FROSTBURG, MD (February 12, 2013) – Tri-Star Mining, Inc., has received an award for best reclamation of a coal mine site in 2012 in Maryland.
The 2012 Land Reclamation Award went to Tri-Star for the company’s efforts at a 145-acre surface coal mine near Barton, Allegany County. Reclamation of the site included the planting of sustainable grasses on rolling slopes and the planting of American chestnut trees and other hardwoods on steeper slopes. The American chestnuts were provided by the American Chestnut Foundation, through the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, and are a part of an effort to restore the American chestnut to the Appalachian region.
The award was presented by the Land Reclamation Committee, a 13-member committee that provides advice to the Maryland Department of the Environment’s (MDE) Bureau of Mines on issues relating to coal mine reclamation at active sites. The Committee is composed of citizens from Garrett and Allegany counties and representatives from MDE, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Allegany and Garrett County governments, Soil Conservation Districts and the coal industry. The LRC reviews each reclamation plan for new or expanded coal mine sites and also must approve the reclamation of the mine site prior to bond release.
Tri-Star has won the award several times in the past. The 2012 Land Reclamation Award was accepted February 6, 2013, by Raymond Tighe, representing the owner-operator, George Beener.
From left: Edmon Larrimore, Manager, MDE Mining Program; John Carey, Director, Maryland Bureau of Mines; Ralph Mongold, Inspector, Maryland Bureau of Mines; Raymond Tighe, Foreman, Tri-Star Mining; and Tom Murray, Inspection Supervisor, Maryland Bureau of Mines
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