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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Potential for reclaiming surface coal mines for recreation

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6183427
The US Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 provides for consistent standards in coal mining and reclamation, while requiring more input from local governments in planning reclamation activities. The regulations of the Act explicitly allow the use of reclaimed lands for public purposes, such as recreation, if certain conditions are met. Boomtowns in western coal-producing areas will require parks and other public facilities to accommodate population peaks; these needs can be fulfilled in a few cases less expensively by suitable reclamation planning for nearby strip mines in cooperation with mining companies. In non-western coal provinces, surface mines within a short distance of towns can now more readily be considered as possible areas for developing public facilities. With rising prices for recreational travel, it may become increasingly attractive to develop recreational facilities closer to communities. Because of the lack of local public agency familiarity with reclamation and its potentials, it may be some time before reclamation and community needs are integrated. This paper provides information on the opportunities for and obstacles to development of recreation resources on reclaimed lands.
Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
6183427
Report Number(s):
CONF-8007107-1; ON: DE81023538
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English