Coal extraction and preparation technology
The evolving extraction, preparation, and transportation techniques receiving Department of Energy (DOE) support do not create new or substantially different environmental impacts from those of both previous and contemporaroy techniques. As the coal mining industry expands into new geographic regions, new and different environmental problems can be expected. For example, surface mining in western regions of the United States encounters special revegetation problems in arid environments. Impacts on hydrologic resources also require particular attention because the mined coal seam is frequently an important stratum for recharging aquifers. Unique environmental problems require research and assessment. The purpose of this Environmental Readiness Document is to assess the environmental impacts associated with the current and evolving industry and examine the environmental implications of increased coal utilization. Existing data and the collective judgment of Office of Environment (EV) scientists indicate that expansion in coal regions will be restricted physically by lack of resources, such as water, and institutionally by environmental protection laws and regulations. Restrictions will vary with regions; many will be extremely site specific. For instance, lack of sufficient water for land reclamation, solid waste disposal, and slurry pipelines will be especially significant concerns in arid regions of the southwest and northern Great Plains. The extent of restrictions will be governed by Federal, State, and local legislation and regulations concerning water use, allowable effluent concentrations, extent of required land reclamation, coal severence taxes, and protected wildlife habitat.Definitions of unpromulgated regulations or redefinition of preliminary regulations and guidelines resulting from Federal legislation will have a major impact on coal extraction, beneficiation, and transportation.
- Research Organization:
- Department of Energy, Washington, DC (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6085745
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ERD-0024
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
COAL MINING
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
COAL PREPARATION
ARID LANDS
AVAILABILITY
CLEAN AIR ACT
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT
LAND RECLAMATION
LEGISLATION
REGULATIONS
RESOURCE RECOVERY ACTS
REVEGETATION
SURFACE MINING
SURFACE MINING ACTS
USA
WATER QUALITY
WATER RESOURCES
COMMINUTION
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
LAWS
MINING
MINING LAWS
NORTH AMERICA
POLLUTION LAWS
RESOURCES
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