Between 1979 and 1988, The Plains Hydrology and Reclamation Project (PHRP) studied the impacts of surface coal mining in the plains of Alberta on the agricultural capability and hydrology of reclaimed landscapes. The agricultural capability of reconstructed soil landscapes is generally equivalent to, although less variable than, that of unmined landscapes.
Physical and chemical properties of well-drained reconstructed soils are improved through downward leaching of sodium and a decrease in bulk density. Surface wetness and soil salinity result in degradation of capability in small areas of reclaimed
sites. The most important hydrologic impact of surface mining is removal of the shallow aquifers that provide the majority of agricultural water supplies. In some areas, replacement water supplies are available from beneath the base of mining. Chemical quality of groundwater in mine spoil is significantly degraded relative to that in pre-existing coal aquifers.
Surface mining has essentially no impact on water quality outside of mined areas.
Agricultural Capability of Surface-mined Land in East-central Alberta
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