inform future management of headwater streams influenced by mining in central Appalachia. / Ph. D. / Humans rely on headwater streams to provide water of sufficient quantity and quality for use in fishing, swimming, and other designated purposes. In central Appalachia USA, surface coal mining impacts headwaters by burying streams and introducing various types of pollutants to remaining streams. Benthic macroinvertebrates, primarily stream insects, are widely used as indicators of stream-water quality because responses by certain groups of benthic macroinvertebrates to types and levels of pollution are known. Studies of central Appalachian coal mining impacts in non-acidic streams often focus on the effects of elevated salinity on benthic macroinvertebrate community (BMC) structure; however, other types of pollution and habitat alteration can also potentially affect BMC structure. Study objectives were to determine how BMCs in central Appalachian headwaters responded to elevated salinity caused by coal surface mining, and to determine if BMC structure differences among study streams may be caused by habitat and water-quality effects other than elevated salinity. I analyzed BMC, salinity, and habitat data collected from 15 streams, each visited up to six times during 2013-2014. I found that BMC structures varied seasonally, likely caused by natural life cycle variation of benthic macroinvertebrates. Streams in watersheds impacted by more areal coal mining disturbance tended to have higher levels of salinity, water selenium concentrations, and fine sediments, and fewer types of benthic macroinvertebrates although total BMC densities were comparable to those in less-disturbed streams. The study revealed that BMCs in mining-influenced streams were less diverse and were likely functioning less effectively than BMCs in forested reference streams. Also, the measurement and analysis methods used to characterize BMC structural responses to pollution influence assessments of stream condition. Understanding the responses of benthic macroinvertebrate structure to changes in habitat and water quality in mining-influenced streams can inform future stream management efforts.

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Thesis (MPhil (Public Management and Planning))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa has a mean annual precipitation far lower than the global average. This is a fundamental constraint to development, especially when the country has already run out of surplus water and dilution capacity. To add further pressure, southern Africa’s water resources are expected to decrease as a result of climate change. Despite the potential devastation, the country’s response to climate change has been limited. South Africa’s energy sector is dominated by coal power stations and is the country’s primary emitter of carbon dioxide. Given the significantly higher water usage of coal-fired power plants compared to that of most renewable energy power plants, the transition to a clean energy infrastructure might be more successfully motivated by water scarcity than by the promise of reduced carbon emissions. This article analyses more critically the impact of coal-fired electricity generation on South Africa’s water resources, by estimating a water-use figure that extends backwards from the power plant to include water used during extraction of the coal. This figure can then be compared to the water usage of alternative electricity generation options. It is then possible to estimate how much water could be saved by substituting these alternatives in place of additional coal-fired plants. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Suid-Afrika se gemiddelde jaarlikse neerslag is baie laer as die wêreldwye gemiddelde. Dit plaas ’n wesenlike beperking op ontwikkeling, veral aangesien die land se surplus water- en verdunningskapasiteit reeds uitgeput is. Om die saak verder te vererger, word verwag dat Suidelike Afrika se waterbronne gaan kleiner word as gevolg van klimaatsverandering. Ten spyte van die potensiële ramp, was die land se reaksie op klimaatsverandering tot dusver baie beperk. Steenkoolkragstasies, wat Suid-Afrika se energiesektor oorheers, is die land se primêre bron van koolstofdioksieduitlating. Gegewe die beduidend hoër waterverbruik van steenkoolkragstasies teenoor dié van die meeste kragstasies wat met hernubare energie werk, kan die verandering na ’n skoonenergie-infrastruktuur meer suksesvol gemotiveer word deur waterskaarste as deur die belofte van verminderde koolstofuitlatings. Hierdie artikel analiseer die impak van steenkoolgedrewe elektrisiteitsopwekking op Suid-Afrika se waterbronne meer krities deur te beraam hoeveel water verbruik word van die kragstasie terug tot by die ontginning van die steenkool. Hierdie syfer kan dan vergelyk word met die waterverbruik van alternatiewe kragopwekkingsopsies. Dit is dan moontlik om te beraam hoeveel water gespaar kan word deur hierdie alternatiewe op te rig in plaas van bykomende steenkoolkragstasies.

This thesis presents details of investigations into the potential for co-disposal of the two rejects from Clarence Colliery and Kable's Transport Sand Mine. Column experiments were undertaken to simulate field conditions. The experiment consisted of: 1/. creating the required co-disposal arrangement and structure in containers 2/. infiltrating water through each container and measuring the rates of infiltration and overflow 3/. measuring the chemical properties of the leachate water. Geotechnical tests of co-disposal pile stability were undertaken using a specially constructed shear box. Results of this study suggest the co-disposal of course coal washery reject from Clarence Colliery with clay tailings from Kable's Transport Sand Mine is a feasible option for managing the generation of acetic drainage. It is recommended that field trials comprise layers of coal reject and clay tailings in a 9:1 ratio. Layering the coal reject with clay tailings creates a semi-permeable barrier which acts to restrict water percolation through the reject as well as reacting with the leachate to increase the leachate pH and adsorb metals / Master of Engineering (Hons)

Prairie of Mine(s) explores the incorporation of cultural and historical elements within the reclamation of a post-industrial mining landscape in the South Saskatchewan prairie. Reclamation solely by ecological methods often fails to recognize the industrial processes and people that altered the landscape. This project utilizes experiential, cultural, and historical elements within the reclamation of mining lands to shed light on a part of our history that is frequently overlooked and draw attention to actions made on the earth everyday in order for us to live comfortably. / October 2008

Prairie of Mine(s) explores the incorporation of cultural and historical elements within the reclamation of a post-industrial mining landscape in the South Saskatchewan prairie. Reclamation solely by ecological methods often fails to recognize the industrial processes and people that altered the landscape. This project utilizes experiential, cultural, and historical elements within the reclamation of mining lands to shed light on a part of our history that is frequently overlooked and draw attention to actions made on the earth everyday in order for us to live comfortably.

Mountaintop removal mining and valley filling (MTR/VF) is a common form of land conversion in Central Appalachia and threatens the integrity of stream ecosystems. We investigated the effects of MTR/VF on stream salamander occupancy probabilities and community structure by conducting area constrained active searches for stream salamanders within intermittent streams located in mature forest (i.e., control) and those impacted by MTR/VF. During March to June of 2013, we detected five stream salamander species (Desmognathus fuscus, D. monticol, Eurycea cirrigera, Pseudotriton ruber, and Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) and found that the probability of occupancy was greatly reduced in MTR/VF streams compared to control streams. Additionally, the salamander community was greatly reduced in MTR/VF streams; the mean species richness estimate for MTR/VF streams was 2.09 (± 1.30 SD), whereas richness was 4.83 (± 0.58 SD) for control streams. Numerous mechanisms may be responsible for decreased occupancy and diminished salamander communities at MTR/VF streams, although water chemistry of streams may be a particularly important mechanism. Indeed, we detected elevated levels of specific conductivity, pH, total organic carbon, and dissolved ions in MTR/VF streams. Our results indicate that salamander communities, with other invertebrates, fish, and other aquatic and/or semi-aquatic animals, are susceptible to MTR/VF mining practices.

Prairie of Mine(s) explores the incorporation of cultural and historical elements within the reclamation of a post-industrial mining landscape in the South Saskatchewan prairie. Reclamation solely by ecological methods often fails to recognize the industrial processes and people that altered the landscape. This project utilizes experiential, cultural, and historical elements within the reclamation of mining lands to shed light on a part of our history that is frequently overlooked and draw attention to actions made on the earth everyday in order for us to live comfortably.

Surface mining is a commonly used method for extracting coal in the Appalachian Coalfields of the U.S. This mining practice produces excess spoil or overburden, which is often placed in adjacent valleys resulting in the creation of valley fills. These valley fills bury headwater streams, which in turn can negatively impact downstream ecosystems. In 2008, the University of Kentucky designed and constructed 1,020 m of ephemeral, intermittent and headwater streams on an existing valley fill (Guy Cove) as a proof-of-concept. The goal of the project was to evaluate whether or not a stream recreation could occur on mined lands, particularly a valley fill. The hydrograph characteristics discharge volume, peak discharge, discharge duration, peak time, lag time, and response time were evaluated from three watersheds: (1) unmined, forested watershed (control), (2) partially restored watershed with the intermittent stream (Guy Cove), and (3) a mined watershed with an unrestored stream (valley fill with traditional mined land reclamation practices). Results from four years of monitoring indicate that the created intermittent stream at Guy Cove is hydrologically similar to the control during storm events; however, differences were noted for base flow. A new stream restoration design technique, which combines natural channel design and furrow irrigation design protocols, was investigated.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-08T16:55:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 120416.pdf: 9127598 bytes, checksum: 52d0ef7ca2f6795ac1f10dab7e538134 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-06-14 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / O presente trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar o Projeto de Recuperação de Área Degradada (PRAD) dos Campos Mina Malha II Leste e Oeste Siderópolis/SC, por meio de sua análise e comparação ao PRAD-Padrão, elaborado pelo Ministério Público Federal (MPF) como sugestão de documento norteador para a elaboração dos PRADs pelas mineradoras da Região Carbonífera Catarinense. Os Campos Malha II estão localizados na sub-bacia do Rio Fiorita, no município de Siderópolis (SC), e foram objeto de mineração de carvão entre os anos de 1953 a 1981. Situamse na Região Carbonífera Catarinense (RCC), que foi intensamente minerada durante o século XX, tornando-se, por força de Decreto, a 14ª área do território brasileiro a ser definida como Área Crítica Nacional para Fins de Controle da Poluição pelo Governo Federal, em 1980. Em 2000 as mineradoras, seus diretores e sócios majoritários, o Estado de Santa Catarina e a União Federal foram condenados em uma Ação Civil Pública movida pelo MPF a recuperar as áreas degradadas. A pesquisa foi realizada pela análise e comparação de documentos técnicos e trabalhos de campo na área da Malha II para reconhecimento e investigação da paisagem, sendo o referencial teórico fornecido pelo modelo geossistêmico. A comparação entre o PRAD dos Campos Malha II e o PRAD-Padrão mostrou uma diferença no conjunto de variáveis adotadas entre o trabalho executado pela mineradora e o documento sugerido pelo MPF. Por fim, foi realizada uma análise crítica do PRAD-padrão à luz do modelo geossistêmico.