Environmental and Economic Comparison of Hollow Fill and Pre-Existing Bench Storage of Excess Spoil

摘要

Environmental impact and economic parameters were evaluated and compared for excess spoil disposal at a pre-existing bench and a hypothetical hollow fill. Data from a cross-ridge mountaintop removal operation generating 1.5 million cubic yards of excess spoil were used. Use of the pre-existing bench for storage minimized land disturbance and restored a previously disturbed, and unusable, area. Real and potential environmental impacts appeared to be less severe with the use of pre-existing benches for excess spoil disposal when compared with hollow fill disposal. The selection of a spoil disposal method is governed by haulage costs. At comparable haulage costs, the pre-existing bench storage offers cost advantages in engineering, site preparation, and design and construction of underdrainage and diversions.