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An Evaluation of
Plant Community Structure, Fish and Benthic Meio- and Macrofauna
as Success Criteria for Reclaimed Wetlands
T.L. Crisman, W.J. Streever, J.H. Kiefer & D.L. Evans
University of Florida
1997
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Much FIPR research strives to find facts and techniques needed
to reconstruct fully functional wetlands on reclaimed mined
lands and to assess if this goal has been achieved. This study
raised a number of questions regarding current practices of
monitoring water quality in constructed wetlands and assessment
of how closely structural and functional aspects of constructed
wetlands approximate those of natural wetlands of central
Florida. This study recommended that a standard methodology
and protocol be developed for monitoring water quality in
constructed wetlands. It found that measuring nitrogen and
phosphorus concentrations is an easy and reliable way to indicate
the quality of wetland development.
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The Mined Lands
Agricultural Research/Demonstration Project: Summary of Experiments
and Extension Recommendations
E. A. Hanlon, R A. Jerez, & J. A. Stricker
University of Florida & Polk County Commissioners
1996
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About 40% of the land mined for phosphate is left behind as
clay settling areas. These areas are where the clay that is
separated from the phosphate is pumped to settle. As the clay
settles to the bottom of the pond, the water on the top is recycled
for use in the mining and beneficiation processes. The ponds
eventually dry, but underneath the crust the clay is about the
consistency of pudding, making the land unstable and difficult
to put to productive use. This study successfully farmed settling
areas. A large variety of crops thrived on the fertile ground
and radiation studies showed that the foods grown on the land
were safe for animals and human consumption. The downside was
that the fields were difficult to work during the wetter months
because the rain made the soil too soft to support heavy equipment.
Phosphate companies are citing results from this project when
describing their efforts to test commercial farming sites on
older settling areas.
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Reproduction
and Growth in Relocated and Resident Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus
Polyphemus) on Reclaimed Phosphate-Mined Lands
Christine R. Small & Laurie A. Macdonald
2001
Reintroduction
of Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus Polyphemus) to Reclaimed Phosphate
Land
Laurie A. Macdonald
1996
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Relocation
is a conservation technique currently used with gopher tortoises
since urban, agricultural and industrial development have dramatically
reduced the acres of dry (xeric) upland habitats that are critical
to such animals. Although phosphate mining causes a drastic
disturbance of the land, it may be possible to restore critical
upland habitats and the wildlife population they support. This
is one of several FIPR projects providing information to guide
wildlife habitat restoration on reclaimed uplands.
Growth rates and egg production documented in this and a previous
study indicate the gopher tortoises can successfully relocate
to reclaimed mined lands, though more study was recommended
to determine habitat suitability and long-term relocation effects.
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FIPR Hydrology
Model
Mark A. Ross, et al.; University of South Florida
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The FIPR hydrologic model (FHM) is a user friendly computer
tool that helps predict complex interactions of surface water
and ground water features in shallow water table environments.
The integrated surface and ground water computer simulation
model was developed as a tool for the assessment of the hydrologic
impacts of mining and various land reclamation alternatives.
The FHM also has great potential as a planning tool for designing
wetland systems and for developing watershed reclamation or
improvement plans. The model is used inside and outside the
phosphate industry and is continuously updated.
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Feasibility of
Natural Treatment and Recharge of Wastewater and Surface Waters
Using Mined Phosphate Lands
Peter J. Schreuder
Schreuder, Inc.
2002
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Florida is struggling to find alternative water sources to
keep up with the demands of the state's explosive population
and business growth. This FIPR project that used mined land
to naturally cleanse wastewater to meet drinking water standards
may provide part of the answer.
The project demonstrated the feasibility of flowing wastewater
or stormwater through a clay settling area wetland and then
filtering it through sand tailings. Phosphate mining leaves
both clay settling areas and sand tailings behind. The demonstration,
co-funded by the Southwest Florida Water Management District
(SWFWMD), produced water that met drinking water standards.
Earlier parts of this study identified five clay settling
and tailing areas that have easy access to area wastewater
and stormwater sources. Estimated costs for these systems
range from 97 cents to $1.29/1000 gallons as compared to $2
to $3/1000 gallons estimates for the Tampa Bay Water Resources
Recovery Project or desalination.
These and other potential phosphate water treatment sites
are in the SWFWMD Southwest Water Use Caution Area (SWUCA)
and the growing I-4 and I-75 corridors. It has been said that
this project could turn two perceived negatives - wastewater
and phosphate mined land - into a positive alternative water
source.
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