Mid-semester presentation

Terra Strata

/Design gesture in mining reclamation

How do I engage ecological process as an instrument to design the transformation of an open cut coal mine to generate a multi-functioning landscape park?

 

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 a lake. 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 favorable 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 practice. This approach through the discourse of landscape architecture gives rise to a new precedent in mining reclamation.

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.

Left presentation panels

Right presentation panels

 

 This diagram attempts to map out a financial model, from land acquisition, mining operations to rehabilitation/reclamation of the mine. Rehabilitative 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.

Photo montage of remnant infrastructure in use for access and forming post-industrial park aesthetic

Photo montage of open cut pit in process of re-vegetation with some batters left raw for weathering

3d model with slope alteration sections cut from north-side mine batters

Detail of altered sections with alteration to batters (slopes) 'hinged' from existing haul roads. As these roads provide access and fire-service pipes, some need to remain within the design proposal to provide safety pragmatics.

From study of existing species both within the site and in the nearby nature reserve, vegetation can start to self-colonise once slopes have been stabilised and grassed. Tracks for recreational programs can be established when the need arises.

Scale and transformation

This is me in the foreground and the lines indicate where I would fit in the controllers room beside the bucket-wheel. The length of the excavator is 160m from the bucket-wheel to the conveyor. Loy Yang power station is in the background.

How do I design the transformation of this open cut brown coal mine to allow ecological systems to be restored?

What is the resulting landscape?

The soil profile must be built up from layers of decomposing leaf and woody debris. The above images show this build up from a grey sandy loam to native lowland forest that has been established over a 3 year period after fires burnt through the area early in 2009.

Traralgon South Flora & Fauna Reserve (http://www.protectedplanet.net/sites/Traralgon_South_Nature_Conservation_Reserve_Flora_Reserve) is on the south boundary of Loy Yang. I mountain biked through this area on 2nd September to investigate the the occurrence of native vegetation in proximity to the mine. Taking to the tracks by bike was a great way to study a large area where ecological systems control how this park operates. Albeit it is still managed by controlled burning, easements and areas for logging.
Vegetation was most diverse in grassed areas. I haven't identified all the species yet but coreas, wattles and then blackwoods were growing (and flowering) in abundance. These are species that are naturally self-perpetuating.

The tracks (4wd and single track) are fantastic for mountain biking in the park. I had so much fun exploring and getting a little lost.

Central track dividing the flora and fauna reserve from the blue-gum and pine forestry plantation

Epacris impressa - Common Heath

After the trip to the mine, I went further afield to Tarra Bulga national park to see the conditions of a wet sclerophyll forest. Coal deposits in the Latrobe Valley are meant to have come from tall open forests similar to that of Tarra Bulga.

view from Mt Tassie

Lookout from top of Redhill down to Loy Yang

Scenic track, Tarra Bulga National Park

Corrigan's swing bridge, Tarra Bulga National Park