CHANDLER--December 03, 2002--Alcoa Warrick Operations and Peabody Coal Company will be presented with the 2002 Indiana Excellence in Mining and Reclamation Award for the establishment of the single-largest, warm season prairie grass site in the state at the former Squaw Creek Mine located north of Chandler, IN. Over 400 acres of the 8000-acre mine were planted with native grasses that provide substantial wildlife and environmental benefits.
The idea to utilize native prairie grasses adds to the diversity of the hundreds of acres of trees already established on the former mine. The grasses also provide a degree of winter cover and require little or no fertilizer and very little maintenance. Six seeding species were used at the reclamation site that include: Indiangrass, Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Switchgrass, and Quail Unlimited No. One and Two.
The project was jointly sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources and completed in 2000.
Since planting, the grasses have continued to increase ground cover, provided wildlife habitat, produced hay crops, and improved the aesthetic qualities of the area. The entire reclamation project has enhanced the value of the property for both the community and the landowners.
Alcoa arranged to harvest big bluestem seed in 2001, and approximately 2,000 pounds of native grass seed has been harvested. During the summer of 2002 hay was harvested off of much of the big bluestem seed areas as part of the maintenance of the fields.
"The success of the Squaw Creek project demonstrates what can be accomplished when industry and regulators work together for the benefit of the environment," said Kevin Rayburn, Manager of Fuels and Land, Alcoa.
The total project covered nearly 4000 acres with land being reclaimed to land uses including: 114.3 acres of cropland (109.1 acres of prime cropland), 1,167.1 acres of pastureland, 1,167.1 acres of forestland, 230.3 acres of water impoundments, 1,114.1 acres of area designated for wildlife, in addition to areas for county roads, railroads and residential areas.
"I only recently joined the local Alcoa team, but this project shows me the commitment to community and environment of this plant and of our people. This award recognizes the above-and-beyond work that has made this project a success for everyone involved," said Peter DeQuattro, Plant Manager, Alcoa Power Generating Inc., Warrick Power Plant.
Alcoa and Peabody Coal will be presented with the award at a luncheon during the 16th Annual Surface Mined Land Reclamation Technology Transfer Seminar. The luncheon begins at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, December 03 at the Holiday Inn in Jasper, IN.
The mining and reclamation award is given annually for exemplary performance at a specific mine site. The winners in each state become nominees for the National Mined Lands Reclamation Award presented by the National Association of the State Land Reclamations and the Office of Surface Mining Regional Awards.
For more information on Alcoa's involvement in the Reclamation process, please contact Sally Rideout Lambert at 812-853-4115. For further information on the Award, please contact Colleen Baughman with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources at 812-665-2207.
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