Question

Coal mine reclamation commonly involves refilling the active pit of the surface coal mine after coal has been extracted, spreading topsoil over the area, and then replanting it. Despite these efforts, reclaimed land may not look like unmined land for quite some time (if ever). Which placemark identifies a region that has been reclaimed in this manner in 2005?

Answer 1

Coal mine reclamation is a process to restore land after mining, including refilling pits and replanting vegetation. However, full ecological recovery may not be achieved, especially after practices like mountaintop removal. The question is focused on identifying reclaimed regions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Reclaiming land after coal mining activities aims to restore the ecosystem and landscape. Typically, the reclamation process involves multiple steps such as filling the mine pit, spreading topsoil, and replantation. However, reclaimed lands can take a significant amount of time to fully recover and may never return to their original state. The environmental impact of coal mining is profound, including habitat destruction, pollution, and the alteration of landforms. While reclamation can mitigate some of these impacts, others, like mountaintop removal, create lasting changes in the environment.

Answer 2

The Eagle Butte Mine identifies the coal-rich Powder River Basin in Wyoming. It is located 7 miles north of Gillette, Wyoming, and is an open-pit mine that produces subitominous coal from Roland and Smith seams.

In 2005, the mine was awarded because of the superior quality of its shrub patches on its reclamation.

Reclamation and revegetation are requirements by federal law to companies after the removal of the coal.