Restoration/Reclamation
Restoration and reclamation of mining sites is required by the California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) of 1975. Restoration and reclamation are a necessity following mining operations, serving to minimize short- and long-term adverse environmental effects, as well as, fostering protection of public health and safety. Restoration and reclamation of mined lands assist with maintaining water quality, reducing the potential for flooding, minimizing soil erosion, and augmenting terrestrial and aquatic habitats that may have been altered by surface mining practices. The development of a sound Reclamation Plan with emphasis on habitat restoration is the first step in the entitlement process for a proposed mining operation. State and federal laws protect air and water quality, soils, plants and wildlife in the area and these natural resources must be considered as the Reclamation Plan is developed.
ECORP has an experienced group of Restoration Ecologists and Specialists to assist with any of your reclamation/restoration needs. We have the experience and expertise needed to prepare new Reclamation Plans or to revise outdated Reclamation Plans as needed to bring them into conformance with current industry standards. In some cases, we have facilitated a reduction in mitigation requirements through reconfiguring reclamation strategies at the onset of mining projects.
ECORP staffs a superior group of GIS technicians that use state-of-the-art GIS analyses to perform essential studies associated with mining operation planning. For instance, GIS has been used to model pre- and post-project hydrology. We survey post-project soils to determine and develop the most suitable reclamation approach such as a riparian corridor with wetland and upland habitats that support native plant and animal species or a grassland habitat with possible vernal pool creation. Our experienced staff have the knowledge and skills to develop and implement sustainable and holistic Reclamation Plans.
ECORP also specializes in assisting our clients with navigating the permitting process as outlined in SMARA. We have relationships established after many years working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, California Department of Fish and Game, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and also provide our clients assistance with the California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act processes. ECORP is a full-service environmental consulting firm with the in-house technical expertise required to address any mining reclamation project.
