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.

Learn more:

• Atlas Abandoned Mine Lands Solutions
• Restoring What Was Left Behind—Atlas’ Leadership in Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation

Atlas Senior Ecologist Kyle Helal explains why protecting bat habitats during abandoned mine land reclamation is essential, as many legacy mine features create the stable microclimates endangered bat species rely on. This elevates thoughtful planning and mitigation from a regulatory requirement to a cornerstone of long-term ecological conservation.

Did you know Abandoned Mine Land (AML) reclamation is entering a new phase — one that recognizes that old mine openings, highwalls, portals and underground tunnels are not just safety hazards, but rather, important habitats for cave-dwelling bats? These underground spaces often provide stable temperatures and a protected environment bats need to roost and hibernate. As AML programs evolve, more practitioners are pairing traditional remediation work with strategies that protect these unexpected ecological resources and support recovering bat populations.

Underground Microclimates: Small Spaces with Big Ecological Value

Across former mining landscapes, rock outcrops, mine entrances and underground tunnel networks create unique microclimates — stable pockets of cool, consistent air. Bats rely on these areas because temperatures between 38°F and 42°F help them conserve energy through winter hibernation. The design of many abandoned mines naturally supports these conditions.  

Inside mine passages, airflow patterns — driven by pressure differences and chimney-like effects — often produce “cold-sink” zones where temperatures stay low all year. These conditions closely mimic natural caves. As White‑Nose Syndrome, caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, continues to harm bat populations, these colder, deeper zones (below 39.2°F) are becoming even more important. While the fungus thrives in cool environments, it struggles to persist in these colder extremes.  

Going Beyond Basic Compliance

When AML work overlaps with potential bat habitats, projects may be subject to federal laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act. The requirements under those laws typically include habitat assessments, species surveys, mine portal evaluations and coordination with regulatory agencies. But many organizations are pushing further, bringing ecological considerations into project planning phases much earlier.

This proactive approach helps teams to potentially avoid costly project redesigns, support long-term conservation and treat abandoned mines not just as hazards to remediate but as ecological assets that require thoughtful stewardship.  

Bat‑Friendly Gates: Protecting Bats While Protecting People

One of the most effective tools for balancing public safety and bat conservation is the installation of bat-friendly gates. Modern gate designs allow air and temperature conditions to remain stable inside the mine while giving bats clear flight paths in and out. These gates also prevent unauthorized human entry and allow researchers to have controlled access through removable bars.

Multiple gate styles, such as basic, flyover, window, chute and cupola systems, provide flexibility for different mine shapes and bat colony sizes, making them a reliable solution at a wide range of sites.

Strengthening Conservation Outcomes Through Thoughtful Planning

Today’s AML projects increasingly prioritize protecting the microclimates and roosting conditions that bats rely on. When ecological knowledge is integrated directly into engineering and compliance processes, it helps safeguard sensitive species, promote stable underground ecosystems, reduce human-driven climate disruptions inside mines and support long-term population continuity. This approach helps to create reclaimed landscapes that are more resilient and ecologically connected.

The future of AML reclamation lies in blending engineering, regulatory strategy and ecological science. By designing closure and mitigation practices that help protect underground microclimates, sustain bat populations and limit disturbance, reclamation practitioners can promote outcomes that protect both people and the ecosystems intertwined with legacy mine features.

Atlas continues to align its practices with this integrated model as part of a growing industry-wide shift toward ecological stewardship. Explore how Atlas’ strategic reclamation practices protect bat habitats and encourage long-term environmental resilience through innovative, ecologically informed AML solutions.

Communities experiencing high rates of wildlife-vehicle collisions can now win federal funding for animal crossings and other related projects.

In an effort to reduce motor vehicle accidents and improve habitat connectivity, the federal government announced the , a $350-million initiative that aims to establish wildlife corridors along busy roads.

In the United States, between vehicles and big game occur every year — resulting in over 26,000 human injuries, about 200 human deaths, and at least $8 billion in associated costs.

Federal Department of Agriculture data suggests that crossing structures .

The structures pay for themselves relatively quickly by preventing costly and devastating accidents.”— Center for Large Landscape Conservation

General development and road building have disturbed animals’ age-old migration paths since the spawn of Former President Eisenhower’s national highway system.

This landmark legislation, the first-ever investment in addressing wildlife-vehicle collisions, will help transportation officials and environmentalists stitch the remaining wild landscapes back together into functional networks.

For questions about our capabilities, schedule your consultation today.