RRC Expertise

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement requested that RRC’s Surface Mine Reclamation Division train its counterparts from Arkansas, which had a rash of staff turnover because of retirements. The federal body sought RRC’s help because of the success of its SMRD program.

RRC inspectors demonstrate mine inspection methods during a tour of reclamation projects with their Arkansas counterparts. The inspectors are discussing active pit operations and reviewing dragline advancement of the pit, pit sizes and the type of equipment used to uncover the coal seams.

RRC SMRD inspector Cade Harris explains reclamation progress and techniques with Ashlon Wasko of the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment. The area in front of them had just been leveled and graded.