Located within one of Appalachia’s most iconic landscapes, reflects a layered history of natural beauty, industrial use and ecological recovery. Drawing on deep experience in abandoned mine lands reclamation, Atlas supports the park’s restoration by designing site-specific solutions that address legacy mining impacts while preserving the area’s scenic character and environmental integrity.
Atlas developed reclamation design plans for five sites within the park system, each shaped by both abandoned surface and underground mining activities with the land altered by these past activities. Although mining operations ceased several decades ago, lingering impacts continue to affect surface and groundwater quality, landscape stability and visual aesthetics. Atlas’ approach focused on understanding the unique conditions at each site and developing thoughtful, low-profile solutions that restore function while blending naturally into the surrounding environment.
A central element of the work involved managing acid mine drainage (AMD) and other waters emanating from abandoned deep‑mine entries. At several locations, discharges were largely dispersed, difficult to control and highly visible within protected park settings. Atlas’ designs consolidate, control and convey flows, routing them through engineered systems that subtly follow natural drainage patterns. Treated water is directed to existing swales leading to the New River, reducing visual impacts while protecting water quality.
In areas where low‑volume seeps were identified, Atlas developed targeted capture and conveyance strategies to direct flows to designated outfall locations. These designs incorporate a proposed grout curtain to control subsurface pathways, with the resulting discharges routed to natural drainage features. Final outfalls are intentionally designed to appear seamless within the landscape, underscoring Atlas’ emphasis on technical performance paired with visual sensitivity.
Beyond mine water management, the project scope included reclamation design for abandoned highwalls, coal refuse and spoil piles, sealing of portals, stream restoration and remediation and demolition of legacy structures. Each component was approached with long‑term land management, safety and ecological recovery in mind — reflecting Atlas’ commitment to solutions that not only address existing hazards but also support natural processes and enhance the visitor experience.
Collaboration was integral throughout the design process with Atlas working closely with agency partners, including the National Park Service and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, to align technical solutions with regulatory requirements, agency standards and long-term management objectives. This coordination helped navigate the complexities of working within a federally protected landscape while remaining consistent with the park’s mission.
“Through thoughtful planning, innovative engineering and respect for the natural and cultural significance of the New River Gorge, Atlas is helping transform areas affected by historical mining into stable, functional and visually harmonious landscapes. These projects demonstrate how reclamation design plans can successfully bridge the past and the future — addressing legacy impacts while protecting one of the nation’s newest and most treasured national parks for generations to come,” said Clayton Kirk Roderick, Atlas Abandoned Mine Lands Program Manager.
Clayton Kirk Roderick
Abandoned Mine Lands Program Manager
Clayton Kirk Roderick serves as Atlas’ Abandoned Mine Lands Program Manager. Kirk joined Atlas in 2022 and brings more than 26 years of experience in project coordination and supervision of coal and non-coal exploration projects, coal and non-coal surface and underground mine permitting, gas well permitting, gas line permitting, hydrologic studies and geologic reserve evaluations. He has extensive knowledge in mining permits where he has compiled and interpreted information for the completion of environmental permits in Pennsylvania and West Virginia and for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He has represented clients at Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and West Virginia DEP meetings and public meetings, conducted field reconnaissance of sites and conducted various geologic and hydrologic studies.