Chapter 16 Section 3: Mining Regulations and Mine Reclamation Note Pack 41 Chapter 16 Section 3: Mining Regulations and Mine Reclamation

Mining Regulations and Mine Reclamation Because of environmental impacts of mining, it is the most heavily regulated industries in the US. Mining companies spend large amounts of money to preserve the environment. Reclaiming the land or returning it to its original condition after mining is a part of every surface coal mining operation. A. The Environmental Impacts of Mining Billions of dollars are spent to clean up abandoned mines.

Air and Noise Pollution At surface coal mines dust is produced by removing, loading, hauling and dumping soil and overburden. Dust is also produced when ore is blasted apart Noise is created by equipment and blasting Most surface mines are not located near urban populations Regulations in US forbid mining operations to allow dust or noise to exit the area being mined

Water Contamination Water resources can be negatively impacted by mining Contaminants can wash into streams where they can harm or kill aquatic life Minerals that contain a lot of sulfur and react with water to produce dilute sulfuric acid. The contaminated water that results from this process is known as acidic mine drainage, or AMD

Displacement of wildlife Removing soil from a surface mine site strips away all plant life. With the removal of plants animals will leave the area When the soil is returned to the site different plants and animals may establish themselves. Dredging disturbs river bottoms and destroys aquatic plant life. Disturbance of a riverbed can cause muddy sediments to contaminate a river for up to 10 km

Why does surface mining cause animals to leave an area? Knowledge Check Why does surface mining cause animals to leave an area?

Erosion and Sedimentation Excess rock from mines is dumped into large piles called dumps. Running water erodes unprotected dumps and transports sediments into nearby streams. These sediments may choke streams and damage water quality and aquatic life

Soil Degradation Soil at a mine is removed from the uppermost layer downward If soils is not removed and stored in separate layers the soil may be nutrient poor when it is reclaimed. Soil rich in sulfur once exposed to water and oxygen release acid. If acidified soil is returned to the mine site it may be difficult for plants to grow.

Subsidence Subsidence is the sinking of regions of ground with little or no horizontal movement. Can occur when pillars in a mind collapse or the mine roof or floor fails Buildings, houses, roads, bridges, underground pipelines and utilities may be damaged if built over mines that subsides.

Knowledge Check How might exposing deep soil layers to the air prevent plants from growing?

Underground Mine Fires Fires in underground coal seams are one of the most serious environmental consequences of coal mining Lighting, forest fires and burning trash can cause coal-seams fires. These fires are hard to put out and often left to burn out (which may take decades). They release smoke and gasses that can cause respiratory problems.

Mining Regulation and Reclamation Mines in US are regulated by federal and state laws Mining company must comply with Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. All mining operations must comply with the Endangered Species Act.

Reclamation Reclamation is the process of returning land to its original or better conditions after mining is completed. The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) create a program for the regulation of surface coal mining on public and private land. The act set standards that minimize the effects of coal mining on environment

State Regulation of Mining Mining companies must obtain permits before mining A bond forfeiture program is where a company must post a funds (a bond) before mining project begins The states use the funds to reclaim the sit if the company does not reclaim the site according to the standards. State agencies are responsible for inspecting mines to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Pennsylvania has large projects to reclaim abandoned mine lands.

Extra Credit Define the term reclamation.