The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of a demonstration project for onsite control of sedimentation using the modified block-cut method of surface mining. A project site on Lower Lick Fork in Perry and Letcher Counties in Kentucky was selected. Based on certain assumptions, a comparison of costs involved in the modified block-cut method of mining and in a method using the minimum acceptable requirements as set forth in the present regulations was prepared.

July 1977. Includes bibliographical references (pages 68-69).

The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of a demonstration project for onsite control of sedimentation utilizing the modified block-cut method of surface mining. A project site on Lower Lick Fork in Perry and Letcher Counties in Kentucky was selected. A detailed site survey and subsurface investigation was conducted, and preliminary plans were developed. Calculations indicate the sediment yield from the mining operation will be within the water quality standards of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. All operations proposed in the demonstration project meet present State regulations for surface mining. Based on certain assumptions, a comparison of costs involved in the modified block-cut method of mining and in a method using the minimum acceptable requirements as set forth in the present regulations has been prepared. The differential in costs of the two methods appears to be negligible. The demonstration will prove that the need for sediment basins with the modified block-cut method of mining will be minimized or perhaps eliminated, depending on future State and Federal requirements. A water quality monitoring station will be constructed to provide data before, during, and after the mining operation. In this manner, the efficiency of this method of mining in providing onsite control of sedimentation may be fully evaluated and documented.