2022 Reclamationist of the Year: Rich Sivils
(DNR) to create the right seed mixes and
Usibelli Coal Mine is proud to announce that Rich Sivils has earned the prestigious American Society of Reclamation Sciences (ASRS) 2022 Reclamationist of the Year Award. According to the award criteria, this award is intended for “individuals demonstrating outstanding accomplishments in the practical application or evaluation of reclamation technology.” Sivils has served as Usibelli’s Reclamation Engineer since 2013 and is responsible for planning and executing the mine’s reclamation efforts. “We are very proud of Rich and for the accomplishments of our reclamation program,” said Alan Renshaw, Usibelli’s General Manager. “When Rich arrived at Usibelli nearly 10 years ago, he brought a fresh perspective and quickly applied his knowledge in reclamation practices to help us advance numerous projects at the mine,” he added. Usibelli’s reclamation program encompasses a rigorous process that includes backfilling, re-grading, seeding, fertilizing, and planting native trees and shrubs. For many years, Usibelli has partnered with botanists at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and scientists within the Department of Natural Resources
planting techniques. The primary goal of Usibelli’s reclamation program is to restore wildlife habitat. Animals that frequent the area are bear, moose, caribou, lynx, wolves, snowshoe hare and coyote. According to state and federal law, coal mine
operators must restore mined land to its approximate original contour and companies are required to post a bond to ensure that the mined land will be reclaimed. “Achieving Phase III bond release by the State of Alaska takes decades,” explained Rich Sivils, Usibelli’s Reclamation Engineer. “The regulators at DNR are dedicated and thorough in their responsibilities to ensure operators are following law and regulation,” Sivils added. In 2021, Usibelli attained Phase III bond release for 367 acres by successfully showing diversity of vegetation
“We protect the environment because this is the land where we grew up.” – Evan Polty Jr. Lead Mechanic, Donlin Gold Born in Pilot Station and Resident of Russian Mission
Respectful development for all generations.
To learn more, visit us at donlingold.com
6
May 2022 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease