Mining reclamation laws

Journal Article · · Oak Ridge Natl. Lab. Rev.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5450563

Haynes, R; McBrayer, J

The impact of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 on mining in southern Appalachia is discussed. Previous Tennessee surface mining regulations had not provided for elimination of all highwalls nor for some dumping of spoil materials downslope. The new act and the permanent regulations now define special environmental standards for mining steep slopes. State-of-the-art measures are demanded to prevent acid-mine drainage that could adversely affect surface and underground waters. Reclamation of mines abandoned before reclamation was required will be financed by a tax on new coal. The law also provides for designation of areas as unsuitable for all types of coal mining. A recent meeting of the Americal Council for Reclamation Research identified specific research and assessment needs in the study of coal extraction and reclamation. (SAC)

• OSTI ID: 5450563
• Journal Information: Oak Ridge Natl. Lab. Rev.; (United States), Journal Name: Oak Ridge Natl. Lab. Rev.; (United States) Vol. 12:4; ISSN ORNRA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
017000* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Legislation & Regulations
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
293000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
294001 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Coal
ABANDONED SHAFTS
ACID MINE DRAINAGE
APPALACHIA
COAL MINING
LAND RECLAMATION
LAWS
MINING
MINING LAWS
NORTH AMERICA
PUBLIC LANDS
PUBLIC POLICY
SHAFT EXCAVATIONS
SLOPE STABILITY
STABILITY
SURFACE MINING ACTS
USA