Contour strip mining effects on stream baseflow and recession behavior in the New River Basin of Tennessee

Six study basins in the New River Basin were examined to determine changes in baseflow and baseflow recession behavior brought about by contour strip mining, and the spoil produced by such mining. The baseflow and baseflow recession behavior were examined for relationship to type of mining, reclamation practice, and extent of mining disturbance. Also examined were the relationships of baseflow and baseflow recession behavior to the previously observed water quality changes in the New River Basin.

The study results indicate that strip mining affects both baseflow and baseflow recession behavior. The magnitude of baseflow and the baseflow recession constant are both increased by strip mining. The changes in steep-slope coal surface mining reclamation practice brought about by State and Federal regulation have decreased the effect of the mining spoil on the basin stream baseflow. However, the magnitude of baseflow appears more closely related to the percent of the basin area disturbed by mining than to mining and reclamation practice. The data do not indicate any clear relationships between baseflow or baseflow recession and water quality changes in the basins.