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8749975 
Book/Book Chapter 
Brownfield restoration as a smart economic growth option for promoting ecotourism, biodiversity, and leisure: Two case studies in nord-pas de calais 
Lemoine, G 
2016 
Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology
ISSN: 978-0-12-804239-7 
Elsevier Inc. 
Bioremediation and Bioeconomy 
361-388 
English 
In the Nord-Pas de Calais coalfield the line of hundreds of slag heaps stretches out for more than 120 km. Composed of sandstone and coal shale, the majority of the slag heaps are being redeveloped. However, the materials of waste mining deposits, currently in place, and their landform create very particular biotopes. Slag heaps present large ecological contrasts, which encourage the presence of very interesting species in the north of France. In fact, the nature of the materials of which they are composed, their black color, and their landform create very different geotopes and biotopes. These slag heaps are formed from rapidly drying, more or less acidic materials that are relatively unstable and are easily reheated by the sun's rays or by combustion phenomena; therefore, they provide elements of biodiversity in the north of France. Faced with this surprising ecological heritage, the local authorities of the region have acted together to ensure the preservation of these sites and have urged the Etablissement Public Foncier (EPF) Nord-Pas de Calais to buy them back and return them. Before their transfer, the EPF undertook redevelopment and security of the brownfield sites where it was deemed to be necessary. Some of this restorative work has allowed numerous slag heaps to become strong links in a greenbelt for wildlife corridors in the mining basin. The redevelopment has not excluded people: The slag heaps in densely populated urban areas have created leisure areas for many inhabitants. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 
Biodiversity; Coalfield basin; Ecological effects; Nord-Pas de Calais region; Public acquisitions; Reclamation; Restoration