Curve Numbers for Low-Compaction Steep-Sloped Reclaimed Mine Lands in the Southern Appalachians

AbstractIn the coal-mining region of the Appalachians, the Forestry Reclamation Approach (FRA) is currently promoted by the U.S. Dept. of Interior, Office of Surface Mining (OSM). FRA’s goal in establishing native forest cover on reclamation sites requires the use of loose spoils rather than traditionally compacted spoils during hillslope reconstruction. Loose spoils improve tree planting survival and enhance overall forest growth. Although FRA has been shown to be successful on low-gradient slopes without excessive runoff leading to erosion, rainfall-runoff relationships have not been studied on steep slopes (>20°) where most surface-mine reclamation typically occurs. A curve number (CN) range representing low-compaction steep-sloped conditions was needed for Appalachian FRA sites. Three active surface-mine sites in East Tennessee were monitored during a 1-year period (June 2009–July 2010) for rainfall (5-min intervals) and runoff hydrology (discharge volume, peak discharge) using a unique Pinson-type co...

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