MIN407(W) - Mine Reclamation and Environmental Management Fall Semester 2009

r MIN407(W) - Mine Reclamation and Environmental Management Fall Semester 2009

2009-10 Catalog Data: MIN 407 - Mine Reclamation and Environmental Management (3 + 0) credits. Principles and practices of mine reclamation and waste disposal. Pre-mining assessment and plans. Design of settling and tailings ponds and waste impoundments. Stream bed restoration and revegetation. (Prerequisite: Chem 106; ENGL F111X; ENGL F211X or ENGL F213X, or permission of instructor.

Instructional Method: Lecture

Textbook: None. References will be provided; course readings and notes will be maintained at Rasmuson Library Electronic Reserves (Eres) or Reserve Desk. See References, attached

Instructor: T.E. Wilson, Assistant Professor of Mining Engineering

Goals: This course is designed to provide senior and graduate level students in mining and geological engineering, geology, and natural resources management, knowledge of the basic legal framework and requirements for mine environmental management. Further objectives are water quality control, the design surface and groundwater control structures (diversions, channels, ponds and groundwater containment), erosion control, recontouring, revegetation, blasting damage control, air quality control (esp. with respect to dust and engine exhaust), fish and wildlife protection, and closure of mining operations Prerequisite by topic: Fluid Mechanics

Topics:

1. Legal history, current laws and monitoring 2. Baseline assessments and data requirements 3. Surface water catchment, runoff, peak flow, channelling, dam construction 4. Settling pond design; suspended solids and turbidity control 5. Water chemistry, EH - pH diagrams, acidity control, contaminant limits 6. Recontouring, revegetation and habitat restoration, 7. Wetlands, riparian forest and permafrost implications 8. Placer streambed diversion; blasting damage control 9. Dam and impoundment construction 10. Groundwater protection and monitoring wells 11. Dust control; air quality control 12. Closure, post-closure monitoring, bond release 13. Best Management Practices, ISO 14000 14. Case Study Reports 15. Field Trips (2): SMCRA (surface coal mine) and metal (open pit mine, and gold recovery plant with cyanidation process) 15. Examinations (3 - two class periods plus exam period)

NOTE: This course meets the University of Alaska Core Writing (W) Intensive Requirement. Written submittals, graded primarily on the basis of content and organization, are key requirements. Core writing- intensive requirements are:

 Course participants will complete an upgraded writing example during the first week of the course to establish general writing competence.  Participants will receive editorial comments from the instructor or faculty members on written drafts of the case study and two trip reports, and will review and edit their work prior to final submittal.  Participants will meet individually with the instructor one or more times during the term to discuss writing. Examinations will include at least one written narrative question.

Each class member will select and present an individual Case Study, or a Topic of special interest that is relevant to Mine Reclamation and Environmental Management. The verbal presentation (10-20 minutes long) will be followed by a written report (5-10 pages).

Grading: Exams (13%, 13%, 14%) 40% Problems 15% Reports and Class Presentations 45%, as follows: Trip reports: 2 (3-5 pages), ea. 10%, Case Study: One 5-10 page report, 15%; Enviro. Summaries: 10%

Computer usage: word processor, spreadsheet, and custom (channel design) software

Course Outcomes: This course contributes to the following educational outcomes (ABET) set forth by the Department of Mining and Geological Engineering. The following table offers details by outcome.

Outcome Role of Min 407 Outcome f: Understanding of professional and Key concepts stressed in the course are ethical responsibility environmental compliance and public safety, which are the engineer's responsibility. Outcome g: Ability to communicate effectively This course is officially designated as a writing intensive course of the University. As such, correctness and clarity of expression in multiple written submittals becomes a basis for grading. Outcome h: broad education necessary to Environmental consequences of mining and understand the impact of engineering solutions processing minerals and fuels are directly in a global and societal context addressed. Application of appropriate environmental and safety controls is a course objective. Outcome j: knowledge of contemporary issues Environmental topics in resource development, public attitude & response, and contemporary legislative and legal issues are addressed each week in the course Outcome m: knowledge of unique environ- Wetlands management includes consideration of continuous and discontinuous permafrost ABET Category Content: Engineering Topics: 3 credits, or 100% Prepared by: T. E. Wilson Date: Sept. 2009

Disability Services: I will work with the Office of Disabilities Services (203 WHIT, 474-7043) to provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities.

Support Services : Contact the Advising Center for all available learning and support services. For lab computer issues, contact Paul Brown ([email protected]) MIN 407 (W)

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