Test

Testing 123 Link

Test

Testing 123 Link

Header

An Indiana DNR Division of Reclamation project in southwest Indiana has received the highest regional award the federal Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) issues annually.

The project fixed dangerous highwalls and an eroding gob pile at Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area in Pike County, enhancing water quality and wildlife habitat on the formerly surface-mined land. Excess water from a flooded underground mine near the site complicated the effort.

OSMRE, a bureau within the U.S. Department of Interior, announced the project as winner of its Midwest Continent Reclamation Award last week.

“Our Reclamation engineering and design staff did a great job of planning, while the on-site project manager remained flexible and met unexpected challenges with innovative suggestions,” said DNR Director Cam Clark. “It is a great example of teamwork.”

You can view a video that explains the project at youtu.be/zMS2wAn-pKY.

The award will be presented to DNR Reclamation on Sept. 25, at the Association of Abandoned Mine Lands Program awards banquet in Lexington, Ky.

Indiana is among five winners of the 2017 Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards for their reclamation excellence. A panel of judges composed of directors of state and tribal reclamation programs and OSMRE managers determined this year’s awardees.

The DNR Division of Reclamation administers the surface coal mining laws for the State of Indiana. The Inspection and Enforcement Section permits and inspects active coal mines. The Restoration Section is responsible for eliminating threats to the public and environment remaining from coal mining activity prior to the enactment of current law. All activities are funded through fees collected from active coal mining production. For more information, call the division field office in Jasonville at (812) 665-2207; or, toll free if calling inside Indiana at 1-800-772-6463.

To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.

Event Details