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West Virginia Water Research Institute
West Virginia University

National Mine Land Reclamation Center

Background Return to top

In 1988 Congress recognized the need for an organization to specifically address the outstanding reclamation problems and authorized formation of the National Mine Land Reclamation Center (NMLRC). The following problems were identified as they relate to active and abandoned coal mines:

  • Acid Mine Drainage
  • Prime Farmland Restoration
  • Subsidence Control
  • Groundwater Degradation Many of the original problems have been resolved.

However, acid drainage from coal mines and, increasingly, metal mines remains the most significant environmental effect of mining.

The NMLRC occupies a unique niche in the University structure. The Center functions as a program development agency, an administrative unit and a research unit. The Center is funded through grants and contracts with private, state and federal agencies. Typically, the NMLRC will coordinate with faculty members and/or utilize its own technical staff to ensure project success. The Center concentrates on project progress and completion, which bridges the traditional academic method of project conduct and the results oriented world of the private and public sectors.

The NMLRC has become an internationally-recognized leader in the area of acid mine drainage (AMD). Among technologies initiated, refined or demonstrated by the NMLRC, the following are now in practice within the industry, state and federal agencies:

  • Alkaline amendment
  • Quantitative AMD prediction method
  • Pneumatic and slurry placement of alkaline coal ash in underground mines
  • Selective spoil handling
  • Remining
  • Passive AMD treatment systems for watershed restoration
  • Use of coal ash and steel slag barriers

In addition, the NMLRC has helped organize and provide technical support for four major national initiatives:

  • Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative
  • Acid Drainage Technology Initiative
  • Combustion Byproducts Recycling Consortium
  • Monongahela Basin Mine Pool Project

Contacts Return to top

Management

Paul F. Ziemkiewicz, Ph.D., Director
West Virginia Water Research Institute
West Virginia University
(304) 293-2867 x 5441
pziemkie@wvu.edu

Rick Herd, Program Coordinator
West Virginia Water Research Institute
West Virginia University
(304) 293-2867 x 5442
rsherd@mail.wvu.edu

Technical Staff

Jennifer Fulton, Research Associate
West Virginia Water Research Institute
West Virginia University
(304) 293-2867 x 5457
jbfulton@mail.wvu.edu

J. Brady Gutta, Research Associate
(304) 293-2867 x5445
jbgutta@mail.wvu.edu

Administrative Staff

Terry Polce, Administrative Assistant
(304) 293-2867 x 5450
Terry.Polce@mail.wvu.edu

Deborah Morris, Accountant
(304) 293-2867 x 5444
Debbie.Morris@mail.wvu.edu

Mailing Address

West Virginia University
National Research Center for Coal & Energy
150 Evansdale Drive
PO Box 6064
Morgantown, WV 26506-6064
Telephone: (304) 293-2867
Fax: (304) 293-7822

Project Listing Return to top

Publications Return to top

Skousen, J. G. and P.F. Ziemkiewicz, Compilers. 1995.
Acid Mine Drainage Control & Treatment
National Mine Land Reclamation Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia. 255 p. Cost: $20.00 Place order by sending request to:

National Mine Land Reclamation Center
West Virginia University
PO Box 6064 Morgantown, WV 26506-6064
Attn: Terry Polce

(304) 293-2867 x 5450
Terry.Polce@mail.wvu.edu

Events Return to top

No NMLRC events scheduled; please check back later.

 

NMLRC Sections

WetlandSKelly