Carl E. Campbell, commissioner of the Department for Natural Resources, presented a 2009 Commissioner’s Award of Excellence in Reclamation to ICG Hazard, LLC for outstanding reclamation work on their surface facility (permit No. 897-0455) located in Perry county near the community of Vicco. 

            The site is a 1,850.73 acre surface, remining and steep slope mine operation that began in 2005.   Using a variety of reclamation and land management techniques, ICG has achieved post mining land use of pastureland, residential, forestland, commercial, and fish and wildlife habitat.  The post-mining land use was agreed to by the coal company and the landowners prior to mining. 

            The Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement inspector Ron Frye and Kristie Slone from the London Regional Office nominated this site because of the company’s exceptional work and their commitment to the environment.  The reclamation of this site will provide the landowners with long term benefits, especially in those areas previously mined prior to enactment of the Surface Mining Reclamation and Control Act (SMRCA) of 1977. Much of the property was unusable due to substandard soil or steep slopes. 

Scott Perkins, Senior Vice President of Operations, Greg Feltner, President, ICG Hazard and Don Gibson, Director of Permits accepted the award for ICG.  In presenting the award, Commissioner Campbell expressed his sincere appreciation for their company's outstanding reclamation work.  Campbell added, “We have come a long way since SMRCA’s passage due to improved technology and individual commitment.  This site illustrates the excellent reclamation that can be accomplished by today’s industry.”  

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