The West Fork River Watershed is located in the north central coalfields of West Virginia. Historically, coal mining played a significant economic role in the early 1900s through the 1970s. Waters in the West Fork mainstem and many of its tributaries are listed on West Virginia’s 303 (d) list of impaired waters due to mining pollution. Reclamation activities seek to address the associated land hazards and water quality.

Impacted Waters and Planned Projects

Waters on the 303 (d) list do not meet state water quality standards impacting aquatic life. The impairments are typically a result of abandoned mine drainage and sedimentation generated from abandoned mine lands. To remediate these issues, the Kleinfelder team will address the following areas:

• Enterprise Portals
• Miller Mine Drainage
• Sheppard Mine Drainage
• Simpson Creek Highwall, Tipple, and Portals
• West Fork #9

In addition, this reclamation project will help to protect the local communities through decreasing abandoned mine land hazards, such as open mine portals and facilities associated with past coal mining.

Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation

Kleinfelder’s team of professionals was selected to supply planning, realty, design, and construction oversight services as part of reclamation efforts in the West Fork River Watershed. The project is funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Each year over the life of the legislation, West Virginia is forecasted to receive $140 million for the reclamation of abandoned mine lands and the treatment of abandoned mine drainage.

Project Results

The goal of the N1 remediation projects is the reclamation design and construction management services for highwalls, existing facilities, open and collapsed mine portals, subsidence areas, coal mine spoil piles, dangerous slides, and AMD abatement. Cumulatively, these projects will contribute to a safer and cleaner environment for the public and improve the land and water quality of the West Fork River Watershed.

Project Details

Location:
Harrison and Barbour Counties, WV
Owner:
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Abandoned Mine Land Program