Case Study: Land Reclamation and Biosolids: A Perfect Match

Biosolids are known to be a valuable resource that can be used to reclaim disturbed mine lands. For over thirty years, Pennsylvania has been a leader in the use of biosolids for restoring watersheds. In fact, vibrant vegetative communities, wildlife habitat, and hunting and agricultural activities have been re-established on over 5,000 acres in both bituminous and anthracite coal regions. Over a quarter million acres in Pennsylvania are characterized as abandoned mine lands, where prior mining occurred but reclamation never followed. Un-reclaimed acres are responsible for generating serious environmental pollution in the form of sediment to surface waters and acid mine drainage. This case study describes how beneficial use of biosolids for mine reclamation supports nutrient recycling programs that linked a city with a wildlife agency and a rural community.