Abstract

Mining Fill and Stream Loss Trends in West Virginia 1984-2009
Track: Mining and Geosciences
Authors: Michael Shank

Surface mining in Appalachia often creates excess spoil material, which is disposed of in structures called valley fills. Valley fills bury headwater streams, and have been linked with degraded water quality and biodiversity loss in several studies. To better understand problems associated with valley fills, GIS was used to compile a comprehensive database of fills in West Virginia.

The study utilized an analysis of multi-date elevation models, along with aerial photography and mining maps. Imagery from 1984-2009 was used to analyze construction trends over time. A stream network with consistent start points for intermittent and perennial stream segments was used to estimate stream loss.

The analysis identified 2,091 spoil fills and refuse fills, covering 56,780 acres, which resulted in the loss of over 844 miles of streams. Half of the impact was concentrated in 23 of state's 745 12-digit watersheds, with stream loss exceeding 10% in fourteen watersheds.