Public views of reclaiming an abandoned coal mine: the Macoupin County project

Technical Report · Tue Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1980

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7181722· OSTI ID:7181722

Bernard, J. R.

An abandoned underground coal mine waste area in Macoupin County, Illinois, has been reclaimed for demonstration and research purposes near the city of Staunton. According to federal law, end uses of reclaimed coal mines must be determined in part by local concerns. This study examined local residents' preferences for land uses and their social and economic evaluations of reclamation at the Macoupin County site. Personal interviews with 119 residents revealed preferences for recreational use of the demonstration area; however, responses were probably influenced by prior awareness of land-use intentions. Generally, very positive evaluations of the reclamation were received. Willingness to pay for reclamation appears to be linked to fulfillment of desired recreational uses on the site and socioeconomic status of the respondent. In general, the research results provide further evidence that the value of abatement of environmental damage from mining is recognized and supported in economic terms at the public level.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 7181722
• Report Number(s): ANL/LRP--7
• 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
290200 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
294001 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Coal
COAL MINES
EVALUATION
GREAT LAKES REGION
ILLINOIS
LAND RECLAMATION
LAND USE
MINES
MINING
NORTH AMERICA
PUBLIC OPINION
SURVEYS
UNDERGROUND MINING
USA