Surface mining reclamation in West Virginia

There have been battles fought and protest marches to raise awareness for environmental impacts of coal mining.

Mine operators are required to minimize disturbances and the adverse impact on fish, wildlife and related environmental elements and maintain the integrity of such resources when possible.

Nathan Hall, President of Reclaim Appalachia spoke at Tamarack on plans to develop a commercial agroforestry site next to Buck Harless Wood Products.

This site would also be used to farm animals such as hogs, goats, chickens, and honeybees and they would be used for "rotational grazing techniques" for optimal harvesting.

You’re also able to sell the meat and eggs while harvesting fruit and berries.”[3] Reclamation just for usable water is also taking place on West Virginia Mine sites.

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has started water reclamation on at least 2 sites, Carson One Mining and Cheyenne Sales Company.

These are ongoing and require continuous testing of the water but long term investments could well exceed the cost of the initial reclamation.

[4] “The Green Mining Project program is based at the West Virginia Regional Technology Park, which is a state-of-the-art chemical processing and commercialization center with essential intellectual capital and facilities.