These sedimentation ponds are still required since all reclamation is not complete. The last step in the reclamation process will be to remove the ponds and completely reclaim the land. This will be done when all the land has been reclaimed and the chance of erosion eliminated. This is a typical view of the final stage of reclamation under the Surface Mining Law. Bulldozers are carrying out grading of the final mine pit.
Dump trucks bring stockpiled overburden to the 'last cut' of the mining operation.
The highwall, which is still just showing will be completely eliminated. This sedimentation pond will be incorporated into the lake. A scraper removes stockpiled subsoil for spreading on the backfilled area. All of the subsoil will be used and this area will be completely reclaimed. Subsoil is being spread on the regraded area.