Mined-land reclamation in the interior coal province

Journal Article · · J. Soil Water Conserv.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6511518

Grandt, A F

The history of and laws concerning coal mine reclamation in the U.S. Interior Coal Province states are reviewed. The future mining potential of this region is estimated at 8.63 billion tons reserve coal. Reclamation procedures are outlined. Physical and chemical characteristics of overburden must be determined so that appropriate plant species for revegetation can be chosen. Commonly used plants are listed, with emphasis on grasses and legumes. Post-mining uses of restored land, including cropland, rangeland, forests, and horticultural and industrial uses are discussed. Costs of reclamation include: engineering; planning; bond and permit fees; revegetation; and backfilling and grading, which constitute the greatest fraction. Recent concern over reclamation spurred the passage of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, which requires that land be restored at least to pre-mining conditions. (1 map, 3 photos, 22 references, 1 table)

• Research Organization: Peabody Coal Co, Mo
• OSTI ID: 6511518
• Journal Information: J. Soil Water Conserv.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Soil Water Conserv.; (United States) Vol. 33:2; ISSN JSWCA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010900 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Environmental Aspects
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
294001 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Coal
510500* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
COAL MINING
COAL RESERVES
COST
DATA FORMS
FORECASTING
GRASS
IMPLEMENTATION
ISOLATED VALUES
LAND RECLAMATION
LAWS
LEGUMINOSAE
MANAGEMENT
MIDWEST REGION
MINING
MINING LAWS
NORTH AMERICA
PLANNING
PLANTS
PREFERRED SPECIES
RESERVES
RESOURCES
REVEGETATION
SHRUBS
SPOIL BANKS
SURFACE MINING
SURFACE MINING ACTS
TREES
USA