SEMINAR OBJECTIVES

MSHA recently issued a bulletin on "Unintentional Release of Water or Slurry From Impoundments into Active or Abandoned Mines" stating that they will be scrutinizing slurry impoundments located above underground mines due to recent unintentional releases. Also, MSHA has discouraged the use of the upstream construction method due to the potential concerns over liquefaction of the fine refuse during an earthquake. They have also placed increased scrutiny on pipes and open channel spillways. Finally, state agencies and OSMRE are requiring alkaline amendment plans to reduce the potential for long term acidic seepage.

The purpose of this seminar is to present information on these recent developments pertaining to coal refuse disposal impoundments. Design approaches will be presented for mine seal barriers to mitigate the impacts from unintentional releases of slurry into underground mines. Also, a modified upstream construction (MUSC) method will be presented which can mitigate the impacts of a loss of strength of fine refuse during an earthquake. Procedures will be presented for addressing concerns over spillways and alkaline amendment plans and for using statistical analysis to justify a reduced compaction criteria for coarse refuse placement.

INSTRUCTORS

Barry Thacker, PE and Carol Goldinger Ford, PG  led the various sessions. For additional details on the seminar and the instructors, call Carol Moore at (865) 584-0344 or send her an email at clmoore@geoe.com