Integrated mined-area reclamation and land use planning. A case study of surface mining and reclamation planning: area strip coal mining, Peabody Universal Mine, Universal, Indiana

Technical Report · Tue Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1977

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7214506· OSTI ID:7214506

Guernsey, J L; Tiller, M E; LaFevers, J R

An integrated surface mining and reclamation program typical of those found at large scale surface coal mining operations in the Midwest and West is examined in this case study, which focuses on Peabody Coal Co.'s Universal Mine in west central Indiana. A high volatile, bituminous coal is extracted and processed at the Universal site, which opened in 1969 and is now one of the largest producing surface mines in the state. Careful planning for effluent control during mining has resulted in a nearly ''pollution-free'' area stripping operation at Universal, and most of the mined land has been graded for and seeded as pasture. The mine is about 10 miles from the city of Terre Haute; this proximity offers opportunities for developing reclaimed surface mines for higher land uses than those required by the state (forestry, rangeland, pasture, or cropland), due to high demand for housing and recreation sites. Surveys of area residents show such development would be well-received; however, there is no public planning effort underway to promote these types of land use. This situation is representative of many mines, where progressive companies have generated land use strategies without seeking or being offered much input from public planners. While mining companies may be capable of good reclamation planning, public benefit could be maximized by a concerted effort by planners and mining companies to work together in integrating reclamation and land use planning.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: US Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 7214506
• Report Number(s): ANL/EMR-1(Vol.3d)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010900* -- Coal
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& Peat-- Environmental Aspects
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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
COAL MINING
GREAT LAKES REGION
INDIANA
LAND RECLAMATION
LAND USE
MINING
NORTH AMERICA
PLANNING
POLLUTION CONTROL
REGULATIONS
REVEGETATION
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
SURFACE MINING
USA
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL