Cost-benefit analysis of reclaiming abandoned gob and slurry: west central Illinois

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Reclam. Rev.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6640268

Bernard, J R

Reclamation of abandoned gob and slurry areas associated with underground coal mining operations has economic impacts which are only partly understood at this time. In Illinois, such an area was chosen for reclamation demonstration and research. Costs and regional benefits of the project are compared here in constant dollars for a fifty-year expected project life. Two methods of accounting for aesthetic benefits are used, i.e., the land value method and the willingness to pay method. Benefits range from $340,000 to $430,000 using the land value method and $570,000 to $860,000 using the results of a willingness to pay survey. Costs of reclaiming the site, including maintenance and installation of recreation facilities on the site, are expected to total about $705,000. Cost-benefit analysis of proposed reclamation projects will help states in the selection of abandoned sites for reclamation where economic benefit is of major importance.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 6640268
• Journal Information: Reclam. Rev.; (United States), Journal Name: Reclam. Rev.; (United States) Vol. 3:2; ISSN RERED
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
294001 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Coal
510500* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (-1989)
530200 -- Environmental-Social Aspects of Energy Technologies-- Assessment of Energy Technologies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ABANDONED SITES
AESTHETICS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COAL
COAL MINING
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COST
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
DISPERSIONS
ECONOMICS
ECOSYSTEMS
ENERGY SOURCES
ENVIRONMENT
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
INVESTMENT
LAND RECLAMATION
LIFE-CYCLE COST
MATERIALS
MINING
MIXTURES
ORE PROCESSING
PLANNING
PROCESSING
PROPERTY VALUES
RECREATIONAL AREAS
SITE SELECTION
SLURRIES
SUSPENSIONS
TAXES
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
UNDERGROUND MINING