Many companies (like mining companies) must reclaim land when they change it through building or other means. In reality, land reclamation restores land to a more natural state by filling in holes or damage, planting trees and native plants and cleaning up any hazardous materials from the site. Other methods of earth reclamation include flood control, irrigation, draining, erosion control and fertilizing, depending on the situation.

Land reclaim can also be seen as creating new land out of land that was once water, such as filling in a river delta to create new, usable land. Clearly, there are different ways to reclaim land, and different outcomes. Here are some things you should do before you consider land reclamation:

1. Study your area's specific laws regarding land reclamation

2. Determine regulations regarding land reclamation that may apply to your business

3. Hire experienced consultants to help with earth reclamation activities

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Study what land reclamation efforts to apply to your business

Each industry may face different regulations when they start to reclaim land. Some industries may simply have to clean up, replant native plants and move along, while others may have to clean up hazardous wastes, fill in open pits and much more.

I recommend: For surface mining, the U.S. Government Office of Surface Mining has information relevant to your business. Get help with reclamation projects from the National Mine Land Reclamation Center at West Virginia University.

Identify the state and federal land reclamation laws that apply to your particular industry

Each state has different laws regarding reclamation; it is your responsibility to know the laws so you can carry them out legally and effectively. These laws regulate different industries and types of reclamation activities as well.

I recommend: Join the Construction Materials Association of California to learn about reclamation techniques in the construction and aggregate industries. Find out if your state is a member of the Interstate Mining Compact Commission; they work to protect the environment in concert with mining companies in member states.

Decide if you should hire a consulting firm to assist with implementing land reclamation strategies

Sometimes, your earth reclamation project is just too big or complicated to handle, and that means you'll need a consultant or expert to help you through the tough times.

I recommend: Check out Western States Mining Consultants, land reclamation consultants throughout the West. If you're looking for an expert in dredging land reclamation, look to Anderson Dredging & Consulting in Louisiana.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Saving the earth and thinking green has become somewhat of a national obsession. The business or industry that works hard to create usable, viable land from damaged land goes a long way in promoting a healthier, happier landscape to the local residents. Don't overlook land reclamation projects because they may be costly or time consuming. There are probably laws that will make sure you take care of the environment, but you'll make some very positive PR points with the neighbors when you create an effective and beautiful reclamation project.