Selective Placement of Coal Strip Mine Overburden in Montana. IV. Hydrogeologic Studies

摘要

The objective of this investigation is to establish nonpolluted hydrological systems in areas where surface mining directly impacts shallow ground water resources. Chemically undesirable overburden material was selectively backfilled with the intent that it would be below the future root zone, be above the reestablished aquifer, and would not be leached as a result of deep percolation. After 2 years the buried material remains above the spoil aquifer and below the maximum rooting depth. Unsaturated water flow from the land surface to the buried material occurred during wet climatological periods. However, no significant leaching of buried material was observed.