Fires in abandoned coal mines and waste banks
Fires that occur in abandoned coal mines, waste banks, and in coal outcrops constitute a serious health, safety, and environmental hazard. Toxic fumes, the deterioration of air quality, and subsidence constitute the greatest hazards from these fires. Although fires on abandoned mined land (AML) occur in every coal-producing state, the severity of the problem varies. Methods to extinguish or control AML fires, including excavation, fire barriers, and sealing, are generally expensive and have a relatively low probability of success. This US Bureau of Mines report includes information from a variety of sources, i.e., agencies of the Federal Government, State agencies, research reports, conference proceedings, product information, and technical literature. This information has been collated into a comprehensive discussion of AML fire problems. Data on past fire control projects and on the estimated extent of the current problem have been compiled. Factors affecting the occurrence, propagation, and extinguishment of AML fires are discussed. Conventional fire control methods are described, and their probable effectiveness is evaluated. Information on the hazards of AML fires and safety considerations is included. The status of current technology, recent improvements in fire control methods, and areas of current research are discussed.
- OSTI ID:
- 5169165
- Journal Information:
- Information Circular - United States, Bureau of Mines; (United States), Vol. 9352; ISSN 0096-1914
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
COAL MINES
FIRES
CONTROL
SPOIL BANKS
ABANDONED SITES
AIR POLLUTION
CARBON MONOXIDE
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE HAZARDS
FIRE PREVENTION
GROUND SUBSIDENCE
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
TEMPERATURE MONITORING
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
HAZARDS
MINES
MONITORING
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
016000* - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Health & Safety