Aug. 19--Businesses that profit from the land should be good stewards of the land.

BHP Biliton is trying to do that by focusing its efforts on reclaiming land once affected by coal-mining operations.

Mining, specifically surface mining, can change an area's landscape and natural habitat. Once mining operations close or leave an area, it is important to leave the land similar to its original condition.

When La Plata Coal Mine, operated by BHP, closed after 16 years of operation there were football field-sized coal pits of leveled land.

Discarded soil was piled so high that it blocked views of area mountains.

While operational, the mine generated 42 million tons of coal used at San Juan Generating Station, owned by Public Service Company of New Mexico.

BHP decided that instead of leaving the 1,700 acres of former coal pits the way they were, it was important to return the land to its original beauty. The company recreated rolling hills and valleys and planted native vegetation, thus reclaiming and restoring the land. BHP did such a tremendous job on the land, the U.S. Department of Interior recognized the company for its work.

BHP received a national excellence award, one of only four reclamation projects recognized nationwide. The work done by BHP was above and beyond industry standards because it returned the land to what it was prior to the mine's opening in 1986.

Other companies that affect the land should follow the recovery example set by BHP. Both

coal mining and oil and gas businesses have an obligation to keep the land healthy while using it. They also should return the land to its natural habitat through successful reclamation projects. Most do this, working toward keeping our natural habitats healthy and beautiful for the enjoyment of future generations.

We thank BHP for its hard work, and we appreciate other companies that set a similar example.

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