Powell River Project
Reclamation Guidelines
for Surface-Mined Land in Southwest Virginia

Constructing Wetlands During Reclamation to Improve Wildlife Habitat

Authors: Robert B. Atkinson, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Biology; Carl E. Zipper, Extension Specialist, Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, and Associate Director, Powell River Project; W. Lee Daniels, Associate Professor, Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences; John Cairns, Jr., University Distinguished Professor, Department of Biology, Virginia Tech

Publication Number 460-123, Posted June 1997

Figure 4. A cross-sectional representation of a mine-site wetland constructed using the guidelines presented in this chapter.

  1. The wetland is constructed as a landscape depression; no berm is present.

  2. The wetland depression is constructed in loose, uncompacted spoil that has been placed above a more compacted spoil layer.

  3. Vegetation enhances the wetland's ability to deliver "ecosystem services" by storing stormwaters, capturing sediments, and providing wildlife habitat.

  4. Sediments eroded from upland areas have accumulated in the wetland depression, sealing its bottom and serving as a rooting medium for vegetation. Maximum water depth does not exceed 4 feet when the depression is filled to capacity.

  5. The bottom of the wetland depression has a moderate slope of 2 percent (1 vertical to 50 horizontal) or less.

  6. Soils adjacent to the wetland have a high moisture level; vegetation can be planted to provide wildlife food and cover in these areas.

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