In addition, numerous acres of mined land were returned to productive farm fields.  Work that exceeded the minimum reclamation standards was conducted by Vulcan in an effort to meet the future needs of the land owners.  In several instances, improvements were made solely to improve the aesthetics of the transition between the reclaimed land and the surrounding undisturbed property.  This attention to detail, given the property’s historic nature and value, resulted in Vulcan receiving the  Best Open Pit/Sand and Gravel Reclamation Award.  Vulcan’s Curles Neck site was also the IMCC National Reclamation Award Winner in 2006. 

Honorable Mentions

Three other mining operations received honorable mention awards from the DMME/VCTA for their reclamation efforts:

·         Ennstone and Morie Farm, Morie Sand and Gravel Mine, King George County

·         Elbow Road Farm, Inc., Open Pit Sand Mine, City of Chesapeake

·         Vulcan Materials Co., Boozy Creek Quarry, Scott County

The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy and the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance collaborate annually to recognize Virginia mineral mining operations that have exhibited exemplary performance in accomplishing the reclamation of mined lands.  Entries for both quarry and non-quarry reclamation awards are based upon recommendations from DMME mineral mine inspectors.