Acid mine drainage: Common law, SMCRA, and the Clean Water Act

Journal Article · Sat Dec 30 23:00:00 EST 1995 · Journal of Natural Resources amp Environmental Law

OSTI ID:478094

Henrich, C

Acid mine drainage is a major problem related to coal mining which, if unabated, can severely damage the aquatic environment. Damage resulting from acid mine drainage was first addressed by common law and riparian principles. As societal laws changed, common law principles alone could not effectively control this problem. Preventing and controlling pollution including acid mine drainage are important goals of the Surface Mining Control Reclamation Act (SMCRA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA). This article examines how common law, SMCRA, and the CWA address the acid mine drainage issue independently, and how improvements in the control of acid mine drainage can be achieved.

• OSTI ID: 478094
• Journal Information: Journal of Natural Resources amp Environmental Law, Journal Name: Journal of Natural Resources amp Environmental Law Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 10; ISSN JNRLF9
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ACID MINE DRAINAGE
CLEAN WATER ACTS
COAL MINES
COMPLIANCE
ENFORCEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
LICENSE APPLICATIONS
SURFACE MINING
SURFACE MINING ACTS