Net Zero Carbon Solutions
Open-cast Mine Site Soil Reclamation
Mining in the Ohio River Valley
Mining for coal and other resources in the Ohio River Valley went unregulated for approximately 150 years, causing extensive soil damage. Mining results in large losses of soil organic carbon and negatively alters the microbial communities, as well as introduce numerous toxic substances into the soil. Even when the Strip Coal Mining Act of 1947 went into effect, the land reclamation requirements were minimal and ineffectual. 1972 saw a version of this Act go into place which required regrading of the mine spoil to approximate pre-mining contour of the land, replacement of topsoil, and the establishment of a successful vegetation cover by the mine operator. Unfortunately these regulations were lax, as was their enforcement.
Soil Quality Degradation
Farmers and ranchers who leased land to the mining companies were led to believe their land would be reclaimed, topsoil replaced, and vegetation regrown, as the legislation required upon completion of the lease. In many instances this was not the case and private land on which people depended upon, was catastrophically damaged. The stripped soil at these former mine sites is of such poor quality that very little, if any, vegetation returned. This led to the inability to raise stock or grow crops, massive erosion problems, as well as to the destruction of ecosystems and wildlife habitats. After more than 200 years of mining in the Ohio River Valley, we are addressing the soil crisis at former mine sites.
Rejuvenation & Reclamation
Our carbon capture process produces Biochar, the residue, made of carbon and ashes, remaining after the pyrolysis of the recently felled trees we use as biomass. Biochar improves soil quality through neutralizing acidity, providing improving water and nutrient retention, providing habitation for beneficial soil microbes, plus improving drainage and aeration. We mix our biochar with our engineered organic compost in a carefully designed procedure. The resulting product is then delivered to former mine sites and carefully mixed into the existing damaged soil. The rejuvenated soil then allows nature to take its course on the farm, pasture, park, or open land.