Terra Strata Design gesture in mining reclamation
Appropriate Durable Record Master in Landscape Architecture Natarsha Toni Lamb
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Master in Landscape Architecture Appropriate Durable Record Natarsha Toni Lamb RMIT University November 2011
Acknowledgements: This project has been made possible by the time dedicated by the following RMIT University lecturers Craig Douglas, Marieluise Jonas, Charles Anderson & Bridget Keene who have kept me on track weekly. Paul Barrand from Clean Coal Victoria for his enthusiasm, geo-engineering advice and providing the opportunity to visualise alternatives for the closure of these mines. The environmental managers at the Latrobe Valley mines who gave me access to the sites and well as sharing their knowledge on current rehabilitation work - Jon Missen from Loy Yang, Kevin Brown from Yallourn and Kevin Jones at Hazelwood. Landscape Architects Scott Graham and Laura Farrell from GHD who helped in discussing current design approaches. Kirsten Bauer from Aspect Studios. Marti Franch from EMF (Barcelona). My fantastic colleagues and friends from the ‘hive’ who have supported, entertained and been great company to each other, My family and good friends for their patience and love. A special thanks to those people who inspire me by dedicating themselves to work that is selfless and helps pave the way for how we live.
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Bucket wheel excavator in the Loy Yang open cut mine March 2011
Table of Contents
Research question Abstract Site images Introduction
04 05 06 15
Rehabilitation policy 16 Reclamation Economics 19 Gesture 22 Project Precedents 25 Land reclamation
Post Industrial Mine Rehabilitation Land Art Nonphysical Ecological Succession
Mine Ecology 36 Water + Air Aquifers Open Cut mine Overburden Infrastructure Vegetation
Multi-functional Landscapes 58 Transformation Hierarchy
Design Scenarios 82 Structural Transformation
Ecological Transformation Programmatic Transformation Visual Transformation
Design Strategy Summary 132 Glossary References Bibliography Image Reference List
136 137 138 139
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Research question:
How do I engage ecological process as a design instrument in the transformation of an open cut coal mine to generate a multi-functioning landscape park?
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Abstract There are three open cut brown coal mines in the Latrobe Valley which are due to be closed in the next 20 to 30 years. Upon closure, these sites are required by law to be rehabilitated. This denotes restoring land to its previous use, which is vastly different to the condition subjected by 30 to 80 years of excavation. The closure plans for all three mines are minimal in reformation and propose flooding of the pits to create lakes. This plan might be 100 years in the making and does not consider transformation of the site for socio-economic value. Design alternatives critique rehabilitation policy which enables current practice to form a homogenous landscape with limited potential. The design research investigates current site and operational conditions at the Loy Yang mine to test design pragmatics, whilst phasing programs where favourable conditions ensue. Ecological stability and diversity is sought in the design to open up long-term options for alternative land use, investment or acquisition. The park aims to serve as a tool for remediation between the community and the potential of the landscape to meet future needs, aiding long-term management and funding. This enables mining conglomerates to relinquish the site and their financial obligations at the expiration of their mining license, acting as a driver for current rehabilitative practise. This approach through the discourse of landscape architecture gives rise to a new precedent in mining reclamation and critiques the validity of current mining rehabilitation policy. By engaging ecological processes, programs and aesthetics as the driving factors for transformation, a design gesture emerges that projects the site condition beyond what is legally required, beyond the boundary of the site and investigates a post-industrial landscape that is Australia’s future.
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Loy Yang open cut mine with power station in background
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Left: Yallourn overburden dump detail Right: Yallourn overburden dump from lookout
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Left: Yallourn cooling towers Right: Loy Yang overburden dump with power station in background
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Left: Loy Yang coal bunker conveyors Right: Hazelwood overburden spreader workmen
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160m
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Introduction The issue of open cut mine rehabilitation is looming beneath the debate on carbon emissions and carbon tax. The Australian mining industry is at peak economic strength but what is the value left to the landscapes created for present day national wealth? Given this and the contact I have had with people in this mining industry, my design approach has resolved to firstly understand the complexity of the landscape conditions and remain grounded with proposals. Whilst the case study I have used is Loy Yang, a fully operational mine and power plant in the Latrobe Valley, it is hoped that my approach could benefit like sites within the region and beyond. In this record, I am to introduce my understanding of the site and ways where Landscape Architecture can transform a large area, re-shaping programs over an extended period of time. This is measured against other precedent projects, rehabilitative policy and current practise.
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Rehabilitation Policy To obtain a mining license, the mining might be with such an altered landscape. company must submit a rehabilitation plan. How might we be, live and act in resulting ‘A description of the proposed rehabilitation of landscapes void of providing a livelihood? any areas subject to surface disturbance including The project aims to re-design this landscape re-vegetation proposals and where relevant, to exhilarate and excite us other than by the proposals for the removal of plant and equipment’ sheer scale of our hand on it. (Minerals Resources Act, 1990, Department of Primary industry).
Mining companies generate their own policies and rolling rehabilitation plans in accordance with government regulations, specific to the terrain and led by the efficiency of mining operations and budget. Currently the closure plans for all three open cut mines in the Latrobe Valley include partial inundation of the pit along with reshaping of upper batters and rehabilitation of over burden dumps. The key term used here is ‘rehabilitation’. According to the ‘Loy Yang Strategic framework for rehabilitation and closure planning’, Morwell Mine rehabilitation concept master plan’, and the ‘Yallourn Environmental Report’, it is defined as: ‘[…] shape, landscape, re-vegetate and
The main current rehabilitation plans include the following treatment. - Grassing overburden areas to help soil stabilisation minimise acid drainage run-off and grassing for farm land that will benefit one grazier. - Re-grading top batters through cut and fill and grassing to stabilise soil - Flooding the open cut mine to create a lake. This will create an acidic lake due to the exposure of coal to oxygen, which will not be suitable for any habitat for decades if not centuries. The time in which a lake is formed is determined by rainfall or drought conditions as well as trans-evaporation rates within these annual conditions.
return disturbed land to its pre-mined capability for agricultural and silvicultural uses’ (Victoria Current closure plans try to ameliorate Government gazette, p34, 12 September 1996; Morwell Mine Rehabilitation concept Master plan through stabilisation and re-vegetation for the benefit of efficient ongoing operations. by DPS ‘Post Operational Phase’).
These plans indicate a regional landscape I see several flaws with this operational mine with several voids amongst agricultural land, waiting to become some form of lake or treatment policy, which I will outline below. lakes. Firstly to rehabilitate ‘areas subject to This does not consider the best outcomes surface disturbance’, is not the entirety of for either short term or long term land use. the disturbed area. Hydrological systems; streams, rivers and underground aquifers are disturbed and affect a much broader An open cut brown coal mine has unique for post-closure stability area outside a defined boundary. In addition, properties including fire hazard, acid mine drainage soil quality is affected by compaction and contamination through high pH levels and underground aquifers (these will be caused by oxidisation of exposed matter. discussed further under the chapter for Mine The social or economic disturbance is not Ecology). This is different to rock and sand considered. What happens to employment quarries, where slopes are relatively stable and use of land for inhabitants once an and inert. Open cut coal mines require some ongoing management. Within this industry is closed down? observation and maintenance, the most Secondly, due to the impact and scale of this should be made of the site to benefit the ecological disturbance and the time it might community and be a part of the caretaking.
Definitions of key terms in this field from the Oxford dictionary are as follows. Rehabilitate: return(something, especially a building or environmental feature) to its former condition; restore (someone) to former privileges or reputation after a period of disfavour
take to restore these systems, ‘returning disturbed land to its pre-mined capability’, How can this be seen as a prototype for other projects within the region and within is not feasible. Australia?
Restore: the action of returning something to a former owner, place, or condition; the reinstatement of a previous practice, right, or situation
The act of mining, of transforming the environment is conducted as though the land is owned or claimed already. There is no claim for the future, for what our lives
Reclaim: bring (waste land or land formerly under water) under cultivation; recover (material) for reuse; recycle
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‘We are not separate from our landscape. The landscape which surrounds us is a record of our behaviour; It is an expression of our values. It is not simply visual resources which we manage; it is rather something in ourselves which we attempt to manage. The evolving landscape is a visual statement of who we are as a nation. When we endanger the landscape, therefore, it is a part of ourselves which we threaten” (Gusso, A 1980 p11).
Design precedents (as discussed in a later chapter), for mining reclamation are of North American, British or European origin. Australia is not leading the field within mining industries in the world (Geoscience Australia). Is the reason for this the value or lack of, with which Australian’s have for their vast land?
Plateau, is a unique landscape with native and endangered habitat. New Zealand is a younger country than Australia and is obviously a great deal smaller and I feel as a citizen and as an observer, that this location is very valuable. That the project has been granted approval seems to me to be an economic decision, as the mining company is of Australian origin and the majority of American artist, Alan Gussow, regards coal to be exported. landscape primarily as the scenic resource, whereby landscape is seen as an expression The economic state rules decisions that are and extension of the people who live in it. made on the landscape, which threatens who we are and how we live. It is my opinion This raises questions on creating an that the methods for and outcomes of intentional outcome for open cut mines so closure plans, to obtain a mining license that land and its community is not forgotten must be clarified within government policy. It or abandoned. It is about our relationship also extends to how we think about potential with our environment and the way in which funding mechanisms and building political it allows us to live a certain way. By not and public support for projects at the separating ourselves from our environment beginning of industrial scaled operations. through ownership or destruction, that Mining license submissions should include no matter how much land or commodity a plan on how site will be reclaimed within we have, it requires nurturing so we can mining operations to reduce rework to the continue to have options in the way that site post closure. we live. In light of this approach the project looks at how multi-functionalism can be ‘Mine closure and mine reclamation must not be after-thoughts. They need to be planned from the woven into closure plans. Recently a proposal for a coal mine sited on the western coast of New Zealand’s south island was been brought to my attention, by a friend employed by DOC (Department of Conservation). The location, the Denniston
beginning and undertaken throughout a mine’s operation. Standards for closure have and will continue to evolve. Proper and sufficient mine closure will ensure that future generations will not have to deal with on-going additions to abandoned and orphan mine problems’. (Hoskin, W)
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01 - 02: Denniston Plateau
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Mine Atlas Australia (Geoscience Australia)
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Operating mines within Australia
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Coal deposits within Australia
Reclamation Economics Australia is the world’s fifth largest producer of brown coal and makes up approximately 15% of the mining industry value which is estimated to contribute $123 billion (Lovesey, M. 2011), to the Gross Domestic Product (2010). According to the Environmental managers at the Latrobe Valley mines that I spoke with, there is approximately 500 years’ worth of brown coal in the Latrobe Valley (using current extraction methods). How might the area look and operate if this were allowed to occur as a post-apocalyptic scene? The value of brown coal mined in the Latrobe Valley is not as high as black coal mined elsewhere, due to the moisture content decreasing the burning efficiency. The introduction of carbon tax as proposed by current government, will affect the profitability of this type of power production. Economising other operations that do not add to profit margins within the mining business will likely occur, such as rehabilitative works. Thus proposing design scenarios within current rehabilitative works must be framed to add value to operative efficiency as well as land title transferability. It is important that design propositions will stipulate how reclamation will occur within current operations as post-closure, financial viability diminishes. What will drive the local economy once mining is phased out is also a question to reflect in design propositions.
Closure plans are updated (individually), every 10 years for the mines in the Latrobe valley as well as 5-year rolling rehabilitation plans developed. Variation between plans is due to the amount, direction and depth of excavation that has occurred, according to where the best quality coal is located. Included in the mining license a rehabilitation bond has to be paid. This amount was set at $15 million for Loy Yang but is not limited to this amount as there is an annual budget that the mining company sets aside for rolling rehabilitation and maintenance. This rehabilitation includes re-grading and grassing of the external overburden mound, laying back some of the OC (Open Cut) batters, keeping drains clear and altering water courses to allow OC extension. Rehabilitative or reclamation works are economically led and unless there is a way to increase the land value, reclamation is kept to a minimum. My research project is trying to configure a proposal where, under the framework and maintenance of a 'park', the site is reclaimed ecologically, socially and for economic benefits, with the potential to serve as a catalyst for future development. Power production will not be surpassed in terms of profitability for the mine. With the introduction of carbon tax, profitability could likely decrease. This increases the significance of pre-closure reclamation proposals that provide an opportunity to generate ongoing income.
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coagulation
inflammation remodelling
proliferative
cease of operations (2047)
Production power plant furnaces cooling towers water supply contractors transmission lines
Extraction machinery conveyors storage facility roads vehicles fire service protection water control contractors
Land entitlement haul roads fire service infrastructure pasture wetlands water courses administration buildings
Rehabilitation works earth works water treatment soil moving machinery contractors maintenance conveyor walkway
Deposition/formation of overburden material
plant decom
earth works water treatment soil moving machinery contractors maintenance
removal of infrastruc
nature trails + forestry
nature trails + wetlands
Carbon tax forestry/ native vegetation bands
conveyor walkway & bike trails
tourism tours education viewing
excavator lookout
animal grazing
low intensity grazing
under ground water stabilisation public recreation
water treatment + wetlands
Days
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Weeks
Months
Years
Decades
Centur
maturation + remodelling Expenditure Profit
$$
Stages of wound healing
Mine lake formation
access
missioning
cture
ies
Horticulture
water recreation
The healing of a wound is done in stages. I have assimilated the diagram to the stages of wound healing, embodying the landscape, which are sequential yet overlapping. The process is susceptible to failure or interruption leading to chronic non-healing wounds. This can be a likened to the transformation of a mine, embodying the landscape and the wounds inflicted by man’s intervention upon it. 1. Inflammatory: removal of bacteria and debris causing migration and division of cells Mining interpretation: excavation of material and placement of overburden 2. Proliferative: deposition, formation and wound contraction. Fibroblasts grow to form a new cover. Mining interpretation: placement and stabilisation of overburden material 3. Remodelling: contraction of the wound by gripping at the edges to bind new and old cells Mining interpretation: rebuilding the open cut with overburden and reshaping the edges
This diagram attempts to map out a financial model, from land acquisition, mining operations to rehabilitation/reclamation of the mine. As well as the project dealing with a large site, the time scale is also hyper-extended. Minimum cost proposals are illustrated by the notion ‘Fence & Forget’ where the site has the minimum stabilisation applied with access denied diminishing liability. Other options (generated under CCV’s closure option matrix), with only small establishing costs are to create grades suitable for grazing or horticulture.
‘Fence & Forget’
Park design proposals (Excavator lookout, conveyor walkway & bike trails, nature trails & wetlands, nature trails & forestry), look to retain some of the infrastructure and convert it so that it is suitable for public access, thus providing a way in which income can be generated through recreation and tourism, as well as decreasing the expenditure on plant decommissioning. The aim of these proposals is that land value may increase at the time that operations are ceased, rather than following the path of degrading value. 21
Plaster models were made that enabled me to further shape the form of the mine pit and over burden dump through carving. At a scale of 1:20,000 the carving I articulated acted like large machinery on the site and enabled a feeling of what type of transformation could be achieved. Legible carving marks or terracing is evident; lending the notion of a sculptural gesture that was more than what is currently present in slope angle and height. Working at this scale, I lost sight of pragmatic geometry.
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After a week of working on digital models and thinking of stable slope gradients, the design gesture seems lost which I was able to carve from the plaster models. Without a severe quantity of in-fill, other means need to be investigated to enhance the notion of design gesture.
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01: Sketch of gestural representation of mine terracing 02: Digital model with gestural alteration 03: Card contour model of mine 04 - 05: Plaster model carved with broad gestures 06: Freeport, Indonesia 07: Punta Pita, Chile 08: Loy Yang raw coal, Traralgon
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Gesture Design gesture is the intervention that takes the site beyond what is required according to rehabilitation regulations, to change the attraction from mineral exploitation to a resourcefulness of place. The project seeks to explore the use of gesture within one of the mine sites but also create a framework that precipitates beyond the site boundary and questions how mining reclamation is implemented in Australia. This is the grander gesture but can be carried out on a number of scales.
The existing (industrial) aesthetics of open cut mines are the cut marks and terraces which have formed it. As this is already a powerful movement, the question pends on “how heavy should my hand be when designing in this context?” (Ware, S. 2011). Through using the idea of gesture, or the notion of constructively creating more than is required for the benefit of ecology and enjoyment of people; the project is to test how this might change the configuration of how industry is phased out.
Punta Pita coastal trail in Chile (Moller, T. Through gesture, the project becomes 1995) is a project which I have been drawn to different to a remediation approach. through its innate ability to seemingly merge into the site conditions but aids access as well as a sculptural beauty. It is these small gestures which make up a network but do not override the rough untouched characteristics.
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‘Given the magnitude and scale of permanent landscape destruction, designers can take advantage of mined and reclaimed sites to see and plan landscape systems in new ways.’ (Berger 2008, xvii)
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Precedents There are several post-industrial, land reclamation and mine rehabilitation projects that I have studied to draw from them a design approach considering time, large scale and the use of site post-closure. These projects deal with wasteland conditions created by industry, at the end of the industrial process. It is important to point out that my design project is proposing not to create a park after the site is closed, but considers transformation being driven by emerging use during the process of mining operations. Current practise within Australia for mine reclamation is led by the mines and associated engineering companies. There are landscape architects and visual impact assessors involved in this process, who are left to design a site after engineers determine a proposed end form. Landscape works may then require re-working a site to suit public access and spatial navigation. This also is the way in which other international reclamation projects have been approached. The discipline of landscape architecture is equipped to apply a design approach whilst blending engineered, ecological and social requirements to the built or natural environment. In my design research practise it has been important to apply not just a vision for mine reclamation but to be able to communicate it to those who implement transformation, where the pragmatics of mining operations are of paramount importance to decipher feasibility
01: Zoning of Loy yang site in style of Fresh Kills, differentiating between operationally Active and Passive areas
Rehabilitated batters
OC mine extension
Raw batters + access Operational area Bottom level of OC + ponds
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Internal OB Infrastructure and flat grassed area Maintenance buildings Office buildings Flat + riverine grassed area
Wetlands
Conveyors and infrastructure Large Industrial buildings
Pondage Sloped OB
Land use zones
Forestry
Active Use Passive Use
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02 01
Land Reclamation
The Fresh Kills ’Lifescape’ Park (Field Operations, 2006), design looks vigorously into how the site will be developed over a period of 30 years. New programs are scheduled within allocated zones, transforming the site from a waste dump into a park. The parkland phases programs and park construction by zones, forming a network that allows circulation and ecological recovery.
Through placement of programs within the Loy Yang site, I discovered that certain areas were more suitable to active uses (mining operations) and would require more aggressive gestures to alter the programmed use. Passive areas are where I favoured implementing design because this area was more of a ‘tabula rasa’. This zoning could be used in a schedule of transformation but care is needed not to let the current site congest a vision of what a park may become.
Segmenting the park into zones may also help with allowing the park to suit local requirements over a period of time. The Fresh Kills project allocates how the park will be used. This is not something I agree with in designing, as how can I as a designer who lives outside of the site, designate how people will be wanting to use the site in 50100 years’ time?
Fresh Kills initialises circulation networks early on in the transformation of site, allowing access but also specifying the establishment landscape conditions constructed or grown.
01: Fresh Kills ‘Lifescape’ program transformation (Field Operations, 2006 p12) 02: Fresh Kills ‘Lifescape’ habitat Diversification timeline (Field Operations, 2006 p31) 03: Fresh Kills ‘Lifescape’ masterplan collage (Field Operations, 2006 p11)
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Scenarios of site evolution including addition of infrastructure required for different programs.
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00: Sparsely-treed hill range 01: Quarry + haul roads + rock crushing 02: Landfill + haul roads + transfer station 03: Landfill rehabilitation + haul roads + building terraces + containing ground + installing power plant + planting & maintenance 04: Leachette treatment and power plant + sealed roads + scaled terracing + methane extraction + power transmission lines + planting & maintenance + farming 05: Revegetation and power plant + sealed roads + scaled terracing + methane extraction + power transmission lines + planting & maintenance + farming + visitor facilities 06: Revegetated parklands + sealed roads + sealed terracing + farming and maintenance + visitor facilities 07: Timeline of site transformation
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•
•
•
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00 - 02
Vall de Joan Landfill Park (Batle & Roig, Barcelona 1995) has dealt with transformation of the site through changing the program. I believe this project has answered the call to make a grand gesture by utilising the waste material to supply another need (electricity is generated through the extraction of methane created by fermenting rubbish). Interestingly the operations of the site have increased over time in order to rehabilitate the quarry/landfill site, which attempts to blend back into the surrounding hillside. There may be a peak in operations before programmatic use (power generation, site seeing and recreation) dissipates. Having the program change from land fill to power generation generates a viable income for restoration works, although feasibility also requires specialist infrastructure and expenditure. The shifting use of this site has led me to consider not just one end use but how over time, the introduction of a new program can continue to reshape the landscape and instigate further programs.
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2006
Source of lighting for Barcelona
80 - 100m depth of waste
Alternative sites located 2001 Beginning of Biogas 2000 Closure scheduled 1999 Insitu treatment plant Start of Eco-park 1 1998 1997
Peak amount of waste dumped 1992 Recovery of paper + cardboard 1990
Power generators 300 wells to capture gas
Hard rubbish is separated 1985 1981
Recycling begins 1980
Special Plan for Elimination of Urban Solid Waste
Nitrogen for fertilizer
O2
Surplus CO2
CH4
1974 1972
Vegetation
Anaerobic decomposition
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Separate liquid + gas
Post Industrial The Duisburg Nord Park in Germany (Latz + Partner 1991) combines both park features (recreational furniture and events for public access), with the post-industrial heritage unique to the site. Similarly the Zollverein Mining Complex (OMA 1986) is a precedent for industrial culture. The site was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001, partly by reflecting this mining cultural heritage. The industrial park convenes architecture and remnant infrastructure to provide ongoing facility. In the Terra Strata park proposal I have fed from the idea that remnant infrastructure can provide an attraction for a park. Given the scale of these features (cooling towers and furnace stacks); they are already a notable identity within the region. Conveyors run approximately three kilometres from the mine pit to the overburden and in being converted into walkways, provide a way in which to navigate the scale of the site with the narrative of industrial history.
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Concerns that I had about trying to establish the grounds of the open cut, power station and over-burden dump as one site, one park; seem linked with this gesture.
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‘By unpacking the sublime qualities of industrial ruins – those qualities linked to the scale, material, function, and power of industry – we can better understand their fundamental attraction. Understanding the attraction of ruins can help to support the development of a new framework for design that can better capture the competing narratives of industrial landscapes.’ (Clemence Chan 2009)
02 03 - 04 01: Photo montage for Loy Yang using remnant infrastructure in park 02: Duisburg Nord park in Germany (Latz + Partner 1991) 03: Zeche Zollverein Mining Complex (OMA, 1986) 04: Zeche Zollverein converted conveyor walkway (OMA 1986)
The collage to the right represents the existing state of the OC mine and compares it to current proposed closure outcomes. These two are poles apart and the proposed formation of a lake has a romantic or picturesque flavour. As the site deals with the sublime (post-industrial infrastructure), how can this be used to benefit the site as a park?
lies view? what d the beyon process mental Environ vs ess ade proc man-m
Scale: A4 land
e’ d esqu e’ an ictur the ‘p
ublim
the ‘s
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Mine Rehabilitation In 1989 in East Germany with the fall of the Berlin wall and a change to politics and economics within the country, 224 open cast mines (a high number being lignite or brown coal), were closed and quick solutions sought for restoration. Without having a progressive rehabilitation scheme along with mining operations, a staggering 10 billion dollars was budgeted for by Federal government (75%) and states (25%) for restoration works to be carried out (IBA – SEE 2009, p40). Of these, 30 were selected to be part of a conference to design the redevelopment of the region of Lusatia with varied programmatic approaches. Designs for these landscapes have the aim to re-build potential to serve as a catalyst for future development. In part this is done through varied treatment rather than a homogenous blend in with surrounding scenery.
and trails. To further critique the treatment of this region, these lakes are promoted to invoke the development of a recreational area within a region of declining population and employment (Hamm, October 2011). Whilst there are some images of people swimming in these lakes, I question the acidity levels of these water bodies and whether the acidic water is contained or leaching into fresh water reserves. Parks and recreation provide some employment for people but in providing a number of attractions, the maintenance of post-mined landscapes may be further sustained. Some of the scenarios propose lake-front properties along with parks and trails. As Loy yang is close to a town (Traralgon, population 22,000), the proximity of parkland features it has to provide for the community are important for the sociocultural and urban development.
Designs for these landscapes have the aim to re-build potential and serve as a catalyst for future development. In part this is done through varied treatment rather than a homogenous blend with surrounding scenery but a high number of the proposals are for lake-front properties along with parks
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01: Project 16: Geopark Muskau Coal Crescent (IBA-SEE) 02: Project 8: Sedlitzer See Waterscape (IBA-SEE) 03: Project 28: Pritzen Art Landscape (IBA-SEE) 04: Project 26 : Landscape art: “The Hand” in Altdöbern (IBA-SEE) 05: Fyfe Earth Project (Scott Wilson + Charles Jenks)
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‘The idea of healing the wounds inflicted on the mining regions quickly and rendering them unrecognisable has given way to the conviction that the best possible use should be made of the opportunity to design a post-mining landscape with great potential for the future development.’ (IBA - Post Mining Landscape, p40)
Land Art The Fyfe Earth Project (Scott Wilson + Charles Jenks 2003), is a ‘land-art’ approach to the reclamation of an open cut coal mine in Scotland (this project is currently under development and design began in 2003). The design in this project has drawn out the alteration of elevation levels, creating an aerial view whilst creating parklands. The park is an area of visual interest but with manicured grass mounds and definite angles, regular ongoing maintenance would be required.
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As the mine pits in the Latrobe Valley have depths of 150m to 200m and overburden mounds of up to 50m, taking advantage of this aerial view could play an important role to capture a visual audience. Post closure of mines also require ongoing monitoring of water toxicity levels and slope stability, that funding under a park and recreation scheme may enable.
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Nonphysical Phenomenon It is only in reading the title ‘6 days in Nelson and Canterbury, of the painting that you view a documentation of a journey rather than the same location. This is because the hills appear the same – all grassed ranges in which site specificity has been lost due to the landscape treatment. The argument in relation to my project is that places should be allowed to transform to react to their location rather than try to ‘blend’ in, not revealing uniqueness or history. The overburden dumps at both Loy Yang and Hazelwood have been formed to blend into the surrounding landscape consisting of gently rolling hills and grassland.
Discussing this project with a number of people, their experiences and that of their families have been told. There is a nostalgia attached to the mines and the different events or states that they have been in over time. I am interested in exploring how the form of the open cut batters can be retained to evoke this feeling of nostalgia. To consider how our ancestors (recent) might have viewed the site and also how following generations may also view, use and remember it.
In the scale of time that the site has been created, the use as a mine is relatively short. Through my project I get to translate a future vision. Part of this is to capture the experience of the site in its context of site and time.
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01: 6 days in Nelson & Canterbury, Colin McCahon 02: Rendition of site history encountering: Kauri forest, swamp, pasture, mining, industrial and then lake
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There are many aspects of the site that are not visible. I have in the below imagery tried to encounter the history and formation of the site in a similar style to McCahon. Instead of a journey with similar scenery, I have used journey of one site through time.
Ecological Succession The scale of industrial excavations and extent of disruption makes it difficult to implement a design to the whole site. The approach that EMF (Barcelona) has taken to rehabilitate a quarry is to work with vegetation planting, spreading over a period of time. The vegetation is initially planted and then relies on species to selfcolonise. This becomes denser over time and through shaped topography which allows dispersal of water that will help establish a widening park.
01: Integració Paisatgística D’una Pedrera - EMF (Intergrating Quarry Landscapes over time) - stabilising quarry walls 02: Vegetation bands transforming quarry time series 03: Detail scheme of vegetation establishment and growth
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The Loy Yang mine is an extensive mine where water bodies and vegetation systems will need to be used to reshape the mine. Alongside self-colonising species tolerant to the conditions of raw and weathered coal batters, species need to be selected which aid soil nutrients though collected debris but must also consider the risk of fire and not providing too much fuel. Whilst a slowly establishing forest might in time start to reshape the outlook of the mine, how does the presence and use of vegetation in this site become a notable gesture? The contrast and resilience of vegetation against this highly constructed landscape can be read into the narration of the park design.
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LaTrobe Valley, Victoria 163km from Melbourne
Melbourne Morwell Traralgon
Start of mountain range
Latrobe River Lake Narracan
flow to Lakes Entrance
Moe
M1 fwy to Sydney
Yallourn
Forestry plantations
Traralgon
Morwell
Loy Yang
Hazelwood mine
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pondage
Traralgon South Flora & Fauna
Mine Ecology ‘Reclaimed landscapes are a product of technology, science and culture working to reorder land in new ways. [...] Reclaiming landscapes involves reordering physical entities (such as natural systems, ecologies, programmatic experiences, sun, shade, wind and water) and nonphysical phenomena (such as perceptions, jurisdictions and histories).’ (Berger, A 2002 p61)
This chapter will set out the landscape components within the mine that need consideration in reclamation process. The Latrobe Valley is at the base of a mountain range and contains a number of rivers, streams and lakes. Thousands of years ago it was an area similar to that around Lakes Entrance of coastal proximity and fluctuating inundation. This presence of water and land is what formed the vast amount of coal reserves. A coal mine cannot be abandoned due to the risk of fire hazards, slope stability and safety or unbalanced water systems. Exposed brown coal batters run a small risk of spontaneously combusting and can continue to burn underground relatively unnoticed causing land subsidence, as did occur in Pennsylvania (USA) in the early 1970s (Bellows, A. 2006). The stability of the slopes can affect other infrastructure, as has recently occurred with the closure of the M1 highway next to the Hazelwood mine. The Latrobe Valley brown coal mines (Yallourn, Hazelwood and Loy Yang); can be viewed by public from the M1 highway. The scale of the power stations against the rich tapestry of the green valley is awesome and conveys an impression of the sublime against the picturesque. Conditions at the three mines in the Latrobe Valley are similar but do differentiate slightly. These differences are used in the project to compare rehabilitative results.
Latrobe Valley terrain (Google maps)
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04 - 06
01 - 03
01 - 03: Hazelwood pond in mine pit Yallourn - Morwell Creek East Drain 04 - 06: Yallourn - acid leaching from OB Hazelwood- Morwell Creek wetlands Hazelwood- aquifer ponds 07 - 08: Yallourn pondage in mine pit Loy Yang wetlands 09: Diagram of coal and underground water strata of the Latrobe Valley and beneath Loy Yang mine
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Water + Air Open cut mines within the Latrobe Valley have anthropogenic effects on the surrounding ecology, specifically within water bodies. The valley is a major catchment for the lakes in East Gippsland (Lakes Wellington and Lakes Entrance), which are of great value for fisheries as well as recreation. There are a number of existing streams in the areas of the mines as well as disrupted hydrology which are important to maintain under EPA (Environmental Protection Act) guidelines. These need to be treated before they reach larger water reserves (like the Latrobe River), which have a further reaching affect. Toxic water will affect riverine systems, habitat, livestock and vegetation. It is for this reason that the mine site must take measures to neutralise within its boundary. The water run-off on site is collected in ponds within the open cut as well as pooled into wetlands from the overburden area. It collects oxidised mineral particles from the soil and thus becomes acidic so must be settled before further use. The collected and water is then circulated in pipes around the perimeter of the mine and on haul roads for fire service use as well as dust suppression.
07 - 08
Air quality is affected by burning of the coal and occasional dust storms where coal particles are blown out of the mine and through the valley.
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Fire service pipes are placed around the perimeter of the open cut and on haul roads. These are used in case of fire and to wet surface as a dust suppressor. Re-grading works will need to occur around some of this infrastructure but by implementing sprinklers, water can be distributed for continued risk management.
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Aquifers
Two of the mines, Hazelwood and Loy Yang are situated on top of aquifers approximately 300-1000 meters underground. The excavation of coal and earth on top reduces the ground pressure which holds them in place. Without continual pumping and de-pressurising of the aquifers, the ground would heave and aquifer chambers may begin to implode. To exhaust this process, ground must be restabilised through the weight of ground material, in the form of a large amount of overburden material, and water through the presence of a lake.
Within the OC are large ponds, collecting the run-off which naturally seeps to the lowest point. Within the Hazelwood OC there a number of hot aquifer ponds also. These internal ponds are continually pumped for treatment and use within operations. At Yallourn, the Morwell East Drain was diverted to allow further mining excavation in a new field. This meant constructing a 50m high earth retaining wall and creek levy to withhold a one in 100 year flood. The measures and expense in which a mine will take to continue operations can be extreme. Design measures can also learn to take this scale of alteration. Aquifer water temperatures runs between 30 and 50 degrees centigrade and has a particularly sulphurous odour. The water from the aquifers is used for power plant operations.
water pumped to plant for use 190m pit depth
Yallourn coal Morwell 1a coal Morwell 1b coal
Interseam clays
Morwell 2a coal
Morwell 2b coal Morwell 2c coal Traralgon coal
Morwell 2b Aquifer Morwell 2c Aquifer
100m depth to aquifer Aquifer pump @ 40rPa/sec
Traralgon Aquifer
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5 10
20
50
06 - 09
01 - 05
Spreader
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Conveyor
Overburden
Upon excavation, material not suitable for efficient burning is distributed from the mine pit to the OB (over burden) dump. This includes matter from the coal inter-seam (sedimentary material between coal seams) and waste material such as ash slurry (from furnaces) which forms the base of the OB mounds and is topped with up to two meters of clay, taken from the top of the coal seam. The inter-seam and top layer makes up approximately 16% of the excavated material. Acid leaching occurs in the OB as the material dumped includes ash containing metal particles, sulphide and pyrites. When this is left uncovered, it oxidises resulting in an acidic soil material (low pH). As water reaches this soil, it extracts and carries these metal particles. This water needs to be treated to increase the pH level so that it is more likely to support vegetation growth. Passive measures of increasing the pH include allowing the water to follow a meandering path so that it has time for aquatic plants to help filter and neutralise or lime can be added to the soil or water profiles. This is the building material used to fill and re-shape the OC (open cut) form. Over burden area 5 10
20
50
01-05: Interseam material from OC
The dumps are external at Loy Yang and Hazelwood and are being revegetated or grassed to allow use for farmland as used in the surrounding land. Yallourn has an internal OB. The OB is progressively graded, topped and re-vegetated to stabilise and reduce the affects of AMD (Acid Mine Drainage).
Hazelwood pond at bottom of OB Hazelwood revegetated OB Hazelwood scouring topsoil to cover OB mounds Loy yang building OB 06-09: Loy yang pasturalised OB Yallourn ‘moonscape’ internal OB Yallourn revegetated OB Yallourn new internal OB
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Open cut
The form of the OC (open cut) mine pit is made up of terraced cliff-like batters up to 25 meters in height and benches ranging from 8 meter haul roads to 300 meter excavation work levels. The angles of the batters depend on the excavation machinery but are set to maintain a maximum grade of 1:3 for stability. The OC also contains ponds created by drainage run-off that are utilised to dampen coal to reduce fire risk and dust emissions. Pipes run along haul roads at different levels around the perimeter of the OC, along with a power supply for excavators. This infrastructure provides safety to the current state and can inhibit slope alteration whilst the mine is operational. The raw coal batters do weather slowly over time. Depending upon the moisture in which they contain, vegetation, blown in from in or around the site, spontaneously establishes itself. The depth of the OC determines the ability to ‘fill’ or ‘cover’ raw coal in rehabilitation means. A lower graded slope is more economical to rehabilitate however the cost of this somehow has to be offset in order for mining operations to employ the method.
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h = 25m
w= 160m - 300m
01
batters 1:3
04 - 06
02 - 03
5 10
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20
50
01: batters and berms created in excavation of OC 02: Hazelwood mine with bucket-wheel excavators 03: Loy Yang OC and pondage 04: Loy Yang OC mine 05: Yallourn Marysvale field OC with 1:5 grade excavation 06: Yallourn Township field OC with internal OB + pond
Loy Yang and Hazelwood have similar operations using bucket-wheel excavators. These cut batters to heights of approximately 25m at grade of 1:3. Yallourn uses large bulldozers (with buckets 9m wide and 4m tall), which dig and push coal towards large funnel-like machines that load the conveyors. This method produces a slope of 1:5 grade which is easier to rehabilitate but is less efficient at collecting maximum coal within the site boundary.
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batter
berm
01 - 02
The power plants are made up of: water pipes
fire water
5 10
5 10
03 - 05
01 - 02: Infrastructure within OC 03: Hazelwood bucket-wheel excavator 04: Yallourn power supply in OC 05: Yallourn conveyor tunnel beneath East drain diversion 06: Loy Yang conveyors and roads 07: Loy Yang power plant and water service pipes 08: Loy Yang cooler towers 09: Design proposition to convert cooler towers for public use
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20
50m
20
50
•Power station (where coal is burned to heat water which produces steam to turn power generators) •Tall furnace stacks •Water cooling towers (which allows water to be recycled) •Coal bunker(for drying and storage of coal) •Transmission field (transfers and transports electricity through wires) •Administration and maintenance buildings/ sheds • Haul and access roads •Water and electricity infrastructure
Loy Yang Constructed since 1980’s Open cut mine dimensions: 3km x2km x200m depth Overburden dimensions: 3km x 1.6km Approx. 30 million tonnes brown coal per year Proposed closure: 20-30 years
Infrastructure
Besides the enormous open cuts created, brown coal which is mined in the Latrobe Valley is a contentious issue as it is not a clean burning or producing method of electricity, due to the moisture content of the coal. Though the site of a power plant is large, the industrial ‘village’ also has a large impact on the landscape. Upon mine closure the plant will need to be decommissioned and or sold on as an industrial site. Selling the plant under this category is how Loy Yang proposes to recover some closure costs. Decommissioning would include disassembly, removal or recycling of built infrastructure: power plants, furnace stacks, cooling towers, conveyors and excavators.
06 - 07
08 - 09
The infrastructure (conveyors, water pipers, electricity wires, access roads and large machinery), are set up to aid the efficiency of operations. As coal is a combustible material, some of the infrastructure will need to be retained after closure for safety, maintenance and access use, where coal remains exposed. Others are to be ‘rehabilitated’ under policy regulations. Within this, infrastructure is seen as an obstacle in which to design around or with.
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Vegetation samples has taken from the east batters of Loy Yang mine: Wattles, Black gum & grasses
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Vegetation
Pools of acid water created from run-off of raw overburden. Limestone in placed in slow meandering paths to ameliorate a lower pH
Clay topping added in some areas to allow vegetation to establish and build up organic matter.
Instead of finishing the OC with a flat profile, indentations have been carved in (using tractors) to create small dams which pool water. The level of water will vary upon rain levels and flow but help establish enough moisture for seeds to germinate and grow
Lichen grows in areas which have retained some moisture. This is the beginning of the nutrient cycle to replenish the soil.
Plant growth within the site is determined by the soil profile. There are a number of species that are tolerant to acidic and low nutrient soils which will grow readily directly in the coal batters. Some of these help restore nitrogen levels to the soil. The overburden dump does not have a regular pattern of material distribution and include compacted soil so establishing vegetation can be challenging. The design aims to accelerate restoration of species to enhance biodiversity and improve biological potential of soils. Ecological processes are not static upon a site. Allowing these to work within a project can transform the quality of systems by rebalancing them and creating diversity. The following observations are what have been tested within the three mines in the Latrobe Valley. • Sowing of grasses provide initial stabilisation of (regraded) slopes act as a nurse crop for slower establishing species • Grasses together with other woody debris help establish organic matter which is important to improve the soil profile • Instead of finishing the OB with a flat profile, indentations are made (using tractors), to create small dams and pool water. The level of water will vary upon the rain level and flow but establish enough moisture for seeds to germinate and grow. The following vegetation samples images are studies undertaken both on site at Loy Yang and at nearby well established flora and fauna parks. In this I have been able to determine species that readily grow in the area, including initial germinating species 3years after an intensive fire event.
Images: Yallourn internal overburden dump
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01 - 02 03 01: Tarra Bulga National Park moss samples 02: Mt Tassie plantation vegetation samples 03: Tarra Bulga National Park, Lyrebird trail Ground samples 04: Traralgon South Flora Park vegetation samples 05: Succession of vegetation from sandy soil 06: Succession of vegetation from granitic soils
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Traralgon South Flora & Fauna Park identified species Lonmandra longifolia Pteridium aquilinum Pultenaea largiflorens Pultencea pedunculata Stipa nervosa Themeda australis Trametes versicolour
Spiny-headed Mat-rush Bracken fern Twiggy bush-pea Matted bushpea Spear grass Kangaroo grass Rainbow fungus
04
Hedge wattle Spreading Wattle Golden Wattle Hop wattle Drooping She-oak Rosy Heath-myrtle Sticky boronia Common Correa Prickly cryptandra Prickly wax flower Common Heath Mountain Ash Blue Gum Common Peppermint Broad-leaved peppermint Red-fruit saw-sedge Purple coral-pea
05 - 06
Acacia armata Acacia difusa Acacia pycnantha Acacia stricta Allocasuarina verticilatta Baeckea ramosissima Boronia anemone Correa reflexa Crytpandra tomentosa Eriostemon pungens Epacris impressa Eucalyptus regnans Eucalyptus globules Eucalyptus radiate Eucalyptus dives Gahnia siberiana Hardenbergia violacoa
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The Traralgon Flora and Fauna Reserve lies to the south of Loy Yang overburden dump. Through exploring this park by mountain bike, which is of similar size to the area of the mine, I was able to cover a larger area over several hours. There are many single tracks as well as forestry haul roads which appeared to be regularly used. There were a good variety of native flowers and self-colonising trees when during the early September visit. By covering a broad area and witnessing the degree of vegetation cover within the site, I was able to envisage how the site of the mine could potentially be forested over a long period if organic debris was again able to build up and improve soil conditions.
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03
01 - 02 05 - 08 01: Section of OC batters 02: Perspective of vegetation growth occurring in ‘Fence & Forget’ 03: Vegetation growing on batters at Yallourn mine 04: Water fall through crack in raw coal batter, Hazelwood 05 - 08: Series of how vegetation may build up if mine is left to itself in ‘Fence & Forget’ scenario 09: Normal growth pattern 10: Sporadic growth as expected where soild quality is degraded and non-consistent 11-13: Series of how vegetation might grow in mine following stream and pooling of water
Normal growth patterns 09
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Sporadic growth 10
As the land is privately owned by the mining conglomerate, the site could simply and economically be fenced off and left to weather. Due to the risks of slope stability, fire and underground aquifer pressure, the mine must be maintained to meet environmental regulations. The batters of the old Township mine at Yallourn have been left for approximately 50 years without any rehabilitative treatment. The effect of this has been self-perpetuating vegetation migrating onto batters. This in part, helps stabilise the slope and provide shade.
11 - 13
04
The design proposal intends to use this existing condition and enhance is by pooling water in places to help with vegetation growth.
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Section lines were drawn over the Loy Yang map and programs were ‘placed’ depending on the type of terrain. Through these sections the placement of programs remained slightly segmented within the whole site. The sectional line as a representative tool did become useful it considering a journey and how conditions may transition. This is more diagrammatic than it is a representation of how the site may be reformed.
The matrix to the right lists a number of recreational programs (top) and ecological programs (right). Where highlighted in green, is where these programs can operate together. 58
Multi-functional Landscapes ‘[‌] it may be impossible to maximise both the conservation of biodiversity and recreational opportunity in the same area. We may simply not understand what ecological trade-offs need to be made. What is important is that multi-functionality is not a property of ecological systems per se, but only emerges through the interaction of human value systems and the capabilities of nature. Real ecological functions give rise to, or support, the goods and services that may be desired by society, but the particular aspects of ecological systems that are important are defined recursively through the different value system. Functions that were considered important in the past may, no longer be so.’ (Haines-Young,p187)
Mining operations need to be regarded as just one of the programs when proposing that reclamation begins pre-closure. Whilst efficiency is prioritised during mining, different programs can be phased to both shape new spatial conditions and where landscape conditions emerge.
be in 50-100 years time in terms of how people live their lives but we can provide a framework on which to expand and draw on. It is more about opening up the options for how a site can be used, rather than allowing one program to shape it (i.e. grazing).
How can the OC and OB be used postmining and what land form is required to be generated to allow an overlapping of programs?
One of the difficulties in re-thinking site was how different programs operated at once. If a simple gesture is to be made, what is the design stroke made that allows several programs to operate simultaneously?
The scale of the site may allow phasing of recreational programs however these should be led by the restoration of ecological function, being the ability of water and vegetation to self-support their existence.
This does not necessarily prescribe an approach for intensive multi-use but how altering terrain and spatial conditions can facilitate a number of programs to be phased in over time.
Recreational programs that have been considered all have their own unique spatial requirements that are different to mining operation configurations which have a linear arrangement to meet efficiency.
When a design is trying to schedule transformation of space or phase in/out programs, prescribing specific programs causes a space to become static.
Overlapping of programs seems to be of importance as I do not want to prescribe that the site will have a designated end-use. There is no way of telling what the requirement will
Golf
Mountain Biking
Trail bikes
Climbing
Walking/ Running
Horse riding
Boating
Farming
Education
Viewing/ Touring
Movie/ Festival Set
Water treatment Forestry Native re-vegetation Soil stability Lake and wetlands Alternative power Minimising operation distances Large machinery Extending mine Landfill Agriculture Horticulture Sub-division
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01 - 02 Horse Mt riding Biking
07 - 10
03 - 06
Forrestryy
The above collages of how programs can be integrated together using the previous matrix, were very useful to be in generating at a workable scale ‘moments’ of how the site could be transformed. Whilst some programs might not be practical (rock-climbing or boating), the operational constraints did start to dissipate and the ‘what’ became more prevalent in the design process.
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1:10 ŚĂƵů ƌŽĂĚƐ
Using a 3-dimensional terrestrial model of the mine, I took the existing form and placed other programs within this via collage. This helped spatialise the existing, using very little reformation. This existing formation to programmed transformation, begins to inform how it might be phased at the end of operations.
01 - 10: Collages of active and passive programs mixed to create new spatial conditions 11 - 13: Existing form to transformation through programs
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Mt Biking slopes Green = Easy
Blue = Moderate difficulty
Black = Difficult
Width 2.5m minimum
1.5m minimum
1.0m minimum
Maximum incline 8:1 grade
3:1 grade x 200m increments
2:1 grade x 100m increments
8:1 grade
2:1 grade x 50m increments
1:1 grade x 20m increments
Maximum decline
Lips 1.5m maximum 0.5m maximum 0 5:1 grade
5:1 grade
Ramps 2.5m max
2:1 4 0m
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3:1
4 0m
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60:1 grade
5m maximum
gouged pool
1:3 grade
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6.0m min. for 1m channel
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WĞĚĞƐƚƌŝĂŶ ĐĐĞƐƐ Maximum slope
6:1 grade
6:1 grade
Angles required for other programs, to be used as part of a transformation tool set.
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This diagrams illustrates the slope angles of the mine, maximum angles required for mt biking, pedestrian access, vehicle access and movement of water. With this the transformation required between different programs becomes more apparent.
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Trails traversed time taken 3hours (return)
Loy Yang Mine
Traralgon South Flora & Fauna Park
(Mine pit 3.4 x 1.8km)
100m 1km
(4.9 x 4.2km)
Melbourne CBD (1.8 x 1.5km)
5km
As demonstrated in the above diagram, the site is indeed immense and it is not feasible to use conventional application of materials and transformation to convert the site. This shaped the way in which I needed to engage with the site and investigate its transformation.
As I am a mountain biker, when I visited the sites I kept thinking of how I would ride through them. I decided to use this program as a lense to test how the site could be transformed to create a network or journey. Mountain biking prefers to have a varied terrain so test the agility of the rider. As the mine has slopes which are to be graded to particular angle for stability, I drew up minimum and maximum angles for riding. In this have included different levels of difficulty. Mountain Biking can prescribe grades to transform but also allows unexpected investigation and transformation. Water treatment and flow was also a key element to consider the wider ecological context and transformation. In exploring by bike, I was able to investigate what species were flourishing over a broad area, as required for a large site, as opposed to a microstudy trafficable by foot.
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12
13
01 - 04
01: no fill 02: run-off fill 03: aquifer to fill 04: Traralgon creek fill 06-09: Form change by natural process 10: Formation of lakes through creek source 11: Haul roads 12: Traversing terraces 13: Engineered channels for water flow into OC 14: Proposal for how water might move between mounds and act with trails and passive water treatment
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06 - 09 10 12
11
The above sketch designs explore the formation of a lake/s in the OC through different means. This changes the form of the OC but also how inundation occurs needs to be considered. Using Traralgon creek as a source could be an option but how this occurs through the existing wetlands changes the conditions. Designing this zone was challenging as there was no ‘attraction’ as to why a person would stop at this point along the road. I preferred to zoom into how the water might be experienced within the OC through a number of engineered channels within the level changes of the terraces. This level of detail bought me to start visualising a design for a park, but it was quite disjointed and I was not understanding how the water was operating.
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The Loy yang OC grows by 120-150m per year on its eastern side (2km in width). This is a huge continual transformation that is occurring. As illustrated in the bottom section, this excavation forms of the OB. +20
+120m/yr
+10 +5 +4 +3 +2 +1
ac
This section has been able to convey the scale of the site once a well recognised urban feature is placed in relation to it.
+0
Mining operations are a program which occurs in a given space at the same time in which other activities which engages with community. Both have shifting spatial parameters. Clay and interseam, displaced from the top of the coal seam makes up about one sixth of all the excavated material. This is the building material that allows the formation of the park, built up in mounds or to alter the grades of the pit walls. The regular displacement within this operation needs to be utilised to build the design intention.
01
ab
N
Plan @ 1:40,000 Open cut mine moveme
02
aa
Overburden mound
+1 years
+2 years
+3 years
+4 years
+5 years
+10 years
Rehabilitated slope 1:5
aa
ab
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Transformation What is driving the project design is ‘transformation’. This is the ‘how’ of the project, altering the existing state, to a new design and highlighting its potential. The mine is in a state of constant flux, hyped by the scale of mining excavation. It is difficult to propose one outcome or plan due to this continual shift. These states of physical, ecological, programmatic and visual transformation become the tools used to create a design gesture resulting in a park. Mining operations are a program which occurs in a given space at the same time in which other activities engage with community. Both have shifting spatial parameters. Ecological processes are not static upon a site. Allowing these to work within a project can transform the quality of systems by rebalancing them and create diversity. By allowing water systems and vegetation to play a lead role in how such a landscape can be altered, prescribes a management approach that enables maximum stabilisation of the site during closing phases of mining operations, whilst also considering how public use can be implemented. The framework created to manage the site aims to allow future land use to be phased, as future generation needs require.
01: Loy Yang plan and open cut mine movement direction 02: Section indicating open cut and overburden dump scale and scale of excavation over time in relation to overburden material
Eureka Tower height 300m Internal Overburden
+20 years
Open Cut mine extension
+50 years
+0 years
+1 years
+2 years
+3 years
+4 years
+5 years
+10 years
+20 years
Open Cut depth 200m Average depth of capping 20m
Batter slope 3:1
Section @ 1:5,000 vertical x2
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ac
70
Hierarchy
This model has been constructed to represent my proposed methodology of my design research (shown on following page). ‘The Landscape of Man’ (book title) ironically has been interrupted by cutting out the open cut mine form. This illustrates the effect an OC has on the landscape in terms of its scale, making it difficult to read or see beyond it.
Like mining, this model is about extracting and forming, with the tools or machinery used, determining the form which the OC or project take on. This model is also very constrained which still does reflect the pragmatic approach that I have taken.
I ‘carved’ into the book, moving through the layers of my methodology to reveal the different programs dictating the form (underlying layers with research methods), until I got to the ‘bottom’ and ‘found’ the closing form. Conversely, what knowledge I pulled out of these layers creates a new form.
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EĞǁ ƉĂƌŬ ƚLJƉŽůŽŐLJ ĞŵĞƌŐŝŶŐ ^ŝƚĞ ƐƉĞĐŝĮĐ ĂŶĚ ƚŽƵƌŝƐƚ ĂƩƌĂĐƟŶŐ ĞŶĞĮƚƐ ǁŝĚĞ ĂƵĚŝĞŶĐĞ &ĂĐŝůŝƚĂƚĞƐ ƐŝƚĞ ŵĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞͬŽďƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶ WƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ ĐĂŶ Įƚ ŝŶ ǁŝƚŚ ĞdžŝƐƟŶŐ ĨŽƌŵ hŶĞdžƉĞĐƚĞĚ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ ĐĂŶ ĐĂƵƐĞ ĨŽƌŵ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ
&ƌĂŵĞǁŽƌŬ͗ ƐĞĐŽŶĚĂƌLJ ĨƌĂŵĞǁŽƌŬ͗
EĞǁ ĂĞƐƚŚĞƟĐ ĐƌĞĂƚĞĚ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ ŽƉĞƌĂƟŽŶƐ sĂƌŝĞĚ ƚĞƌƌĂŝŶ ĐƌĞĂƚĞĚ &ƌĂŵĞǁŽƌŬ ;ƟŵĞͿ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ KƉĞƌĂƟŽŶƐ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ ƚŽ ĐƌĞĂƚĞ ŶĞǁ ĨŽƌŵ &ŽƌǁĂƌĚ ƉůĂŶŶŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƐĂǀŝŶŐ Ψ
WƌŽĐĞƐƐ
WƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ
WŽůŝĐLJ ĂůůŽǁ ĐĂƌĞƚĂŬŝŶŐ͕ ĂĐĐĞƐƐ͕ ďĞŶĞĮƚƐ ǁŝĚĞƌ ƵƐĞƌ ŐƌŽƵƉ ZĞŚĂď͘ ƉůĂŶ н ďŽŶĚƐ
tŚĞŶ н ǁŚĂ ƚ ƐĐĂůĞ ĚĞĐŽŵŵŝƐƐŝŽŶŝŶŐ ƐĞůĨͲƉĞƌƉĞƚƵĂƟŶŐͬĨŽƌŵŝŶŐ ƚƌĂŶƐĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ƟŵĞůŝŶĞ ƐƉĂƟĂů ĐŽŶĮŐƵƌĂƟŽŶ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵ
ǀĂƌŝĞĚ ƚĞƌƌĂŝŶ ƚLJƉŽůŽŐLJ
ĐĂƉĂďŝůŝƟĞƐ &ŽƌǁĂƌĚ ƉůĂŶŶŝŶŐ
dŽŽůƐĞƚ͗
&ŝĞůĚ ŽĨ ĞŶƋƵŝƌLJ͗
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WŽůŝĐLJ
KƉĞƌĂƟŽŶƐ
ZĞŚĂď͘ ƉůĂŶƐ 'Žǀƚ͘ ƉŽůŝĐLJ s ĞŶŶŝƐƚŽŶ
^ŝƚĞ ǀŝƐŝƚƐ
dƌĂŶƐĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ
ůĂŶ ĞƌŐĞƌ sĂůů ĚĞ :ŽĂŶ
WƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ
Dƚ ďŝŬŝŶŐ tĂƚĞƌ ƚƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ DŝŶŝŶŐ ZĞĐƌĞĂƟŽŶ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ ĐŽůŽŐŝĐĂů ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ
ĐŽůŽŐLJ
zĂůůŽƵƌŶ ƌĞǀĞŐ͘ ĐŽŵƉĂƌĞĚ ƚŽ >z džŝƐƟŶŐ ŚLJĚƌŽůŽŐLJ
dŝŵ
& ZĞǀĞ
ŵĞůŝŶĞ
&ƌĞƐŚŬŝůůƐ ĞŐ͘ ƉƌŽƉŽƐĂů
Diagram for thinking about the processes involved in research methodology. It starts with the field of enquiry which is ‘what’ I have investigated. These are categorised within a ‘toolset’ which further informs the main framework. This framework sets out the criteria in which designs should engage with i.e. how does this ‘plan’ engage with the idea of gesture?
ƌĞĂƟŶŐ ŶĞǁ ͚ǀĂůƵĞ͛ ĨŽƌ ƐŝƚĞ džƚĞŶĚŝŶŐ ƐŝƚĞ ůŝĨĞ ƐƉĂŶ Θ ƵƐĞ EĞǁ ƉŽƐƐŝďŝůŝƟĞƐ
When designs are generated, the outcome should either further question and be tested within the framework or answer the criteria.
'ĞƐƚƵƌĞ
ĞƐƚŚĞƟĐƐ
ĐŽŶŽŵLJ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶƟĂů ͕ ƋƵĂůŝƚLJ ŽĨ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ
ƩƌĂĐƟŽŶ͕ ͚ǀĂůƵĞ͛
ĞƐƚŚĞƟĐƐ
^ƵďůŝŵĞ Θ ƉŝĐƚƵƌĞƐƋƵĞ &ŝĨĞ ĂƌƚŚ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ DĐ ĂŚŽŶ
WŽƐƚ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů džŝƐƟŶŐ ŝŶĨƌĂƐƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞ
ĐŽŶŽŵLJ
>z ŽƉĞƌĂƟŽŶƐ ĞŶŶŝƐƚŽŶ
EŽŶƉŚLJƐŝĐĂů ƋƵĂůŝƟĞƐ
ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ
ĐĐĞƐƐŝďŝůŝƚLJ dŚĞ ǁĂLJ ǁĞ ůŝǀĞ Ͳ 'ƵƐƐŽ
hƐĞ ŽĨ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ džƉĂŶĚŝŶŐ ƐŝƚĞ ƵƐĞ ƐĂĨĞƚLJ
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DESIGN RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Scarred land͗ KƉĞŶ ĐƵƚ ŵŝŶĞ ƌĞĐůĂŵĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ >ĂdƌŽďĞ sĂůůĞLJ
ĂŶǀĂƐ
^ĐĂůĞ ƵƐƚƌĂůŝĂŶ ŽƉĞŶ ĐƵƚ sŝĐƚŽƌŝĂŶ ŵŝŶĞƐ ŽƉĞŶ ĐƵƚ ŵŝŶĞƐ
^LJƐƚĞŵƐ /ŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂů Žƌ ĐŽŶũŽŝŶƚůLJ ĚĞƐŝŐŶĂƚĞĚ ĐůŽƐƵƌĞ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵͬƐ
>ĂdƌŽďĞ sĂůůĞLJ ŽƉĞŶ ĐƵƚ ŵŝŶĞƐ
>ŽLJ zĂŶŐ
ƐŝŶŐůĞ ƌĞĐƚĂŶŐƵůĂƌ K džƚĞƌŶĂů K ƉŽǁĞƌ ƐƚĂƟŽŶ н ŝŶĨƌĂƐƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞ ĐŽŽůŝŶŐ ƉŽŶĚƐ ƉĂƐƚƵƌĞ н ǀĞŐĞƚĂƟŽŶ
,ĂnjĞůǁŽŽĚ
ƚǁŽ ĐƵƌǀĞĚ K Ɛ ĞdžƚĞƌŶĂů н ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂů K ƉŽǁĞƌ ƐƚĂƟŽŶ н ŝŶĨƌĂƐƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞ ĐŽŽůŝŶŐ ƉŽŶĚƐ ƉĂƐƚƵƌĞ н ǀĞŐĞƚĂƟŽŶ
zĂůůŽƵƌŶ
ŵƵůƟƉůĞ ůĂƌŐĞ н ƐŵĂůů K Ɛ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂů K ƉŽǁĞƌ ƐƚĂƟŽŶ н ŝŶĨƌĂƐƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞ ĐŽŽůŝŶŐ ƉŽŶĚƐ ƉĂƐƚƵƌĞ н ǀĞŐĞƚĂƟŽŶ
ĞƐŝŐŶ WƌĞĐĞĚĞŶƚƐ
WƌŽĐĞƐƐ͕ WƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ н ĞƐƚŚĞƟĐƐ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ĐŽŶƐƵůƚĂƟŽŶ
ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ͗ ĞŵƉůŽLJŵĞŶƚ͕ ŚĞĂůƚŚ͕ ůĂŶĚƐĐĂƉĞ ǀĂůƵĞ͕ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ
ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ ŽĨ ĞŶĚ ƵƐĞ
ĐŽͲƐLJƐƚĞŵƐ͗ ǁĂƚĞƌ ďŽĚŝĞƐ͕ ƐŽŝů͕ ǀĞŐĞƚĂƟŽŶ͕ Ăŝƌ͕ ĮƌĞ
Layered mapping: natural + built topography
ĐŽŶĐĞƉƚƵĂů ĐŽůůĂŐĞƐ
ŵŽĚĞůůŝŶŐ
ǁĂƚĞƌ ƚƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ
&ŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ĐŚĂůůĞŶŐĞƐ
>ĞŐĂů ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞŵĞŶƚƐ ;ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ƐĂĨĞƚLJͿ
ZƵůŝŶŐ ŽƌŐĂŶŝƐĂƟŽŶƐ͗ ƵƐƚ͘ 'ŽǀĞƌŶŵĞŶƚ͕ W/͕ ^ ͕ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ͕ ĐŽŶƚƌŽůůŝŶŐ ĐŽŵƉĂŶŝĞƐ
EŽƟŽŶĂů ƟŵĞůŝŶĞ͗ ĐůŽƐƵƌĞ͕ ƌĞŚĂďŝůŝƚĂƟŽŶ н ŵĂŝŶƚĞƌĂŶĐĞ
DĂƐƚĞƌƉůĂŶ
ŶĞǁ ƉŽůŝĐLJ WƵŶƚĂ WŝƚĞ͕ ŚŝůĞ &ƌĞƐŚ <ŝůůƐ͕ EĞǁ zŽƌŬ >Ă sĂůů ĚĞ :ŽĂŶ ůĂŶĚĮůů͕ ĂƌĐĞůŽŶĂ
ŶĞǁ ĚĞƐŝŐŶ ƉƌĞĐĞĚĞŶƚ
ůŽƐŝŶŐ ĨŽƌŵ
The initial methodology diagram is how I thought that my research should be constructed in a fairly linear approach. It does not suggest how I might test and create outcomes in relation to the discourse of landscape architecture. Still, it sets out key elements which make up my framework in which to form criteria that answers a broader question relating to reclaimed post-industrial landscapes. It also contexturalises the project site in relation to the Australian mining industry. Beyond aiming to propose a ‘closing form’, the project now investigates how the project transforms over a period of time alongside phasing out of mining operations rather than at an ‘end’ point.
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Through the course of the year undertaking the design research, I have formulated a number of research questions. These have been amended through the changing hierarchy and approach that I was taking in the research at the particular time. There are a number of key words that have remained points of interest and have driven the design process.
What scale and type of gesture is required in a landscape to render it desirable? 1/03/11
To what extent is a new land form designed to support both a healthy ecology and community participation upon closure, using current mining practise? 11/03/11
Can mining processes be used to facilitate a holistic approach to land reformation that supports both healthy ecology and community participation in the open cut brown fields of the Latrobe Valley? 14/03/11
Can landscapes be designed which convey better or equal value from pre-mining? 19/04/11
How the relinquishment of open-cut mines in the Latrobe Valley be staged to allow new programs to integrate with current operations, whilst not compromising ecological repair or aesthetic values? 20/04/11
How can program be used to both critique and transform reclamation of open cut mines in the Latrobe Valley during and after mining operations? 24/05/11
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Heirachy
PROCESS 01
FORMATION PROGRAM AESTHETICS
02
PROCESS ALLOCATING POSITION
FORMATION
PROGRAM
AESTHETICS
03
01: Initial hierarchy in follie-making 02: Changing the hierarchy considering program created for form or, program resulting from form 03: Sketches of mulch-moving process and though process in follie-making 04: Photos of follie-making sequence
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Formation + Program: interchangable to drive different results in program
The scale of the mine meant that a conventional approach to designing the site was not possible. There is a lack of control in what can be designed and also in the process of operations. Early investigations into follie making enabled me to consider the hierarchy of the operational mining processed together with how the design is driven. It was in the mulch follie that the form of the mulch pile was reconsidered in direct relation to how other programs, for example passage and view, operated.
Follies
This will affect current mining processes which are configured to end design scenarios rather than solely being based on maximum efficiency. Based on the hierarchy that I set out, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;aestheticâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was the only one I was not directly trying to test in the follies. Is the aesthetic a product of the program/process or can it be designed as a key objective? Defining a hierarchy was an important approach in a site of such vastness to start organising how it operates.
The approach to material displacement was worked with when making a 1x1 scaled follie using bark mulch piles. From the folliemaking process in relation to my design research I configured a hierarchy in the closure and reformation design proposals: I then set myself the task of determining what happens to closure scenarios when: 1. Design how and where OB is going to be moved based on its end form 2. Design how and where OB is going to be moved based on set closure program
04
My approach to follie making during the workshop was in considering the formation and movement of the OC mine and OB areas.
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78
Seaweed mounds were formed either side of the stream mouth to allow the natural process of the rising tide to redistribute the forms. These mounds became landscape features which allowed a measurable distance to facilitate activity and also a feature for play. Natural process to dispersal The rising tide moved the seaweed downstream at different rates due to the force upon them.
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80
A pit in the same shape as Loy Yang was dug on the beach, with the sand dug out used to create mounds around the hole. In digging the hole, I needed to consider how to dig - removing top layers and then digging deeper in patches. I then had to think about where to place the sand, how close to the hole and to what height. When the tide come in and filled the hole, the walls of the hole caved in and the mounds began to flatten out. It was the making of the hole and the thought process of where and how to dig and place things that I was most able to relate to mining operations.
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Loy Yang mine and power plant
-68
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Design scenarios I have chosen to use the Loy yang site to test out design, solely as I was able to obtain cadastral data that informed actual scale. Design scenarios considered the intention of design. â&#x20AC;˘ How it explored the framework of: Policy, Program, Process, Transformation, Gesture and Aesthetics. â&#x20AC;˘ Whether it did or did not generate new knowledge
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01 -02
A - Open cut
B - Overburden
03
Height Spreader can achiev 20 - 25m
Machinery size 120m
Width access area
Distance conveyor can reach
Width of terrace
04
Height of cut max 25m
Angle of cut max 1:3
Width of terrace
05
Width access area 50 - 130m
01: Diagram indicating movement from open cut to overburden 02: Sketches of material placement by machinery in OB 03: Overburden machinery parameters 04: Open cut machinery parameters 05: Altering use of road for heavy vehicles to recreational use
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Machinery size 160m
Structural Transformation Beyond the transformation constructed by excavation, the design needs to engage with the scale of the site. Re-grading of slopes needs to consider safety and stability, however I have discovered that not all batters may be able to be altered to the preferred prescribed grade of 5H:1V. It is then the way in which these batters are left in their existing state that allows a design gesture to be legible within the site. Through modelling the mine, I tried to manipulate the terraces, visually altering the scale of terracing. In the digital model I was able to reshape a portion of the mine wall but it was very difficult to get any differentiation to the existing form, visually. In the cast plaster model I was able to alter much more of the site, consider the relative levels and how water might traverse newly carved slopes. A sculpted aesthetic was achieved much closer to the form of Punta Pita. Carving also allowed the model to be transformed to a state which was neither unfinished or complete.
General physical transformation of the mine is done by cut and fill. This gives a measurable volume of material and angles of slopes to be worked. The cutting can only be carried out where there is enough room between the mine cusp and infrastructure and or property boundaries. This constraint was given consideration in modelling. Physical transformation of the mine may not be possible for the entire site and other means of transformation need to be employed to create a new identity. How water moves over slopes and where vegetation colonises will also alter the form, provide support through roots or de stabilise some slopes with washing. The structural transformation of the site form will allow some stability and safety which then allows public access at its minimum. It sets up a base upon where other forms of transformation occur and thus is not the primary driver.
After a week of working on digital models and thinking of stable slope gradients, the design gesture seems lost which I was able to carve from the plaster models.
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01
What determines the form? 01: Process of altering digital model 03-05: Contour card model made by layering and glueing 5meter increments, scaled 1:20,000 (approx. 30x40cm)
• • • • • • • • •
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boundary of dump site ability to dump on top or sides (height + width) height and stability of mound proximity to open cut or water bodies how machinery disperses the dump material dump material texture/size - coarse/fine moisture content consideration of existing programs consideration of proposed programs
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03 - 05
02
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06 - 07
01 01: Process of carving plaster model (1:20,000) 02: plastic molds of model pieces hanging in exhibition 03: Pins and string indicating where remnant conveyors would connect OC to OB 04: The plaster model was coated and sprayed to check water flow patterns 05: Process of correcting warping on large card model with clamps 06: Me carving large model (1:10,000) 07: Wet plaster poured into plastic mold 08: Plastic mold detail, produced by vacuum forming over card models
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05 - 08
02
01 - 04 05 - 08 01 - 04: Process of carving portion of large plaster model 05 - 08: Carving and brushing 1st plaster model 09: Large plaster model, painted and exhibited to show gestural formation, transformation and scale relation
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09
91
h
/ƚĞƌĂƟŽŶ // Ͳ WůĂŶ
/ƚĞƌĂƟŽƐĞĐƟŽŶƐ ŽĨ ŽƉĞŶͲĐƵƚ 200-aa
i
200-bb
g
f
j
200-cc k
ĞƚĂŝů //
200-dd 200-ee
ů
e
ϮϬϬͲī m
200-gg
d c
Ŷ
b a
200-hh
i j
ŶŐ ƐĞĐƟŽŶƐ ŽĨ ŽƉĞŶͲĐƵƚ k
200-aa
01
ů
Ž
m
h f
Ŷ
b Ž
c
d a
g
200-bb 200-cc
e 200-dd 200-ee
NTS
ϮϬϬͲī 200-gg
02 - 04
200-hh
01: Plan of proposed iteration of form alteration based on creating an aerial aesthetic of interest taken from wood grain + sections of existing and proposed form 02 - 04: Sketching how wood grain is manipulated to form a new contour based terrain 05: Existing and proposed sections from iterations which demonstrate the amount of mainly fill required to create this form 06: Collage of proposed view into mine, using 3d model generated from proposal
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ϬϮͲĂ
05
02-b
ϬϮͲĐ
02-d
500m 100m
06
This iteration used wood grain in a top-down approach to the reformation of the OC with predicted expansion of the pit. The aerial design was blended back into surrounding contours in order to establish the amount of earth moving required. The intention here was to test the scale of the land form transformation (or gesture) and secondly how it could be traversed by mountain biking to investigate different spatial devices. It did not investigate the process of how this transformation would occur. Through the sectional analysis on this page, the proposed form did vary the terrain of the OC considerably. It needed to be investigated at a smaller scale to test how it operated in terms of grades to allow access and create a range of peripheral experiences. As a plan for a park, this design does not contain enough detail for how it may operate as a network, or how this form would be created, so this remains a test of form and gesture.
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Existing mine plan
Proposed Township field reclamation: Batter stability with perimeter inundation and water treatment
LaTrobe River
Fire service pond
NTS
a1
Yallourn power station
Eastfield mine
a2
b1
Treatment pond
b2
b2 NTS
Township field
Fire service pond
a1
Maryvale field a2
Morwell Creek
NTS b1
a1
a2
moisture flow through coal pressure applied to stabilise batters
Acid treatment pond
An early design approach to how an internal overburden dump at the Yallourn site may separate out collection ponds and treat acid runoff whilst helping stabilise slopes.
Over burden
fire water pond
b1
b2 NTS
Acid treatment pond sloped batters to create diff. ponds
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infrastructure at top batters to move
limestone/lime rich topping to assist neutralisation
N
100m
500m
1000m
Regrading treatment Graded for wetlands Gauging for seepage ponds Intensive regrading for public access or stability Areas for regrading and material displacement Infill of mine with oveburden material
A plan of the mine indicating structural treatment to the mine, including carving out small water bodies, and retaining mid sections of batters along haul roads.
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01
36°
3°
14m
56°
15m
4m 25°
18m
8m
39°
18m
52°
12m 35°
45° section detail ee 5m
26m
6m
9m
12m 10°
13m
6m
13m
8m 18m 12m
6m 5m 13m 15m 1.5m 1.5m 2m
12m
26m
section detail cc 7m
12m
5m
12m
8m
9m
5m
15m
36m
section detail dd
The above sections constructed on the digital model work with retaining some of the mines’ haul roads which house infrastructure that is required for fire safety post-closure of the mine. Transformation is then hinged from these roads. This determines the grades of some of the slopes. In this iteration on the north slopes I did minimal alteration to the west side with the intention that batters would self-colonise with native vegetation. On the east side, I drew longer and flatter slopes but retained the existing grades of the middle section.
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3.6m
7.7m
ee-01: Upper-level road conditions (slope) ee-01 cc-02: Mid-level road conditions (road retained)
3m
22.5m
1m
8.3m
1m
dd-05: Low-level road conditions (lake) dd-05
3.6m 96.96
9.69m
7.7m
02
ff-03: Mid-level road conditions (road remnant)
6.6m
8.5m
5.1m 2.7m 10.6m
gg-04 gg-04: Low-level road conditions (wetland)
197.52
80.00
01: North slopes of mine in 3d digital model with cut sections both existing and proposed 02: Detail ee01 - existing to proposed Detail ff02 - existing to proposed east mid-slope Detail cc03 - existing to proposed west mid-slope Detail gg04 - existing to proposed east low-slope Detail dd05 - existing to proposed west low-slope
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01 02 03
/ƚĞƌĂƟŽŶ ///͗ conveyor layout Sp
Spreader
Internal overburden requires lowest dredger to be forward of other dredges for converyors to be used with shortest distance
Internal overburden Bucket dredger 01
Bucket dredger 02
Bucket dredger 03 03: To coal bunker 02: To coal bunker
džŝƐƟŶŐ ƉůĂŶ ŽĨ conveyors
Bucket dredger 01
Bucket dredger 02
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Bucket dredger 01
Ϯϱŵ ďĂƩĞƌƐ 75m terraces
Spreader
Overburden mound to 20m height
Overburden mound 5-7m height
>ĂLJ ďĂĐŬ ďĂƩĞƌƐ using overburden
Spreader
Spreader
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N
100m
Irrigation Fire water circulation Ponds Wetlands
A plan of the mine indicating the type and establishment strategy for vegetation, being passive or intensive.
100
500m
1000m
Planting Grasses for erosion control + grazing Nitrogen fixing + tree protection grasses Woody shrubs Deciduous natives Shade inducing native trees Indigenous species for biodiversity creation Self-colonised species Maintenance Fertilizing Mulching Aquifer depressurising Species nursing + selection
Ecological Transformation In discussing my approach on ecological transformation, it is important to explain how I am defining ecology in this context. As Loy yang is an operational mine, the water courses, soil movement and soil quality area a part of and are largely controlled by the mining and production processes. This is different to how the site will be managed ongoing and beyond the closure of the power plant. The naturalisation of these ecological processes is important to be self-supporting rather than having intensive management. Through allowing vegetation and water flow to intervene in transformation of the site, there is an element of control lost in the design that contrasts to current mining operations. Long term viability of the mine will be determined by the success of water bodies being contained within the site to regulate and support the growth of vegetation. Ecological processes are not separate from or static upon a site nor can they be controlled over such a vast area. Allowing these to work within design can transform the quality of systems by re-balancing them and creating diversity.
Any intended design outcome for the site will not occur through further construction in a given time frame. Transformation will likely take many decades to enable organic matter to rebuild soil profiles and to enhance plant growth success rates. In turn, water quality and acidity will take time to settle. This restoration can be enhanced through management and slow transformation can help build a relationship with active community and visitors. I consider ecological transformation to be the primary driver for how the site is reshaped. Not only is it of critical importance to the hydrological health of the region but also allows a number of programs, both active and passive to occur over time. The site will rely on self-colonisation to cover the breadth of the site, in which funding for conventional design implementation would not be feasible. It is possible what and where programs are implemented, will continue to shape how vegetation clusters will be arranged. If the maintenance of vegetation is prioritised, programs can be positioned around this.
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Passive treatment
Intensive treatment
Wetlands
Fire water circulation Ponds
Woody shrubs Self-colonised species Grasses for erosion control + grazing Nitrogen fixing + tree protection grasses Deciduous natives Shade inducing native trees Indigenous species for biodiversity creation
decontamination
wetlands species selection
Water movement
Vegetation
decontamination Water
still pond wetlands moving stream
movement
self-seeded build up of organic matter (slow) species selection for sucession Vegetation nitrogen fixing
grassing weathering
fertilizer Soil stabilisation
L omandra longifolia Spear barley and Lucerne grass Themeda triandra
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cassinia aculeata
Goodinia ovata Kunzea ericoides
still pond wetlands moving stream
planting watering fertilizing thinning/selection
species selection
Soil stabilisation
polymer treated lime wetlands
Acacia mearnsii Bursaria spinosa
manure organic matter synthetic grassing grading retaining structures
Acacia dealbata
Allocasuarina
a verticillata Hymenanthera dentate Acacia melanoxylon
Plant growth within the site is determined by the soil profile. Within the soil this is compacted and contaminated by oxidised acid minerals. There are a number of species that are tolerant to acidic and low nutrient soils which will grow readily directly in the coal batters. Some of these help restore nitrogen levels to the soil. The overburden dump does not have a regular pattern of material distribution and include compacted soil so establishing vegetation can be challenging. The design aims to accelerate restoration of species to enhance biodiversity and improve biological potential of soils. Ecological processes are not static upon a site. Allowing these to work within a project can transform the quality of systems by re-balancing them and create diversity. Diversity of vegetation and of programs is something I want to enhance in the design.
Elaeocarpus reticulatus
Amelia azederach
Eucalyptus rubida
Eucalyptus strezleiki
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01 - 03 04 - 06
Ecological transformation
â&#x20AC;˘
movement of water (streams +wetlands) Location and size of lakes/ wetlands/streams Slope stability Water aquifer stability Vegetation placement (slopes/ views/scale) OB material quality (clay/ash) Air quality and dust suppression Lake formation 01: Open cut mine + haul roads 02: Haul roads to retain for access 03: Retained haul roads + water infrastructure 04: Natural vegetation colonisation 05: Natural vegetation colonisation 06: Introduced and managed vegetation + wetlands 07: Transformation of northern slopes with re-grading followed by top-soiling and grassing before native species begin to colonise the slope. Alteration has been hinged off retained haul roads with the middle section left to retain sculpted effect of excavation. 08: Species to be established in order of left to right 09: Speculative slope with self-colonisation occurring over time and programs occurring in process of thinning
104
105
09
07 - 08
+0 years
+1 years
+2 years
+3 years
+4 years
+5 years
+10 years
+20 years
In the above iteration, I have investigated how an active program might start to take over the use of the site starting from the OB area. It may start here because it does not get in the way of mining operations and some roads and mounds are establishing. As the OB progressively is rehabilitated, more area can be used for the program, eventually traversing the OC. Both programs have spread within the given section. The active program follows re-vegetation and the ecological program (re-vegetation) has sought areas of suitable growing conditions. The proposal for how the vegetation is established over a period of time and how spaces may change to suit active programs (mountain biking, horse-riding, trail biking). This has been done in sections (images on right); mostly affecting the OB mound in its current form and proposing the internal OB could be used as a forestry seedling area. Rather than changing the form, I have â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wallpaperedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; over top. This approach may suit the economic concerns of the mines, but does it really interest people enough to visit the location? 106
+0 years
Grading + topsoiling
+1 yearss
Seeding and re-grading Grading + topsoiling
+2 yearss
ƐƚĂďůŝƐŚŝŶŐ ŶĂƚƵƌĂů ǀĞŐĞƚĂƟŽŶ
Seeding
+3 years
ƐƚĂďůŝƐŚŝŶŐ ŶĂƚƵƌĂů ǀĞŐĞƚĂƟŽŶŽ ŽǀĞƌ ďƌŽĂĚĞƌ ĂƌĞĂ
Seedling growth
+4 years
+5 years
ZĞͲƉůĂŶƟŶŐ ŽĨ ƐĞĞĚůŝŶŐƐ
Thinning seedlings
ƌĞĂƟŶŐ ƚƌĂŝůƐ ĨŽƌ ĂĐƟǀĞ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ
ƌĞĂƟŶŐ ĂĐĐĞƐƐ ƚŽ Ɖŝƚ
ZĞͲǀĞŐĞƚĂƟŽŶ ĐŽǀĞƌŝŶŐ ŽǀĞƌ ďƵƌĚĞŶ͕ ŶĞǁ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ ƐŽƵŐŚƚ
džƉĂŶĚŝŶŐ ƚƌĂŝůƐ ĨŽƌ ĂĐƟǀĞ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ
ůŝŵďŝŶŐ н ƌĞͲǀĞŐĞƚĂƟŽŶ
ůŝŵďŝŶŐ ;ƐŚŽƚͲĐƌĞƟŶŐͿ
+10 years
+20 years
Grading + topsoiling
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Inundation with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Fence and Forgetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; slip to northern batters, disrupting roads and forcing laying back of batters 1a
1b
Current at -98m
1d
1c
+20m
ponds forming on upper levels of southern slopes
new drainage lines developed with change to contours 2a
+10m
01
2b
2d
+30m
2c
+20m
01: Series studying the affect of increased water level to mine pondage followed by land subsidence event
thickening of water ways and expansion of ponds
02: Yallourn landslide incident 2007 03 - 04: hard edges as constructed and curved edges caused by water and weathering
3a
05 - 08: Series considering water source for flooding mine pit to form lake (no fill, run-off, aquifer fill, Traralgon Creek to fill)
3b
+30m
09 - 10: Proposition to design indentations into altered form to allow water to pool encouraging vegetation growth 3d
-88
-78
108
+40m
link to river + establishment of ponds laying back of batters thickening of river beds establishment of wetlands habitat
+40m
03
3c
05 - 08
03 - 04 09 - 10
5m @ 1:3
1:5
1.5m
Water is a powerful force which can alter the form of slopes unexpectedly through subsidence (as experienced by Yallourn in 2007). This type of event could occur in time to the mine. I have attempted to map out how this might occur and came to the conclusion that if it were, even though stabilisation had been implemented, such events cannot be controlled and would have to be worked with at the time. There is a contrast to the edge structure that will begin to soften with the presence of water weathering surfaces. At a smaller scale, water courses can be placed within the terrain to allow water pooling and the absorption of moisture to help establish vegetation growth. In turn, grasses planted in water courses can improve water quality. 109
01
03
04
05
02
01: Transformation to tourist trail with excavator converted into a lookout 02: Existing to proposed section of batters with excavator converted into a lookout 03: Trail developed amongst establishing native vegetation in overburden dump towards forest 04: Trail developed amongst establishing native vegetation in overburden dump towards wetlands 05: Conversion of coal conveyor to walkway 06: Stabilising of re-graded soil and establishing different types of vegetation, horticulture or forestry. 07: Diagrams indicating access routes linking open cut to overburden areas by using the conveyors as walkways
110
Programmatic Transformation Mining is both the current operation and the method of transformation. Through designing a change to the physical and ecological, new landscape conditions will emerge. The aim is for these conditions to suit a number of programs simultaneously, and with the ability to be phased over time, adding value to the site. Recreational programs can be phased in at the end of mining operations when there are safety parameters. The management of ecological function (establishing and maintaining vegetation, water and soil), is also perceived to be a program. To integrate public access to the site, a way in which people navigate their way around is to be established. I have drawn on the use of decommissioned conveyors to be converted for walkways to aid this network as they already navigate the three main areas: open cut mine, power plant and overburden. The design aim is to create a dynamic park that sees the phasing out of mining operations whilst environmental conditions ensue to create spaces which can be inhabited for other use, not limited to but including recreation for the benefit of the community. The transformation is to be built into current rehabilitative works, utilising funds already budgeted for in for earthworks and enabling a quicker relinquishment of land that has potential value.
08
06
â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘
Views: Height, angles, cuts Location of OB View focus/es Viewing location points +distances Active: Continued mining Mining tourism Mt biking Walking Trail bikes/moto-cross Movie set Forestry
Programmatic transformation â&#x20AC;˘ Passage: width + length of roads Continuous connection to levels Slope grades Safety (barriers + sight lines) Path/road material Type of passage (pedestrian, animals, bikes, vehicles + machinery)
A prescribed network/path can lead exploration between main areas of the mine, creating channels to depict different views towards or away from infrastructure, highlighting the sublime and picturesque. Within the overburden dump vegetation bands formed by varying quality of soil create areas of interest and void , to help establish informal exploration.
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Walking-Running Golf
Biking
Horse-riding
RECREATION Public access
Moto-cross
Climbing Boating
TOURISM Journey
Viewing
Biomes Parking
Education Forestry
Farming Trails
Alternative Power generation
COMMUNITY /OWNERSHIP Employment Agriculture
Lakes
Revegetation -re-forestation
Extending OC mine Establishing habitat
OPTIMAL MINING Power Generation
ENVIRONMENTAL Environmental /LEGAL Management
Min. operation distances
Revegetation -grasslands
Public exclusion
Large Machinery
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Soil stabilisation
Water access & treatment
Wetlands + water treatment Land reformation OB
Rehabilitation Option
Intensity
Fence + Forget Resource Recovery Agriculture Grazing Horticulture Aquaculture Forestry Native Flora + Fauna Tourism Land-base recreation Water-based recreation Alternative Energy Wetlands Urban/Rural Subdivision
Moderate High High Moderate High High High Low Moderate Low High High Moderate High
Matrix produced by Adele Carpenter for Department of Primary Industry (CCV), December 2010
Facilitating a diverse range of programs through landscape intervention is important for the regionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sustainability. Whilst mining, forestry and agriculture are the main sources of employment, there are a number of subsidiary programs which I have mapped out in the opposite diagram, which can operate alongside mining and then gain in shaping the attraction to the region. I have been working with CCV (Clean Coal Victoria), on producing imagery for mine closure rehabilitation options. The matrix of scenarios as listed consider a number of factors which determines their viability. Some of these include: - structural transformation and providing a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;safe and stableâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; slope - whether the result is the best in being able to contribute to the community - if ongoing maintenance is required - public accessibility or liability risk - ongoing fire risk - water quality and treatment - cost These different options I have explored with CCV together contain more potential for ongoing use of the closed mines. It is enlightening that different uses are studied under a government organisation that could potentially see a change to current rehabilitation policy. However, unless policy stipulates operative rehabilitation works must be shaped to allow for multiple land use in the very near future, rehabilitation will continue to follow the path of least resistance, potential and cost. The rehabilitation options need also to be worked out regionally to offer greatest benefit to the community. The greatest obstacle in making these changes is to convince the mining conglomerates to invest in rehabilitative works that allow for future use of the site which may help them sell the land.
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01-05: Sequence of mine becoming overgrown and being fenced to stop public access and reduce liability
06-11: Sequence of mine being prepared for and then becoming landfill, with end methane extraction and altered land form
12: Batters cut and filled to make available for pasture
Fence and Forget
Resource Recovery Facility
Agriculture/ Grazing
The option with the minimum amount of works required and thus the lowest up front cost. Whilst this option does not consider benefits for the community, the way is which vegetation self-colonises is an approach which can be used in a purposeful gesture.
Landfill would provide a way in which the void can be filled and provide a new land form which can be used for other funtions at the end of this process. It also would provide some jobs in extracting methane for power generation. However, ground water may be at further risk to contamination and this proposal may be rejected by locals thinking the region will turn into Melbournesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rubbish tip.
A vast amount of topsoil is required to provide safe and stable slopes and allow grass to grow. This option means that the land could blend in with surround land and profit a farmer. Ongoing maintenance would be required to test and monitor soil and water quality.
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ƉĞƌƐƉĞĐƟǀĞ ŽĨ ĞdžŝƐƟŶŐ ƐůŽƉĞ
Ƶƚ ĂŶĚ Įůů
WƌŽƉŽƐĞĚ ĨŽƌŵ
ƉůĂŶƚĞĚ ƐůŽƉĞ
ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ƌŽĂĚ
ƌĂŝŶĂŐĞ ƉůĂŶƚĞĚ ƐůŽƉĞ
ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ƉůĂŶƚĞĚ ƌŽĂĚ ƐůŽƉĞ
ƉůĂŶƚĞĚ ƐůŽƉĞ
ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ƉůĂŶƚĞĚ ƌŽĂĚ ƐůŽƉĞ
ƉůĂŶƚĞĚ ƐůŽƉĞ
ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ƉůĂŶƚĞĚ ƌŽĂĚ ƐůŽƉĞ
ƉůĂŶƚĞĚ ƐůŽƉĞ
WƌŽƉŽƐĞĚ ĨŽƌŵ
ƉůĂŶƚĞĚ ƐůŽƉĞ
ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ƌŽĂĚ
ƌĂŝŶĂŐĞ ƉůĂŶƚĞĚ ƐůŽƉĞ
WƌŽƉŽƐĞĚ ĨŽƌŵ
ƉůĂŶƚĞĚ ƐůŽƉĞ
ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ƌŽĂĚ
ƌĂŝŶĂŐĞ ƉůĂŶƚĞĚ ƐůŽƉĞ
13: Batters cut and filled to make available for vineyard
14-18: Planting mine edge with blue-gum plantation
19-21: Edge of mine used for wind turbines 16: Algae ponds for alternative power generation
Horticulture
Forestry
Alternative Power
In some areas where there is sufficient topsoil cover of re-graded slopes, crops could be planted. A high degree of ongoing maintenance is required including irrigation and soil quality control which would need a imported nutrients. This could provide some jobs for locals but is limited to the soil quality.
The Latrobe Valley already has an established forestry industry using pine and blue-gum plantations. A plantation within the site of the mine would provide visual screening, blend into the surrounds and provide jobs. There is also a high risk of fire and slopes with high intensity logging. Growth rates for vegetation would also be unpredictable due to soil quality.
This option would use current power generators to provide green energy production, providing jobs but also requiring a significant amount of investment. Alternative power options include wind power, algae production and hydrothermal heating.
115
01-06: Sequence of overburden being re-vegetated
07-10: Trails established with conversion of conveyors
Native Flora and Fauna
Land-based Recreation
A lower cost and maintenace option, there are native species tolerant of low nutrient soils and thus suitable for the site. Grasslands as well as bush clusters can grow providing a grounds for native habitat.
This would include mostly passive recreation such as trails and would require all slopes to be stabilised and graded for access. My approach to this was to use the existing networks made up of the conveyors to allow the site to be navigated.
116
11: Small lake in mine 12-13: Re-graded slopes of Hazelwood mine to form lake (and lake district)
Water-based Recreation Current closure plans include flooding the mines to create lakes that can then be used for recreation such as boating, swimming, fishing and creating lake beaches for passive recreation. The presence also provides stabilisation for the underground aquifers and submerging acidic material to stop further oxidisation. It is inconclusive how long this option would take and the water of the water and whether it is suitable for public access.
117
01: Cooling tower converted and built to provide access to lookout area as well as facilitated climbing structure
Tourism There are a number of options using the current infrastructure where instead of decommissioning and tearing down the cooling towers, which are a notable identity of the site, these can be converted. This could provide a number of jobs, re-identify the site as a park and recreational facility, as well as providing an educational facility.
118
02-04: Cooling towers converted for public recreation and tourism
05: Cooling tower converted to a green wall
06: Cooling tower converted to a observatory
119
1:6 1.5m
1:6 1.5m 1:4
Mountain biking
01 - 03
How a cyclist moves around and prefers varied terrain is used to test how form can be created to open up programs that have different characteristics to the linearity of mining operations.
11:::5 1:5 5
2.5m
The 3d modelling of this terrain did need to be altered to insert trails by flattening out the 1.5m wide paths which began to give the model a sense of scale. What I found interesting through collages was that the steeper angles framing trails were more interesting as they offered a sense of the unpredictable. This could also be created through denser planting but the imagery of grassed slopes with an unknown maintained finish, does not create a sense of wonder which looking into the deep chasm of the OC does evoke.
01 - 03: Section and detail view of alteration with grades that will allow access by foot or bicycle (graded tracks)
04 - 05
04 - 05: Perspective collage of design iteration II - lake and mound view
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N
100m
500m
1000m
Networks
A plan of the mine indicating where infrastructure will remain for heritage value within a park.
Fire water irrigation system Retained infrstructure Remnant infrastructure Retained haul roads Remnant or unsealed roads
121
Sub-division for semi-industrial or urban building
Land entitlement transfer
Plant decommissioning
122
Trails + aquaculture in wetlands
cease of operations (2047)
Grazing in re-habilitated pasture
logging
Visitor + tourist centre
logging Land fil
Alternative power generation
re-planting
logging
Est. wetlands
Water treatment + wetlands
Nature trails in OB
Under ground water stabilisation
Grazing in re-habilitated pasture
earth works water treatment soil moving machinery contractors maintenance
Est. native vegetation
Rehabilitation works
planting forestry in OB
machinery conveyors storage facility roads vehicles fire service protection water control contractors
lookout views
Extraction
re-planting
Fence + forget
mine tours
power plant furnaces cooling towers water supply contractors transmission lines
Access on decommissioned infrastructure
Production
re-planting
2045
2040
2035
2030
2025
2020
Viewing platforms
haul roads fire service infrastructure pasture wetlands water courses administration buildings
grazing in surrounding pasture
2015
Land entitlement
2060
Planning Decades
Years
2050
mplementing Years
2200
2100
2090
2080
2070
Fence and Forget Agriculture Forestry Native vegetation
re-planting
logging
re-planting
logging
re-planting
Horticulture
harvest + re-planting
harvest + re-planting
Wetlands Education Tourism
Water recreation
Land based public recreation
Park views
Power generation from methane extraction
logging
Land fill
harvest + re-planting
planting of crops
Strategy Centuries
Water recreation
Alternative Energy
Sub-divsion + urban development
The diagram indicates a hyper-extended timeline which considers ongoing programmatic transformation of the site. Up until the closure of the mine, mining operations will occur. Water treatment and rehabilitation will occur well beyond the point of closure. It is within rehabilitation works that other programs can be implemented up until and beyond the closure of the mine. These will provide ongoing opportunity for the site which is an attractive investment and one which will allow the transfer of ownership of the land. This is different to a minimal approach which projects limited use within rehabilitation.
123
124
125
Regrading treatment Graded for wetlands Gauging for seepage ponds Intensive regrading for public access or stability Areas for regrading and material displacement Infill of mine with oveburden material
Networks Fire water irrigation system Retained infrstructure Remnant infrastructure Retained haul roads Remnant or unsealed roads
Maintenance Fertilizing Mulching Aquifer depressurising Species nursing + selection
Irrigation Fire water circulation Ponds Wetlands
100m
500m
1000m
Planting Grass for erosion control + grazing Nitrogen fixing + tree nursery grasses Woody shrubs Deciduous natives Shade inducing native trees Indigenous species for biodiversity creation Self-colonised species
N
02 - 03
01 04 - 05
01: Iteration for park master plan 02 - 03: Alteration to initial master plan to encounter a growing open cut mine 04 - 05: Proposed collage of view into open cut mine with small lake + 2nd iteration with increased lake level after a period of time
126
Visual Transformation There is a large scaled sculpted aesthetic that is the visual of the identity of the mine, making legible the scale and history of the site. What makes the site interesting is the degree of control forced upon the site with machinery, to alter it. This tension exists today partly due to the lack of accessibility to it/or separation from the site. This can be retained through placement of viewing platforms which allow a person to experience the scale of which a human on its own, does not operate at. The site is so large that you drive around it as opposed to walking and the large scale of machinery is lost in perception to the scale of the site. If you walked or biked around the site the sense of scale would be heightened due to experiencing it in the 4th dimension (time). To function as a park, there is to be variation to views to incite exploration. Producing a master plan for a park results in an ambiguous illustration as the ‘end’ form of the mine is unknown. There is no one period in time for which the site would be considered ‘complete’ however a series of drawings can indicate how intended transformation may occur. A plan for a park is still intended to be produced, based on its function as a recreational park.
The existing form is to negotiate with a changing form to enable a safe and stable site for public access. Enhancement of the mine is to be treated so such that it becomes not merely a functional facility, but a community asset.
A master plan rather than being a representation of a final design and how it might appear, may instead be used as a map to navigate and provide a better understanding of connective function of a park.
127
+ 10 year outlook
Agriculture Forestry Native vegetation
Wetlands
10years - establishing vegetation bands within the overburden area and stabilising top batters within the OC. This does not push the current rehabilitative works apart from setting up small ponds and establishing nurse crops.
128
Education Tourism
+ 30 year outlook
Agriculture Forestry Native vegetation Horticulture Wetlands Education Tourism
30years - at the time of closure a number of programs should be established which allow public access, recreation and can generate an income. Infrastructure is converted to retain the industrial heritage and provide walkways from the conveyors as well as viewing areas from cooling towers. All other building infrastructure can be demolished and recycled.
Land based public recreation Alternative Energy
129
+ 100 year outlook
Agriculture Forestry Native vegetation Horticulture Wetlands Education Tourism
100years - a lake is established in the site which attracts habitat and provided stabilisation within the OC. A number of trails are etched along dormant berms, accessible to cyclists and pedestrians. Wetlands frame a sparsely forested mound which was the overburden and provides an outlook to a semi-industrial subdivision. There are a number activities as well as an educational facility within the site which holds a research facility dealing in reclamation of mines. Wind turbines generate a small amount of power fed into the national grid. Weekend visitors walk, cycle, picnic and bird watch in the wetlands. 130
Land based public recreation Alternative Energy
Water recreation Sub-divsion + urban development
The plans which I have derived for each of my approaches, inform how rehabilitative works could occur. In overlaying them it may indicate how the site may operate at a particular point in time but is not a set master plan. There is no ‘end’ point in which I am trying to achieve with my design, but an approach to transforming the site through current operation that enable emerging park qualities or where alternative programs can operate. I have generated a few plans which are indicative of the site in being a multifunctional park. These attempts I don’t believe have been successful. Smaller portions of the site need to be ‘planted’ within the design scheme and then a scenario grown from these hinges. In this way and detailed scale, the hierarchy of structure, ecological systems and programs may be more legible and give a clearer spatial concept.
131
Design strategy summary The design concept for Terra Strata focuses on an over arching ecological strategy that integrates the transformation of the mine from efficient operations, into functioning systems combining remediation and alternative land uses. The aim is to create a dynamic park that sees the phasing out of mining operations whilst environmental conditions ensue to create spaces which can be inhabited for other use, not limited to but including recreation for the benefit of the community. The transformation is to be built into current rehabilitative works; utilising funds already budgeted for in earthworks and enabling a quicker relinquishment of land that has potential value. I have investigated methods and demonstrated the transformation of mine ecology, structural form and the phasing of programs. These have considered minimum rehabilitation requirements and how they occur within current rehabilitative works. This has resulted in the formation of a multi-functional landscape park which is ready for opening to the public close to and at the time of the power plant closure. These are the tangible elements of my approach; however these processes are also influenced by economics, aesthetics and the continual transformation over a long period of time which is subject to unforeseeable interjection. It also cannot be forgotten that the resulting designs require a purpose to support the people living in the region. The scale of the project is large. It tackles a broad scaled and highly disturbed site. The large scale investigates the physical and ecological transformation, whilst at a smaller scale caretaking of biodiversity generates an approach that will have an increasing affect. Creating a design hierarchy to deal with this scale is an approach that I will continue to develop within my design practise that will investigate the emergence of an overriding phenomena or gesture that seeks to re-establish or define a sense of place, beyond the 132
precision of designing. In this project it is the contrast of built and self-perpetuating, damaged and restorative that becomes compelling. Whilst it has been difficult to produce a plan of ‘what’ the site will be in a given period of time, this does require to be and could be strengthened with a more strategic timeline and placement of rehabilitative works. My design approach has been a pragmatic one that I have been able to use to discuss with contacts at Loy Yang and obtain feedback on the viability of reclamation proposals. Part of this approach has been in advocating the role of landscape architecture within this realm which I feel is currently under represented. It is important to understand the geo-technical implications of these land forms as well as the economics that drive it. From this stewardship design can be created which captures the potential of these sites. Landscape Architects are equipped to bind these disciplines to instil a cultural landscape that is a demonstration of resilience. Beyond aiming to propose a ‘closing form’, the project investigates how the project transforms over a period of time alongside phasing out of mining operations rather than at an ‘end’ point. Whilst transformation and implementing multiple functions over a long time period is ambiguous, I need to make legible ‘how’ ecological process will begin to shape new landscape conditions and how this can benefit the wider community. The design research project has the potential to reach beyond the boundary of open cut coal mines and investigate mining operations that will be altered to be led by the resulting landscape. This can be feasibly applied and of economic and socio-cultural benefit. It also investigates how mining rehabilitation policy is governed within Australia which is a growing concern with the number of open mines. 133
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Glossary CCV: Clean Coal Victoria (a subsidiary group of DPI), located in Traralgon, Victoria DPI: Department of Primary Industry (Australia) EPA: Environmental Protection Authority (Australia) Follie: a 1x1 scale conceptual model that indicates the design notion LV: Latrobe Valley OB: Overburden area where material other than coal is dumped and formed OC: Open cut mine or pit Program: activities or function, performed by people or environmental processes
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Reference List Brandt, J & Vejre, H, Multifunctional Landscapes – Vol. 1 Theory, Values and History; WIT Press, Southampton, UK 2004 Cairns, John Jr, Rehabilitating Damaged Ecosystems, second edition.CRC Press Florida 1995 Corner, J & MacLean, Taking Measures Across the American Landscape, 1997 Environmental Protection Agency Ireland, Environmental Management in the Extractive Industry, 2006 Falkenmark, Malin ‘Towards Integrated Catchment Management:Opening the Paradigm Locks between Hydrology, Ecology and Policy-making’ Hancock, G.R. et al, Long-term final void salinity prediction for a post-mining landscape in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia, Published online 21 October 2004 in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) Harries, J, Acid Mine Damage in Australia: Its extent and potential future liability, Supervising Scientist Report 125, Canberra 1997 Herman, H, Brown Coals Of Victoria, 1922 International Bauausstellung (IBA) Fürst-Pückler-Land 2000-2010 ‘New Landscape Lusatia’, Jovis Verlag GmbH, Berlin 2010 IPRH Mine Rehabilitation, Progress Report September 2010 Johnson, D. Barrie, Acid mine drainage remediation options: a review, Elsevier 2004 Kimmelman, M. ‘The Ascension of Peter Zumthor’ 11 March 2011, The New York Times Mudd, GM. An assessment of the sustainability of the mining industry in Australia (technical paper); Institute for Sustainable Water Resources, Monash University, Melbourne TRUenergy Yallourn Pty Ltd 1 June 2009 Water Resources Development,Vol. 20, No. 3, 275–282, September 2004 Yallourn Coal Field Re-alignment Environment Report
Australian federal government Acts and Regulations
Australia Mineral Industry: Code for Environmental Management 2000 Minerals Council of Australia Environment Protection Act 1970 Extractive Industries Act 1966 Mines (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 1987 State Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality Management), Mining and Extractive Industries 2007 Environmental Protection Authority – Victoria Private Business guidelines and policies: Land Capability Analysis , Hazelwood Power Corporation Mine and Environs LYP’s Mining License (no. 5189) Mine Rehabilitation Policy, LYP (1994) Rehabilitation Master Plan, LYP (1998) Strategic Mine Plan 2002-2100, LYP (2001) 5 Year Rolling Mine Rehabilitation Plans – Hazelwood Power Corporation
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Bibliography Berger, Alan 2008, Designing the Reclaimed Landscape,Taylor & Francis New York Berger, A 2002, Reclaiming the American West,Princeton Architectural Press, New York Cochrane, G, Fuhrer, B, Rotherham E, Willis, H, Flowers and Plants of Victoria, AH & AW Reed, Sydney 1968 Gussow, Alan 1981,p11, Beyond the View: our changing landscape,Inkata Press, Melbourne International Bauausstellung (IBA) Fürst-Pückler-Land 2000-2010, p40, ‘Post Mining Landscape, Jovis Verlag GmbH, Berlin 2010
Web documents:
Corner, J, 2006. Fresh Kills Park Lifescape</ [Online]. Masterplan Draft. Available at: <http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/fkl/dmp.pdf” [30 March 2011]. Geoscience Australia, Available from: http://www.ga.gov.au/minerals/mineral-resources/aimr.html [7 June 2011] Lovesky, M. Available at: miningtechnologyaustralia.com.au, [13 June 2011] Victoria Government gazette, p34, 12 September 1996; Morwell Mine Rehabilitation concept Master plan by DPS ‘Post Operational Phase”
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Image Reference List All images produced by Lamb, N. 2011 unless listed below Cover page: Lamb, N. 4 July 2011, Hazelwood mine cut detail P15/01: L&M coal lt, Accessed 19 March 2011; http://www.wcrc.govt.nz/escarpment/notice/Public%20Notice.pdf P15/02: Waterhouse, S. Accessed 19 March 2011; http://www.flickr.com/photos/simonwaterhouse/4358960174/ P16: Geoscience Australia P19: Stages of wound healing - www.sciencephoto.com P21/06: Freeport's Grasberg mine, Accessed 20 January 2011: http://www.safecom.org.au/images/freeport2.jpg P21/07: Punta Pita coastal walkway by Moller, T. Accessed 20 January 2011: http://img.ffffound.com/static-data/assets/6/3f9e8817f3985e854303b2aa9eea5c71cd0040fa_m.jpg P21/08: Loy Yang coal detail, Accessed 20 January 2011; http://www.loyyangpower.com.au/images/pic-mine13-623.jpg P23/01: Loy Yang land use zones, base on diagram from fresh Kills; http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/fkl/dmp.pdf, page 25 P24/01: Fresh Kills ‘Lifescape program transformation; http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/fkl/dmp.pdf, page 12 P24/02: Fresh Kills ‘Lifescape’ habitat diversification; http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/fkl/dmp.pdf, page 31 P25/03: Fresh Kills ‘Lifescape’ master plan; http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/fkl/dmp.pdf, page 11 P 27: Vall de Joan Landfill Park Battle & Roig, Copyrighted by Landezine/Landscape architecture works, Accessed 19 April 2011,http://www.landezine.com/index.php/2011/01/landscape-restoration-of-landfill-in-vall-den-joan-by-batlle-i-roig/. P29/02: Duisburg Nord, Latz & Partner, Accessed 4 September 2011; http://www.gardenvisit.com/garden/duisburg_nord_landschaftspark P29/03: Zeche Zollverein, OMA, Accessed 4 September 2011; http://www.flickr.com/photos/51907231@N03/4929640431/ P29/04: Zeche Zollverein, OMA, Accessed 4 September 2011; Thomas Mayer; http://www.erco.com/ projects/museum/coal_washer_2777/images/eur_altbildaktion_coal_washer_index_2777_stellvertreter.jpg P30/01-04: IBA-See, Accessed September 2011; http://www.iba-see2010.de/en/projekte.html P31: Fyfe Earth Project, Image provided by Laura Farrell, GHD, Melbourne March 2011 P32: Colin McCahon; Accessed April 2011; http://www.mccahon.co.nz/files/images/m000001_0.preview.jpg P33/01-03: Integració Paisatgística D’una Pedrera – EMF, images provided by Marti & Gemma Franch, September 2011 P34: Latrobe Valley aerial image; Google Earth Pro P39: Geology profile – Lamb, N. adapted from image at the Loy Yang George Bates lookout P80: Cadastral contour plan provided by Loy Yang, diagram produced by Lamb, N. P84: 3d terrestrial model provided by GHD, Melbourne with permission from Loy Yang. Collaged images produced by Lamb, N. P90/04: Wood grain image, http://images.kaneva.c om/filestore7/4165112/4997107/appleUbirch.jpg
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