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Abandoned mine land problems and reclamation photos |
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Abandoned mine openings such as this one in Kentucky are extremely dangerous. Partially caved in at the entrance, this example is typical of abandoned mine openings found throughout the country in areas where underground coal mining has taken place. Under the Surface Mining Law mine problems abandoned before the Law was passed in 1977 are reclaimed with funds collected from active mining operations. Photo 8 (143 KB file)
Mine fires
In the anthracite coal region of eastern Pennsylvania, coal seam fires are common. This fire, located under a town, periodically burns to the surface, emitting smoke and noxious fumes. Here, smoke and fumes had killed all vegetation and emergency action to remove the burning coal was required. If left in place, the burning coal could have started a forest fire and further endangered nearby residents. Photo 9 (107 KB file)
Abandoned mine land sites frequently contain a variety of environmental problems. At this 45-acre West Virginia site adjacent to a small town, 11 abandoned underground mine openings were discharging acid water. mountains of exposed coal refuse from an abandoned coal cleaning plant covered the valley floor, and 6,500 linear feet of dangerous highwalls from a abandoned pre-Law surface mine were present. After reclamation, it is difficult to find any traces of past mining or the associated abandoned mine problems. Photo 10 (128 KB file)
Encompassing over 8,000 acres, this Illinois mine contained some of the "nation's worst" examples of pre-Surface Mining Law unreclaimed mining problems. Acid soils and water associated with surface coal mining had left the land in a state of destruction and required treating 3.5 million gallons per day of acid mine drainage to meet the Environmental Protection Agency discharge standards. See photos 105 and 107 to see reclamation at this site. Photo 106 (66 KB file)
Reclamation of this mine site (shown above in photo 106) eliminated the sources of acid runoff and the associated costly treatment. To accomplish the reclamation over 35,000 tons of agricultural limestone was used to neutralize the acid spoil. This was covered with over 35,000 tons of sewage sludge. Erosive banks and gullies were stabilized using over 20,000 tons of riprap, and nearly 10,000 pounds of seed were used to reestablish vegetation. Photo 105 (66 KB file)
Today this reclaimed wetland (see photo 105 and 106 above) supports a resident goose population and provides winter refuge for thousands of Canada geese, ducks, and other waterfowl. In addition to the wildlife benefits, the wetlands have become a natural "treatment plant," with the potential to completely eliminate the need for chemical treatment. Photo 107 (73 KB file)
