Services | Mine Reclamation

Coal mining began in the United States in the 1800's and until 1977 there were no federal laws that regulated mining operations. Once mining ceased at a location that had been fully tapped, it was most often abandoned and operations were moved to a new site. In 1977, there were an estimated 1.1 million acres of abandoned coal mine sites in the United States.

Problems caused by abandoned mine sites:

Water quality – Acid run-off and sedimentation from mine sites contaminate waterways and can increase the costs of water treatment systems. Acid mine drainage also leads to increased road maintenance costs due to the corrosive effects of this drainage on culverts. Streams and drainage systems are often clogged by sedimentation from abandoned mine sites.

Health & Safety Issues – Abandoned mine sites are froth with highwalls, open shafts, dilapidated mine structures and water-filled pits. These hazards have contributed to numerous accidents and deaths, and are especially dangerous for children who find these places interesting to explore.

Economic problems – Abandoned mine lands are often found in economically depressed areas. These areas often thrived while mining operations were active, but were abandoned when mining slowed or halted. These areas are in desperate need of new industries to replace the jobs that the coal mining industry once provided. But, the mine sites make it nearly impossible for these communities to compete for industry and tourism.

Esthetic problems – Abandoned mine sites often have sparse vegetation, stagnant water and many times used as illegal trash dumps. The appearance of the site and its proximity to public lands depress land value and detract from the tax base. The environmental scars contribute to a loss of community pride and people become apathetic toward the condition of these areas.

Since 1977, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Surface Mining has encouraged the highest level of mine reclamation by presenting awards and funding for exceptional mine reclamation achievements which demonstrate outstanding initiative, dedication, and stewardship. The process of reclamation includes maintaining water and air quality, minimizing flooding, erosion and damage to wildlife and aquatic habitats caused by surface mining. The final step in this process is often topsoil replacement and revegetation with suitable plant species.

Extensive research conducted by the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) indicate that the placement of coal combustion by-products (CCP’S) on the mine site usually result in a beneficial impact to human health and the environment when used to mitigate other potential mining hazards. This activity can also improve the economics of mining when used as a non-toxic fill within the spoil area prior to grading and final reclamation.

Current beneficial mining related CCP applications are as follows:

An alkaline seal or fill material to contain acid forming materials and prevent the formation of acid mine drainage.
An agricultural supplement to create artificial soil on abandoned mine lands where native soils are not available.
A flowable fill that seals and stabilizes abandoned underground mines to prevent subsidence and the production of acid mine drainage.
A construction material for dams where such materials are needed to create a compact and durable base.
A non-toxic fill material for final pits within the spoil area to reduce reclamation cost.

The benefits include improved water quality of lakes and streams, rapid re-establishment of wildlife populations and aquatic habitats, grass lands, and water foul, stable long term land utilization, and increased land value.

Perhaps the most important reason to take a proactive reclamation approach is to avoid future liability associated with acidic water discharges, erosion and sediment pollution, subsidence, and other environmental pollution related potentials.

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