In the past few years, the United States has increased its surface coal production to help alleviate the diminishing supply of other fuel sources. The increase in coal production has created conflicts because of the destructive nature of surface mining.
Water pollution caused by erosion is a major concern of any surface mining operation.
Past studies indicate that erosion can be minimized if the time it takes watersheds to reach their dynamic equilibrium is reduced. Therefore, recent attention is being given to the reduction of erosion through the reconstruction of watersheds during rehabilitation. A preliminary procedure was developed through a literature review. Then, the procedure was tested through a case study using the Belle Ayr Coal Mine near Gillette, Wyoming. The preliminary procedure was then revised to accommodate the findings.