Before TXU mined its first ton of lignite coal, the company developed a plan to return mined land to productive use. Since 1971 - seven years before the law required it - TXU has set the standard, especially in Texas, for land reclamation, reclaiming more than 58,600 acres of mined land. In 2005, TXU mined almost 1,750 acres and reclaimed close to 2,300 acres while securing bond release on nearly 1,200 acres. During the year, state and federal inspectors spent 207 inspector-days on TXU mine sites. Three notices of violation were issued, and the company took immediate action to resolve the concerns. TXU completed the year with a compliance ratio of 98.5 percent. (see charts)
REFORESTATION AND WETLANDS MITIGATION
Since the early 1970s, TXU has been in the forefront of reforestation and a promoter of wetlands. The 23.4 million-plus trees the company has planted, including more than 1.1 million in 2005, help improve water quality, sequester CO2, provide valuable wildlife habitat and commercial timber assets, and contribute to the beauty of the area. As part of its reclamation efforts, TXU also supports federal goals to create and enhance wetlands. The company's program has helped mitigate the impact of mining on "waters of the U.S." through creation or enhancement of more than 4,200 acres of wetlands, ponds, and stream channels. (see charts)
ENDANGERED SPECIES UPDATE
TXU enhances wetlands and wildlife habitat.
In 1997, the interior least tern, an endangered bird, chose to create nesting grounds in two areas at TXU's Big Brown Mine in Central Texas. After the first nesting season, TXU formed a partnership with wildlife professionals from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Railroad Commission of Texas, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Texas A&M University to develop a management plan for the species' long-term recovery and habitat needs on company property. Since 1997, TXU's efforts have helped more than 80 fledglings hatch and migrate, which is an admirable survival rate for a species that typically nests in areas where weather and predators destroy many of the eggs or claim hatched chicks prior to fledging. (see chart)
