Barker Portals and Strip

This 37 acre site in Barbour County, WV, has 6,000 ft of abandoned highwall that intercepts several major tributaries and diverts flow into toxic mine spoils. This allows the acidification of the surface flow and discharges low pH and high mineral content water into the Tygart Valley River. Wet seals, dry seals, and bat gates were designed to address the various mine openings.  ALDs will be installed, and stormwater control structures will be designed for the strip bench areas where possible. Natural Stream Design was used to reconnect the interrupted drainways. ARRI reforestation techniques will be used to for reclamation.

An alternate access was required due to landowner issues. Site and design alternatives were investigated in the field and cost estimates were prepared for WVDEP. This alternative included additional drainage concerns, cleaning of existing ponds, and development of approximately 4,800 ft of roadway.

Hatch Mott MacDonald (HMM) served as prime consultant for this work, and hired a subcontractor to provide drilling services. Staff Geologists and Engineers supervised all aspects of the project. All design, specifications, and contract document preparation were performed by HMM staff.

Project Highlights:

• Drainage patterns were reestablished to mimic pre-mining conditions and to reduce acid formation in mine spoils
• Use of hydro seeding to minimize construction disturbance on steep outslopes
• Regrading plan adapted to allow existing volunteer growth areas to continue process, reducing both construction costs and the disturbance of potentially toxic materials

HMM incorporated sustainability initiatives in the project, including:

• Use of bat gates to promote the growth of the local Indiana bat habitat