A unit of Lasting Forests
evolving since March 30, 1999
 
  

A Total Forest Management Plan
and Wildland Management
Decision Support System

 		 
[ HOME | The Trevey Home | Table of Contents | The Finder | Glossary ]


Gob Piles and Tailings

In mining operations (both deep mines and surface mines) and mine prospecting, piles of overburden or earth and rocks are left. These are the materials having at the time no commercial value.

On private ownerships they may be unsightly, in some cases dangerous, and may contribute sediment and toxic-substance runoff into waterways of the area.

Where they exist, as a general rule, after making a re-analysis of potential economic values (new products, new recovery methods, etc.) they will be contoured, terraced, covered with top soil and vegetated to control erosion. In some cases a "leaf blower" will be used to blow litter and seeds from upper undisturbed areas onto the re-surfaced material.

If acid drainage is a problem, they will be covered with asphalt and downspouts used to reduce water percolation and acid waste discharge from them.

Siltation or sediment ponds or traps will be built at their base to allow water to run of rapidly. These areas will then be limed and limestone rock added and aquatic plants (e.g., cattails (Typha) grown to encourage transpiration losses.

There may be useful references on restoration of such areas.

Go to top of page.

Other Resources:
[ HOME | Lasting Forests (Introductions) | Units of Lasting Forests | Ranging | Guidance | Forests | Gamma Theory | Wildlife Law Enforcement Systems | Antler Points | Species-Specific Management (SSM) | Wilderness and Ancient Forests | Appendices | Ideas for Development | Disclaimer]
Quick Access to the Contents of LastingForests.com

This Web site is maintained by R. H. Giles, Jr.
Last revision July 13, 2001.