Mine reclamation is a long-term process but few long-term (> 15 years) assessment
studies are carried out. Considerable effort has gone into test-plot experiments to design
revegetation programs prior to termination of mine production but little is known from the
results of this work of the long-term effect of competitive interactions between seeded
species themselves and between seeded and immigrating native species during the
progression to a natural vegetation for that site.
The present study revisited and repeated benchmark scientific studies carried out at
five mine-sites during the period 1973-1978. The mine-sites were Bull River mine, Coal
Creek mine, Cumberland No. 4 mine, Pinchi Lake mine and Texada Iron mines. They
were in different biogeoclimatic locations and at each mine, sample sites were located on
different waste materials. On-site studies carried out during the 1993 field season included
substrate observation and sampling, and visual observation of plant species and percent
cover. Substrate samples were later analysed in the laboratory for soil nutrients. The
graphical presentation of data honours the original data and is an effective way of assessing
the development of substrate health and plant succession.
Results show that if sufficient attention is paid to improving land-form then over a
long period natural regenerative processes can accomplish remarkable results. Moisture
deficiency will restrict growth to deep rooting, drought tolerant species and result in slow
encroachment. This may require intensive management if erosion is likely.
This type of study performed by staff with interdisciplinary training or experience
can be used to make economical long-term assessments of site rehabilitation. They would
not in any way replace the detailed quantitative monitoring conducted at critical phases
early in the decommissioning process. However, as a complement, such studies could
provide data for predicting long-term development on newer sites. In addition, they are an
ecologically acceptable alternative to assessments of "productivity" on sites where
rehabilitation is slow.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:BVAU.2429/3762 |
| Date | 11 1900 |
| Creators | Binns, John Brailsford |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Relation | UBC Retrospective Theses Digitization Project [http://www.library.ubc.ca/archives/retro_theses/] |
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