Mining and Environmental Impacts Mining Methods Surface Mining

Mining and Environmental Impacts

Mining Methods

Surface Mining = Shallow deposits (60% coal in US) Vegetation, soil, and rock on top (overburden) are removed and set aside as spoils The unused material – Tailings – may contain heavy metals, arsenic, lead, mercury Sometimes referred to as MOUNTAINTOP REMOVAL Need to restore the land after mining is done Reclamation Mountaintop Removal – Let’s watch!! SURFACE MINING

Surface Mining

Scarring and disruption of land surface Acid Mine Drainage – rainwater seeping through waste pile or mine carries sulfuric acid and contaminates nearby groundwater Nearby valleys and streams filled in with waste rock and dirt Major air and water pollution Noise, ugliness, heat, land accidents, etc. Environmental effects

Subsurface Mining = Deep deposits Less land disturbance than surface mining Less waste material More dangerous & expensive (black lung) Subsidence – collapse of land Breaching underground water – aquifer SUBSURFACE MINING

Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) = primary federal law that regulates the environmental effects of coal mining in the United States. Mine operators are required to minimize disturbances and adverse impact on fish, wildlife and related environmental values and achieve enhancement of such resources where practicable. Restoration of land water resources is ranked as a priority in reclamation planning. Sounds good on paper? Difficult in arid regions (little precip, low soil fertility, soil doesn’t hold water, run-off, landslides, etc) Reclamation

Recontour/regrade land to original condition Replace topsoil Replant with native vegetation Monitor for 5 -10 years, depending on location Steps to Reclaim Land