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U.S. Department of Energy
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Land resources inventory of lignite strip-mining areas, East Texas. An application of environmental geology. Geological circular 76-2. [28 references]

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5317626

Large areas of the state, particularly in East Texas, will be strip-mined to obtain the lignite. Environmental geologic mapping provides much of the information necessary to plan mining and reclamation. The environmental geologic map does three things: (1) it identifies problem areas, (2) it provides basic information for planning of reclamation, and (3) it provides a regional framework for detailed studies at individual mine sites. Some examples of critical areas identified by the mapping for this study are aquifer recharge areas (sand hills and low-rolling sands) where the potential for ground-water pollution must be given strong consideration, sandy clays which are the probable substrate in which most mining will occur, and floodplains which would be hazardous areas for mining and which have highly fertile soils requiring preservation. Lignite mining in Texas is likely to be a major source of energy, a major land use, and a major job and money producer. Lignite, however, is a nonrenewable resource; once burned it is gone. Land and water are renewable resources and, if properly protected during mining, can provide food, fiber, and recreation indefinitely.

Research Organization:
Texas Univ., Austin (USA). Bureau of Economic Geology
OSTI ID:
5317626
Report Number(s):
NP-22437
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English