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 ]

Highwalls and Cliffs

In mined areas there are steep vertical land surfaces resulting from strip mining, Similar structures exist at highway cuts and natural cliffs. These vertical surfaces are called highwalls and they have special management needs.

There are real hazards to be faced. The following steps are generally recommended. Extreme care is needed by bonded workers:

1. With rope and rig and equipment, used in window cleaning or mountain climbing, a pry bar will be used and all major loose rock removed (fall)

2. Where ledges in the wall are lacking, small explosive charges will be used to create holes or ledges (about 30 ft spacing). These are intended to give mosses, ferns, and wildflowers a place to start growth and to encourage bird nesting and animal uses

3. Rock and grade materials will be pushed from the berm and the sides to cover the entire residual coal seam.

4. The bench will be graded so the slope is toward the base of the highwall. A water retention device or settling basin here will usually be added. Groundwater recharge as well as benefits for aquatic organisms and terrestrial animals are intended.

5. The highwall will be sprayed with mulch and fertilizer slurry from a hydroseeder (no seed) to encourage rapid colonization of the slope by mosses, ferns, etc., improve its natural appearance, reduce the linear appearance, and enhance its suitability for a variety of life forms. A mechanical leaf blower may be used to blow native and organic materials from the upper surface on to the reformed surface.

Fencing and signs at the top are needed and education of prospective area users are all needed if the area is used in nighttime activities.

Special provisions are needed if the surface is used for recreational rock climbing as an activity within ranging.

Returning land to its original slope has been debated and made part of surface mine law. Special exceptions can be made for planned and directed projects and there are alternative concepts for the longterm fossil-energy-critical future.

Go to top of page.

This Web site is maintained by R. H. Giles, Jr.
Last revision July 9, 2004.