Owner/Client
CONSOL Energy, LLC/CNX Land Resources
Location
Monongalia County, WV
CEC Services
- Cone Penetrometer Testing
- Geotechnical Investigation
- Settlement Evaluation
- Flood Routing
- Site Grading Analysis
- Closure Plan
- Revegetation
- Construction Support
Owner Objective
After the closure of the Arkwright mining complex near Morgantown, West Virginia, CONSOL Energy, LLC (CONSOL) opted to develop the site for commercial use. CONSOL contracted CEC to generate a closure plan for an inactive fine coal refuse (FCR) slurry impoundment. FCR is material contained within a slurry generated by the coal preparation process that settles and consolidates over time.
CEC Approach
CEC performed a geotechnical investigation and analysis, and provided a closure plan for the inactive FCR slurry impoundment. Piezo-Cone Penetrometer Testing (CPTU) was performed to assess the stability and compressibility of the FCR materials, and piezometers were installed within the impoundment and embankment.
CEC’s investigation and analysis of the CPTU data determined that the impoundment and FCR was well-drained and that the FCR materials would compress up to 3.5 feet under the backfill placed during the closure of the
impoundment. Consequently, no specialized treatments (such as grouting or wick drains) were needed to stabilize the FCR materials prior to development. Some areas, depending on the post-development use, received fill surcharges to induce settlements prior to development. Settlement monitoring data was collected and analyzed in these areas prior to surcharge removal and final site development activities.
Closure of the impoundment entailed a complete breach of the embankment, and excavation and placement of approximately 1,300,000 cubic yards of fill. At completion, the site provided approximately 40 acres of level development area within the former mine waste disposal facility, of which approximately 30 acres were purchased by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. for the construction of a new Wal-Mart Supercenter and Sam’s Club.
