Strip mining of coal: environmental solutions
In light of the energy shortage, extraction of coal by strip mining techniques can be expected to continue and expand. According to a recent government report, it has been estimated that over 50 percent of U.S. coal production for the rest of this century will be mined by surface methods. In the past strip mining was generally conducted with little regard for its effect on the environment. This has resulted in erosion and water pollution and left areas esthetically scarred and unusable for agriculture, grazing, or recreational use. Techniques are available to reclaim abandoned strip mined lands and to conduct mining in a way that prevents detrimental environmental effects. Authorities emphasize the importance of premining planning and point out that reclamation is less costly and more effective when integrated with the mining operation. This book, based on 19 government reports issued from 1967 through 1974, describes coal surface mining land use and methods, land reclamation methods and sediment and erosion control. Acid mine drainage, its sources, prevention and correction as well as the mechanism of recovery of acid strip mine lakes are discussed. Specific studies on revegetation, use of spoil amendments and the effects of acid mine drainage are included. One chapter describes the Federal Republic of Germany's approach to the problem of reclamation of strip mined lands. The final two chapters discuss reclamation costs. A complete list of the cited reports is given at the end of the book. This is followed by a list of state agencies to be contacted regarding strip mining and land reclamation.
- OSTI ID:
- 7357651
- Resource Relation:
- Related Information: ISBN 0-8155-0611-2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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