Alex Energy recognised for reforestation activities at coal mine

Alex Energy, an affiliate of US coal supplier Alpha Natural Resources, has been recognised by the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI) for reforestation activities at the Whitman Surface Mine, also known as Trace Fork Surface Mine.

An award was presented by the US Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection during a ceremony on 23 May in Holden, West Virginia.

Reforestation at mine

Reforestation at Whitman, a surface mine in Logan County, West Virginia, commenced in 2007. Restoration efforts followed ARRI's Forestry Reclamation Approach, including appropriate land preparation and planting of trees native to the region at specific seedling application rates and mixtures to maximise tree survivability.

Almost 100 000 seedlings have been planted across 150 acres at Whitman to date. Trees include 22 different species, and survival rates have been exceptionally high at 85 – 90%.

Comments

Alpha President, Paul Vining, commented: "We believe that integrity in environmental stewardship and compliance helps build a better and higher performing business. We appreciate ARRI's recognition of the efforts and are proud of the Alex Energy team at Whitman, who demonstrated how mined land can be fully restored through proper reforestation efforts."

Alpha affiliates also recently received awards from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for restoration and reforestation activities at other sites.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/mining/29052014/alex_energy_reforestation_activities_at_coal_mine_905/