United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Industrial Environmental Research
Laboratory
Cincinnati OH 45268
EPA 600 7 78 180
August 1978
Research and Development
&EPA
User's Manual for
Premining
Planning of
Eastern Surface
Coal Mining
Volume 1
Executive Summary
E
nteragency
Energy/Environment
R&D Program
Report
-------
RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, have been grouped into nine series. These nine broad cate-
gories were established to facilitate further development and application of en-
vironmental technology. Elimination of traditional grouping was consciously
planned to foster technology transfer and a maximum interface in related fields.
The nine series are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2. Environmental Protection Technology
3. Ecological Research
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
6. Scientific and Technical Assessment Reports (STAR)
7. Interagency Energy-Environment Research and Development
8. "Special" Reports
9. Miscellaneous Reports
This report has been assigned to the INTERAGENCY ENERGY-ENVIRONMENT
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT series. Reports in this series result from the
effort funded under the 17-agency Federal Energy/Environment Research and
Development Program. These studies relate to EPA's mission to protect the public
health and welfare from adverse effects of pollutants associated with energy sys-
tems. The goal of the Program is to assure the rapid development of domestic
energy supplies in an environmentally-compatible manner by providing the nec-
essary environmental data and control technology. Investigations include analy-
ses of the transport of energy-related pollutants and their health and ecological
effects; assessments of, and development of, control technologies for energy
systems; and integrated assessments of a wide range of energy-related environ-
mental issues.
This document is available to the public through the National Technical Informa-
tion Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161.
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EPA-600/7-78-180
August 1978
USER'S MANUAL FOR PREMINING PLANNING OF
EASTERN SURFACE COAL MINING
Volume 1: Executive Summary
by
R. V. Ramani
M. L. Clar
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
EPA Grant No. R803882
Project Officer
John P. Martin
Mining Pollution Control Branch
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
CINCINNATI, OHIO 45268
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DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Industrial Environmental Research
Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for publica-
tion. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the
views and policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nor does
mention of trade names or commerical products constitute endorsement or
recommendation for use.
ii
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FOREWORD
When energy and material resources are extracted, processed,
converted, and used, the related pollutional impacts on our environment
and even on our health often require that new and increasingly more
efficient pollution control methods be used. The Industrial Environ-
mental Research Laboratory-Cincinnati (lERL-Ci) assists in developing
and demonstrating new and improved methodologies that will meet these
needs both efficiently and economically.
This document is the first in a series of six reports designed to
provide the surface coal mining industry and its regulators with a
comprehensive review of the best available methods for extracting coal
while protecting the environment. This volume summarizes the
structure, contents, and use of all the reports that together make up
a user's manual for premining planning of surface coal mining operations
in the eastern coal fields of the United States. For further information
on this series of reports, contact the Resource Extraction and Handling
Division.
David G. Stephan
Director
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Cincinnati
iii
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ABSTRACT
The purpose of this research effort was to study the surface mining of
coal in the Eastern United States and to establish guidelines for developing,
evaluating, and selecting the least environmentally detrimental mining and
reclamation practices. The study was to consider the geological and hydro-
logical settings before mining as the basic inputs to premining planning, and
guidelines were to be developed for assessing alternatives in the areas of
surface mine engineering, water management, and land use planning.
The recommended methods, techniques, and alternatives for selecting and
designing mining systems are based on a review and critical evaluation of
the methods reported in the literature and applied in the field. They are
presented in a series of six reports, which together make up a user's manual
for premining planning of surface coal mining operations in the Eastern United
States.
This report, which is the first in a series of six, provides an executive
summary of the project. Four major areas are addressed. First, the major
topics considered in the research project are briefly reviewed. Second, the
premining planning process is presented and discussed. Third, the contents
and use of the other five reports are outlined. And fourth, a series of
appendices that provide supporting material for the first three areas are
presented.
This report was submitted in partial fulfillment of Grant No.R803882 by
the Department of Mineral Engineering of The Pennsylvania State University
under the sponsorship of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This
report covers the period July 1, 1975, to May 30, 1978, and work was com-
pleted as of June 1, 1978.
iv
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CONTENTS
Foreword
Abstract iv
Figures vi
Tables vii
Project Staff viii
1. Introduction 1
Scope and Objectives of Project 1
Background 1
2. The Premining Planning Process 9
Overview 9
Identification of Regulatory Requirements 10
Data Acquisition on Mine Site and Vicinity 16
Preliminary Feasibility Study 16
Detailed Mine Feasibility Study 17
3. Summary and Use of Background Reports 25
Overview 25
Volume II - Surface Mine Engineering 25
Volume III - Geology of Eastern Coalfields 26
Volume IV - Mine Hydrology 26
Volume V - Mine Drainage Management and Monitoring .... 27
Volume VI - Mine Land Planning 28
Conclusion 28
Appendices
A. State and Federal Strip Mine Regulation in the Eastern and
Midwestern Coal-producing States 33
B. State Surface Mine Reclamation Control Laws and Responsible
Agencies 55
C. EPA Manuals Related to Environmental Control for Surface
Coal Mining 59
D. Major Functions of the Office of Surface Mining Regulation
and Enforcement 61
E. Typical Data Required from Companies Applying for a
Mining Permit 63
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FIGURES
Number Page
1 Coal regions of the eastern United States 2
2 Integrated mining, reclamation, and land-use planning
diagram 6
3 Coal industry regulation in Pennsylvania 11
4 Funnel effect: Impact of change in scope versus time ... 18
5 Premining planning study groups, areas and reports .... 20
6 A time frame for premining planning study areas 23
vi
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TABLES
Number Page
1 Major Environmental Effects of Various Surface Mining
Unit Operations A
2 Involvement of Federal Government Agencies in Surface
Coal Mining Operations 12
3 Involvement of State, Regional, and Local Government
Agencies in Surface Coal Mining Operations 14
4 Major Components of Premining Planning Covered in the
User's Manual 30
vii
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PROJECT STAFF
The materials contained in the manual were prepared by an interdepart-
mental and interdisciplinary group of the College of Earth and Mineral
Sciences of The Pennsylvania State University. Overall management for the
project was provided by the Department of Mineral Engineering. The project
staff was comprised of the following personnel:
Dr. R. V. Ramani
Professor of Mining Engineering
Dr. L. W. Saperstein
Professor of Mining Engineering
Dr. H. L. Lovell
Professor of Mining Engineering
Dr. R. R. Parizek
Professor of Geology
Dr. C. G. Knight
Associate Professor of Geography
Dr. R. Stefanko
Professor of Mining Engineering
Prof. R. L. Frantz
Professor of Mining Engineering
M. L. Clar
Research Assistant in Mining
Engineering
L. B. Phelps
Instructor in Mining Engineering
C. J. Bise
Instructor in Mining Engineering
P. J. Duhaime
Graduate Assistant in Geography
D. Forsberg
Graduate Assistant in Mining
Engineering
K. W. Grubaugh
Graduate Assistant in Mining
Engineering
- Project Manager and Co-Principal In-
vestigator (Surface Mining Engineering,
Land Use Planning, Mine Planning)
- Co-Principal Investigator (Federal
and State Laws and Regulations, Land
Use Management)
- Co-Principal Investigator
(Water Quality Management)
- Faculty Associate
(Geology and Hydrology)
- Faculty Associate
(Land Use Management)
- Faculty Associate
(Project Consultant)
- Faculty Associate
(Project Consultant)
- In-House Project Co-ordinator
- Surface Mine Engineering
- Surface Mine Engineering
- Land Use Management
- Water Quality Management
- Laws and Regulations
viii
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C. Murray
Graduate Assistant in Mining
Engineering
D. Richardson
Graduate Assistant in Mining
Engineering
J. Sgambat
Graduate Assistant in Geology
A. Weiner
Graduate Assistant in Mining
Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Water Quality Management
- Geology
- Water Quality Management
ix
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SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF PROJECT
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded a research project
at The Pennsylvania State University in July 1975 to study the surface mining
of coal in the eastern United States (Figure 1) and to establish guidelines
for developing, evaluating, and selecting the least environmentally detri-
mental mining and reclamation practices. The study was to consider the
geological and hydrological settings before mining as the basic inputs to
premining planning, and guidelines were to be developed for assessing alterna-
tives in the areas of surface mine engineering, water management, and land
use planning. The recommended methods, techniques, and alternatives for
selecting and designing mining systems are based on a review and critical
evaluation of the methods reported in literature and applied in the field.
This first volume of six provides an overview of the environmental con-
cerns related to surface coal mining, an introduction to the premining
planning process, and a brief description of the contents and use of the
other reports, which are a-s follows:
Volume II - Surface Mining Engineering
Volume III - Geology of Eastern Coalfields
Volume IV - Mine Hydrology
Volume V - Mine Drainage Management and Monitoring
Volume VI - Mine Land Planning
Together these six volumes make up a user's manual for premining planning of
surface coal mining operations in the eastern United States.
BACKGROUND
With the possible exception of agriculture, mining is the most basic of
all industries. Even in agriculture, much of the fertilizer consists of min-
erals initially mined and processed, and finally enriched to the chemical
form. In fact, virtually all aspects of human life as it exists today re-
quire the products of mining. Exploitation of mineral resources is a must
if better standards of living are to be attained, since mining affects prac-
tically every phase of industrialization and provides the basics for sustained
economic growth. The fundamental differences between mineral and other re-
sources are that the former are highly localized, limited, and nonrenewable.
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C A
ro
LEGEND
Bilumtnout cool
Adopltd I'om USGS Cool Mop ol Ihl
Un.ltd Sloltl . I960.
Figure 1. Coal regions of the Eastern United States.
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In the most elementary form, mining is materials handling. It is a
process of extracting in-situ materials (solids, liquids, or gases) from the
crust of the earth. In this sense, both the extraction of mineral ores from
the earth and the removal of gas and oil from underground chambers and the
recovery of subterranean water can be considered mining. Both types of
mining share many similar environmental considerations, but this project ex-
amines only the surface mining of coal in the eastern United States.
The Role of Surface Mining
The various mining methods can be classified as surface or underground.
Surface mining accounts for over 90% of all mined products. And of all land
affected by surface mining, more than 75% is the result of surface mining of
coal, crushed stone, and gravel.
No major increase is anticipated for the share of coal in future energy
demands. But the total national demand for energy is predicted to rise so
rapidly that coal production itself is expected to be around a billion tons
by 1985. If recent trends are any indication, surface-mined coal should con-
tinue to take a major share of the coal production, at least to the year
2000.
Decisions as to whether an orebody will be mined and what mining methods
will be used depend on many technological, economic, ecological, and social
factors. But the big question is: How can one mine these riches and still
preserve the capability of the land for sustaining other uses during and
after mining? Though this question is frequently viewed as a problem, it
should also be recognized as an opportunity to restructure the land surface
for a desirable end use.
Environmental Concerns
Mineral extraction affects the environment in three basic ways: It
influences air, land, and water quality, which in turn affect plant and
animal life (Table 1). The environmental effects of mining are, of course,
interdependent. For example, air quality may influence water quality, and
both combined can affect the capability of the land for sustaining habita-
tion.
Legal Considerations
Surface coal mining has come under increasing legislative regulation,
particularly with regard to the environmental effects. The use of surface-
mined lands for other productive purposes was demonstrated and pursued
voluntarily by some coal companies as early as 1920, when surface-mined
coal accounted for less than 7% of total U.S. coal production. Nevertheless,
before 1965, there were only seven states that had specific laws requiring
land reclamation. West Virginia enacted the first such legislation in 1939.
The period since 1965 has been one of rapid growth in laws and regulations
regarding surface mining control at the Federal and State levels. Presently,
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TABLE 1. MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF VARIOUS SURFACE MINING UNIT OPERATIONS
Surface Mining
Unit
Operations
1. Exploration
2. Area Dewatering
and Diversion
3. Drilling
4 . Blasting
5 . Overburden
Removal
6 . Haulage
7. Soil Storage
8. Maintenance
9. Reclamation
Water
h fl
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new or amended regulations are in force in 38 States. The most recent Fed-
eral legislation to affect surface mining is the Surface Mining Control and
Reclamation Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-87).
There have always been other laws and regulations under which control
was exercised over surface mining by such agencies as the Bureau of Land
Management, the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration, State highway
departments, and local zoning authorities. But, under P. L. 95-87, the
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement was created in the De-
partment of the Interior. Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
Provisions (rules and regulations) are contained in Chapter VII, Title-30,
Mineral Resources of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Several major
aspects of the Environmental Protection Performance Standards can be found in
Section 515 of P. L. 95-87 and Parts 715-718 of the Regulations (Chapter VII,
Title 30).
Title 1 of the Act (Sec. 101) recognizes the many adverse effects of
surface mining operations and the need to minimize them insofar as practi-
cable. It further declares that responsibility for developing, issuing, and
enforcing surface mining regulations should rest with the States. The pur-
poses of the Act are identified as follows (Sec. 102):
a. To establish a nationwide program to combat the adverse effects
of surface coal mining operations;
b. To assure that the rights of surface landowners and others with
legal interests in the land are fully protected;
c. To assure that surface mining is not conducted where reclamation
is not feasible;
d. To assure that surface mining is conducted so as to protect
the environment;
e. To assure that surface-mined areas are reclaimed as contempo-
raneously as possible with the mining operations;
f. To strike a balance between the Nation's need for coal and
protection of the environment;
g. To assist the States in implementation of programs to achieve
these ends;
h. To promote the reclamation of areas degraded before enactment
of this legislation; and
i. To assure public participation in reclamation plans and
programs.
Land-Use Planning
Mine planning must include a careful determination and demonstration of
how the mined land is to be used afterward. Such determinations will dictate
the most effective plans for mining and reclamation.
Premining definitions of long-range use plans make it possible to mini-
mize any disturbance of the land and also to limit reclamation activities to
those required by the future-use plans. The integrated mining, reclamation,
and land-use planning diagram in Figure 2 outlines a procedure for the
evaluation of mining and reclamation plans and shows the various interactions
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RECONNAISSANCE
SITE INVESTIGATIONS
1
BASELINE
DATA
ON
ECOSYSTEM
FACTORS
LITERATURE
_SEARCH_
'RESEARCH"
COMMENTS
CRITICISMS
REVISIONS
INTEGRATED
MINING PLANS
MINING PLAN
RECLAMATION
PLAN
LAND USE PLAN
ENVIRONMENTAL
___G_ROUPS_
PUBLIC MEETINGS'
FEDERAL,STATE
AND LOCAL
AGENCIES
STATEMINING PERMl
EPA, MESA, ETC.
FINAL
APPROVED
PLANS
MjNING
RECLAMATION
MONITORING
OTHER
PREDETERMINED
LAND USES
Figure 2. Integrated mining, reclamation, and land-use planning diagram.
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that may take place before a mining plan can be put into practice. The pro-
cess through which both the mining and reclamation have to pass include not
only regulatory agencies, but special interest groups and the general public
as well.
Integrated surface mining, reclamation, and land-use planning has sev-
eral advantages. In mining areas characterized by the absence of any formal
zoning or land-use activity, the mining operations are subject to the State
or Federal laws regarding mining, and air, water, and land resources. In
such a situation, the frequently determined post-mining land use is the pre-
mining land use, even though great potential may exist for creating an
alternate land use.
Many potential land improvement projects never get further than the
planning stage because of the relatively high cost of earth-moving and
rehabilitation equipment and processes, and the high costs of building the
transportation and communication networks. On the other hand, the ongoing
mining operation must have these facilities, which can be retained and im-
proved for later use by the community when the mining operation is completed.
The infrastructure development so necessary for a mining operation (haulroads,
other transportation networks, communications, power lines, office and recre-
ational buildings, water facilities, etc.) can easily be designed for later
use by surrounding communities or by new developments that can be planned
around it. This concept is one of multiple and sequential land uses.
Land-use planning and control evoke rather difficult and emotional
questions concerning public and private ownership, jobs, county development,
taxes and earnings, local, State, and Federal economics, and authority over
land-use decisions. Here the cooperation between mining companies and land-
use planning authorities becomes very important. To make the reclamation
planning process a success, each party must take into account the scope and
limitations of the other. A selected list of these important factors is as
follows:
a. Local/regional planning, coordination, and development are
usually the responsibilities of local, regional, State, or
Federal agencies and not the mining companies.
b. Government and other public land-use planning groups are
concerned more with the surface utilization of land. Often
their expertise may not extend to such matters as surface
mine engineering and long-term impacts of mining.
c. Though some large mining companies can perform the required
premining and postraining land-use analysis, most mining
companies, particularly the small operations, lack
expertise in this area.
d. Government planning for land use usually exists at a
macro level dealing with large areas within local, State and
Federal jurisdiction. On the other hand, company planning
is usually at a micro level specific to a particular mining
site and designed to operate at a profit, even though in
compliance with the various legislative constraints.
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e. Land-use regulation is predominantly a function of local
government. The domain of these local governments is
often not based on physiographic considerations, but on
political subdivisions. On the other hand, there is a
growing recognition that the effects of mining and mining
itself may transcend several political subdivisions, and
that therefore reclamation activities must be bounded by
physiographic considerations and may encompass several
local governments.
In short, the planning of surface mines, reclamation, and postmining uses
of land have become very complex.
Premining Planning
From the premining planning point of view, two important characteristics
of mineral resources are that they are highly localized and nonrenewable.
Choices are limited for siting a mine, and once it is in operation, it has a
finite life. Thus surface mining, like any type of mining, is a temporary
and nonrenewable use of land. But the land itself is a permanent resource
with many concurrent and sequential uses. Only through proper premining
planning can such a resource be preserved and its possible multiple uses
enjoyed. Otherwise, some of its uses may not be possible. In extreme
cases, the land may be of no use and might even become a major source of
environmental problems.
The ultimate objective of premining planning is to ensure a mining ven-
ture that has fully considered and provided for environmental capabilities
and sensitivities on a national, regional, and site-specific basis. Environ-
ment, by definition, encompasses all aspects of life and living and includes
both natural and cultural aspects. Environment is the net result of a com-
plex, dynamic, and intimate interrelationship among the physical, biological,
and social factors of its various systems (geologic, physiographic, hydro-
logic, demographic, etc.), components (rock, soils, climate), and processes
(erosion, productivity, behavior).
Current legislative, administrative, and public attitudes toward surface
mining and premining planning can be interpreted as an attempt to evaluate
the multiple resources of an area (minerals, water, range, recreation,
forestry, etc.) and to determine the location, size, and timing of their
exploitation so that resource extraction (and/or utilization) that has pre-
emptive or conflicting effects on other resources and uses is not allowed to
occur except as planned.
The search is underway, not only for an understanding of the total envi-
ronment and the needs for preserving it, but for the application of existing
knowledge and technical skills to the total resource management for optimum
benefits to present and future generations. Increasing concern and attention
to premining planning is but one of the results of this change in the values
and attitudes towards the extraction, utilization, and conservation of all
the material resources.
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SECTION 2
THE PREMINING PLANNING PROCESS
OVERVIEW
In the past, mining companies focused their efforts primarily on the
basic concepts of development and production, and they handled technical
problems as they arose. Traditional surface coal mine planning usually con-
sisted of the following steps: (1) identifying and assembling a mineable coal
reserve; (2) developing a market for the coal; (3) developing and analyzing
conceptual mining plans for technical and economic feasibility; (4) obtaining
a mining permit; (5) ordering the equipment; (6) building the infrastructure;
and (7) developing the mine toward full production. During planning, some
limited consideration was given to all the resources in the area and their
profitable extraction and use within the mining operation. These various
steps may overlap each other and can be conveniently grouped under the first
two phases of the life cycle of a mining operation: exploration and develop-
ment. Two other phases in the mine life cycle that must be recognized are
the production and the reclamation.
What is new in the current approach to premining planning is a greater
effort, mandated or otherwise, to consider all the non-mineral resources of
the environment as well and to select the mining method that is most effi-
cient and effective with regard to utilization of the total environment. In
addition, premining planning must now encompass in detail every phase of the
mine life cycle from beginning to end. Also, a greater industry/government
interaction on mine planning aspects has become necessary. Environmental
inquiry has become as integral a part of new facility planning as financial,
engineering, and other traditional planning activities. In the planning of
surface coal mines in particular, consideration must be given to the following
concerns:
— pollution of water with sediments and chemicals;
— prevention of air pollution
— prevention of hazards to public health and safety;
— preservation and protection of the biologic com-
munity and ecological balance;
— minimization and control of erosion, slides, and
wasting of land and soil;
— determination of long-term land uses;
— preservation and/or enhancement of the mine landscape
and achievement of harmony with surrounding landscape;
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— preservation, protection, or minimization of damage
to archaeological and historical sites;
— anticipation and avoidance of future conflicts; and
— optimization of specific resource extraction.
Consequently, the major premining planning steps can be summarized under
the following headings:
1. Identification of regulatory requirements;
2. Data acquisition on the mine site and vicinity;
3. Preliminary feasibility study; and
4. Detailed mine feasibility study.
Data acquisition is a continuous activity, whereas the preliminary feasi-
bility study is performed periodically with the best information available at
the time. The preliminary feasibility study serves as a basis for deciding
(1) the time and effort that should be expended on evaluation of the venture,
and (2) the rate at which these resources should be expended. Recommenda-
tions of the preliminary study may be to abandon the project altogether, to
collect data at a rapid rate to move from preliminary to detailed study, or
to collect detailed data on some specific items to further the preliminary
study.
A brief description of each of these premining planning steps is provided
in the following sections.
IDENTIFICATION OF REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
Surface mining regulatory requirements span many Federal, State, and
local agencies. Tables 2 and 3 provide a summary of government involvement
in surface mining operations at the Federal, State, regional, and local
levels. Several permits and/or licenses are required during every phase of
the mine life cycle. These permits, licenses, and requirements deal with
land, water, air, right-of-way, health and safety of workmen, etc. Figure 3,
which provides a summary of the government regulation of coal mining in
Pennsylvania, illustrates the degree of regulation that can exist within a
State.
A review of the reclamation requirements of the 20 states covered by
this study was made in July 1977. A summary table is enclosed in Appendix A.
These requirements may be under revision in view of the passage of the Surface
Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (P. L. 95-87). The Act requires
that all State programs for controlling surface coal mining be reviewed and
approved or disapproved by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement.
The types of information that are necessary to satisfactorily complete
a mine permit application must be obtained by a detailed evaluation of the
exploration data from the region and the mine site. Certain permits can take
many months to process, and some permits may require extensive amounts of
10
-------
ligsnd
Highway Occupancy
Permit PENN DOT
a/or Local Govt.
_
DORIC o Encroocfvfntnf
Permits BWOM-DER
AAA-I
Compliance w/Local
Zoning Agency *
AAA-2
Prospecting Pirmit for
Developing Solid Min-
eral! on Stall Land
BF-PER
AAA-3
Certification of Mini
Foreman, Au'l Fortmon
Eliclrieian S Esaminer
OOMS-OER
AAA-9
Smogi Permit
lApproval by Local
Gout.) BWOM-DER
AAA-6
SeclOvObstructionia/
orSic.4O4(Dndgi
Dltpoul) Permits for
Novigabl* Wolert-COE*
(Review by FWS)
AAA-7
Surfoei Support Fwmlt
BLP-DER
AAA-8
SoM Wait! (Trash) Psr-
mlt BLP-DER
AAA-9
CofflpiMMd Sat Slor-
aae Permit PENN OU
AAA-IO
nabb Liquids
Storage Permit
Stall Fir* Marshall
Permit to o'uroti Micro-
«av*(2-«oy Radio)
Equipment FCC*
HZ
•vtntlon & |_
Contolnmint Plan EPA
Highway Occupancy
Permit PENN DOT
(or Local Govl
AAA-IS
Woltr Ntchargt Ptnnil
(NPOES) EPA
Mini Oralnogilopcralion) -,.
Pirmil BWOM-OER !
AAA-14
Plan Approval
BAONC-OER
AAA-16
Eiplo«iv« PurchoM
Plrmlt ODMS-DER
AAA-17
Mining Plan Approval
ODMS-DER
AAA-B
Mining Ran Approval
MESA
A A-2
Stdlmnt 8 Ero*on Con-
trol Plan/Permit
BWQM-DER
(Rivien by SCSI
AA-3
Industrial Wast*Pirmit
BWQM-DER
Slwogt Pirmtt
(Appraral by Local GcVt)
BWOM-OER
AA-I
Complianci rr/Locol
Zoning Agincy *
AA-4
Damt ft Encroochmmt
Permit. BWOM-DER
Phoii I-Erargy Focilitm
Dlvllopminf
PriaMlI-Enirgy Production
a ProoMiing
PhaMHI- Product Distribution
Product utiluotion
PhOH 7- Facility Shutdotm
C-l
Railroad Se
Eiteniion Peri
ICC
rvice [^
'•rmith
Highway Occu-
pancy Pirmit
PENN DOT a«r
Local Govt
(IncludMBndgn
Empt for Rail-
Permit for Rail-
road Bridgi
Acrots Navi-
gabliWatin
US COAST
JP
Pirmit for Rail-
1 road Bridgi
PUC
Abbnvialioni ' '
DER-Dept ot Ennronrmntol Riiourcet
BSMR-Buriau of Sortaci Mini Redomolion
BF-Buraau of Foriltry
BWQM-Bunau of Wotir Quality Monogiminl
BLP-Bunau of Land Protection
BAONC-Buraou of Air Quality &HUM Control
OOMS-Offln of OMP Mini Safity
PENN OOT-Pimylvania Dipt, of Transportation
PENN DLI - Pinraylvanki Dipt, of Labor 8 Induttry
PUC-Public Utility Commiulon
EPA- Environminlal Protection Agency (Fidiral)
FCC-Federal Communication Commluion
MESA-Mlnmg Enforcimint a SotltyAdmlniilration(Federal)
COE-Army Corps of Engineers(Fideral)
FWS-Flih a Wildlife Service (Federal)
ICC - Inter Hart Commeree Commiulon (Federal) aj-Eiclud« Sites on Federal Londs-sn pnoeding discussion
SCS-Soil Conservation Service (Federally In tat
FundidAgincy which Serves the County) *-Riajuired Infreouently-Based on Site LocaNon
NPDES-National Pollution Discharge
Elimination System
t -Plan Approval Must Comply with Local Air Quality
Standards Applicable Only within a few Urban Arias
t-Bond Not Required on All Mini Drainage Permits
D-Formal Approvals Only Requred for Plants within Jurisdiction
of Susquehonno tt Delaware River Basin Commissions
Figure 3.
Coal industry regulation in Pennsylvania.
11
-------
TABLE 2. INVOLVEMENT OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES IN SURFACE COAL MINING
OPERATIONS
Agency
Functions
1. Office of Surface Mining
Regulation and Enforcement
(OSMRE)*
Responsible for overall administration of pro-
grams for controlling surface coal mining
operations.
2. Bureau of Land Management
(BLM)
3. U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS)
4. U.S. Environmental Pro-
tection Agency (EPA)
5. U.S. Forest Service
(USFS)
Conducts competitive coal lease sales on the
public domain and acquired lands, including
lands administered by the Forest Service and
lands that make up the Wildlife Refuge System.
Issues preference right leases when permittee
qualifies.
Evaluates data and provides advice to BLM re-
garding areas proposed for leasing; approves
mining plans and supervises operations con-
ducted under BLM coal leases. Systematically
collects and publishes geologic data necessary
for mine planning, including base topographic
maps, geological maps, water resources data,
etc. Publishes information in methods and
procedures for systematic collection and
analysis of geologic data.
Primarily concerned with protection of air and
water resources. Issues effluent guidelines
for coal industry. Issues water discharge
(NPDES) permits (and enforces stipulations
contained therein) for States where a State
program has not been approved. Provides
technical assistance by conducting mining-
related research programs, and issues user
manuals for pollution control during surface
mining.
Regulates access roads that lead across Forest
Service lands to areas leased for coal pro-
duction, previews leasing actions proposed by
BLM and recommends stipulations to be included
in such leases. (Coal mining operations on
leased Forest Service lands are regulated by
the USGS. Forest Service public domain lands
can be leased without Forest Service concur-
rence.) Conducts research programs on effects
of surface coal mining operation, with partic-
ular emphasis on revegetation and wildlife.
* See Appendix D for a detailed description of the functions of OSMRE.
12
-------
TABLE 2. INVOLVEMENT OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES IN SURFACE COAL MINING
OPERATIONS (Continued)
Agency
Functions
6. Bureau of Sports, Fisher-
ies and Wildlife (BSF&W)
7. Mining Health and Safety
Administration (MHSA)
8. U.S. Bureau of Mines
(USBM)
9. U.S. Corps of Engineers
(CE)
10. Occupational Safety
and Health Administra-
tion (OSHA)
11. U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
12. Interstate Commerce
Commission (ICC)
13. Department of Energy
(DOE)
14. Soil Conservation
Service (SCS)
15. Federal Communications
Commission (FCC)
Provides advice and assistance regarding ac-
tions proposed by BLM to lease coal, and
recommends stipulations to be included in such
leases.
Promulgates and enforces worker health and
safety regulations in all coal mines. Requires
submission and approval of a ground control
plan before issuance of a surface mining per-
mit. Sets training and educational require-
ments for certification of mining personnel.
Conducts monitoring and enforcement programs on
surface mining operations.
Provides technical assistance by systematically
collecting and publishing statistical data for
the coal mining industry. Conducts research
programs and issues technical reports on all
aspects of coal mining operation.
May be involved in the permit review and moni-
toring and enforcement functions if the mine
operations involve any aspects related to
navigable waters (i.e. construction of bridges
over navigable waters, etc.). Reviews EPA
discharge permits to determine impact of per-
mitted activity on navigation.
Establishes and enforces worker health and
safety regulations in areas not regulated by
other Federal agencies or by States under plans
approved by OSHA.
Issues permits for railroad bridges across
navigable waters where required.
Issues railroad service extension permits where
required.
Provides technical assistance through research
programs.
Provides technical assistance primarily through
the functions of its local offices and plant
research centers related to reclamation of
surface mines.
Issues permits to operate Microwave (2-way
radio) Equipment
13
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TABLE 3. INVOLVEMENT OF STATE, REGIONAL,AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES IN
SURFACE COAL MINING OPERATIONS
Agency
Functions
State Agencies:
1. Mining and/or reclamation
agencies
2. Water resources agencies
3. Air quality and noise
control agencies
4. Transportation agencies
Regional agencies:
1. River basin commissions
2. Appalachian Regional
Commission (ARC)
Issue mining permits after consultation with
other State and Federal agencies involved.
Conduct monitoring and enforcement of surface
mining operations. Approve release of bond
upon satisfactory completion of reclamation
operations. In some States, may issue a
surface mine operator's license (See Ap-
pendices A and B).
The number of State agencies addressing
water resources questions varies from state
to state based on State government organiza-
tion. Principal areas subjected to regula-
tion include:
(1) water utilization (withdrawals and
consumption)
(2) mine drainage
(3) flood plain obstructions
(4) water quality impacts
(5) construction and operation of
minor and major water impoundments
Mining operations that involve any of these
areas will require at least approval and
possibly a separate permit from these
agencies.
Although they are not present in all states,
where they do exist they generally must pro-
vide approval of the mine permit before
issuance.
Review proposed coal haulage routes, regulate
size and weight of coal haulage units, and
issue highway occupancy permits.
Set guidelines and priorities for water use
and management within a river basin. Water
allocation approval may be required.
Provides technical assistance through re-
search and demonstration programs. Compiles
demographic data within the Appalachian re-
gion useful for mine land planning.
14
-------
TABLE 3. INVOLVEMENT OF. STATE, REGIONAL, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES IN
••.; -SURFACE COAL 'MINING OPERATIONS
Agency
Functions
3. Tennessee Valley Authori-
ty (TVA)
.Local agencies:
1. Local.planning (zoning)
,. : agency
2. Sd.il Conservation Service
(SCS)
Provides technical assistance and guidelines
to operators within their jurisdiction,
primarily through research and demonstration
projects.
Provides guidelines for postraining land uses
primarily through its zoning power. May
provide guidelines for various types of land
use through its zoning ordinances, building,
and subdivision regulations, etc. Approval
of mining plan with particular emphasis on
postmining uses may be required.
Provides technical assistance locally to
mine operators in areas of reclamation. May
be required to review and approve any ero-
sion and sediment control plan for the
operation.
15
-------
data. Very long lead times may have to be allowed for the collection of such
data. Considerable care must be exercised in researching every possible
source for locating legal requirements, because an obscure regulation that
has been overlooked or considered inapplicable can have severe crippling
effects on a project.
DATA ACQUISITION ON MINE SITE AND VICINITY
This premining planning activity goes hand in hand with a preliminary
evaluation of mining and reclamation methods (preliminary feasibility study).
The data needs for the preliminary and detailed evaluation of mine site and
vicinity include information on both the natural and cultural components of
the environment. The various analyses that need to be conducted in pre-
liminary and detailed evaluations include:
1. Overburden and innerburden characterization—chemical
and physical
2. Coal characterization—chemical and physical
3. Accessibility and market locations
4. Analysis of water resources
5. Topographic analysis
6. Soils analysis
7. Land use analysis
8. Analysis of terrestrial ecology
9. Analysis of aquatic ecology
10. Climatic analysis
11. Mine design and systems analysis
12. Manpower needs and availability
Some of the data required for these analyses Cparticularly regional data) may
be obtained from the records of local, State, and Federal agencies. State and
Tederal geological surveys, Soil Conservation Service and State and Federal
Forestry offices, Federal and State departments of commerce, census records,
etc. are some prolific data sources within the public domain. In many
instances, however, site-specific information can be obtained only through
detailed exploration of the area at considerable expense.
The objective in this phase is to identify and quantify data for a
specific site to evaluate the technical, economic, social, and environmental
aspects both with and without the mine.
PRELIMINARY FEASIBILITY STUDY
The preliminary evaluation of mining feasibility may be conducted at a
very early stage in the premining planning process, when there is still
II.nited information on the various factors listed above. This phase deter-
mines the feasibility of mining by making some assumptions about missing
da a. "he factors to be evaluated include the possible site constraints,
site potential for postmining land uses, alternative integrated mining,
reclamation and land-use plans, and the overall economics of the mining
16
-------
venture. Examples of conditions that can pre-empt mining in a particular
site include legal constraints such as protected/endangered species, topog-
raphy requiring very complex mining and reclamation plans, environmental
restrictions or requirements that make it difficult to put together a mineable
package, market specifications for coal that cannot be readily met, etc.
Consideration must be given to all the analyses mentioned before; the differ-
ence between this task and the last is one of data reliability and detail of
analysis.
DETAILED MINE FEASIBILITY STUDY
The detailed mine feasibility study and report must be based on what is
known beyond reasonable doubt, and they must meet several important require-
ments:
1. They must indicate with a high degree of reliability the
potential of the mine to meet the economic objectives of
the company.
2. They must demonstrate with a high degree of reliability
that potential on-site and off-site environmental impacts
have been considered and that the proposed activity is
industrially and environmentally sound.
3. The report must make clear that a firm conceptual
framework has been established for the mining operation
and that this framework will not only be not radically
changed but become the basis for detailed designs, equip-
ment selection, and operation.
4. Items 1, 2, and 3 must be performed with adequate
supporting evidence that the detailed feasibility document
is acceptable to the regulatory agencies for the issuance
of licenses and permits, and to the commerical lending
institutions for considering the favorable financing of
the application. The information in reports, memos, and
other documents may come under public scrutiny during
hearings and litigations. Thus credibility of the
documents and supporting evidence cannot be over-emphasized.
Figure 4 conceptually depicts the relationship between the order of magni-
tude, the preliminary and definitive studies, and the percent of engineering
completed. A permit application may be made when the project looks attrac-
tive, with only limited engineering completed. By the time the permit is
granted, ample evidence is likely to be available showing that the variation
from anticipated results will be very small.
As the study moves from preliminary evaluations to detailed planning,
the number of personnel involved in the project also increases. Initial
studies may be largely in-house projects with limited involvement of local
consultants. At later stages, however, the project team may include many
engineers, attorneys, environmental specialists, and technical and public
relations experts. The complete feasibility study will encompass many
different areas and may have several reports. Examples of the areas studied
17
-------
SCOPE OF STUDY
O
at
»»
a.
o
VI
01
oe.
"5
o
o
a>
at
S
'•5
HI
Order of
Magnitude
Definitive Study & Design
PERMIT MIGHT
BE SOUGHT
MOST LIKELY POINT
WHEN A PERMIT WOULD
10 20 30 40 50
Percent Engineering Completed
70
80
90 100
Figure 4. Funnel Effect: Impact of change in scope versus time.
-------
and the types of reports that may be prepared are shown in Figure 5. The
major activities must be properly time sequenced. A representative time se-
quence is shown in Figure 6.
As stated in the introduction, the scope of the present project is
limited to premining planning of surface mine engineering and reclamation
considering only the geological and hydrplogical aspects.
19
-------
N>
O
STUDY GROUP
1. Legal Department
2. Real Estate Department
3. Consultants
1. Geology & Mining Engineering
Field Geologist
Field Office
Head Office
2. Consultants
1. Processing Department
2. Consultants
STUDY AREA
1. LAND AND RESERVE ACQUISITION
Ownership Patterns
Land Option Acquisition
Permit Requirements
Title Search, Royalty, Fees etc.
Other Legal Requirements
II. EXPLORATION AND RESERVE EVALUATION
Geological Survey
Geological Mapping
Preliminary Drilling Program
Intermediate Drilling Program
Geophysical and Geochemical Surveys
Detailed Drilling Program
Hydrologic Evaluation
Soils Survey
Ore/Coal Quality Estimation
Reserve Estimation (Geological and Mineable)
III. PRODUCT PREPARATION
Coal Preparation Tests
Pilot plant Tests
Yield, Ash, Sulfur, Btu analyses
Water Requirements
Waste/Reject Percentages
Plant Design Concepts
Economic Analysis-Capital and Operating
STUDY
REPORT
Legal
Report
Geology
Report
Loal
Processing
Report
^ Feasibility
Report
Figure 5. Premining planning study groups, areas, and reports.
-------
STUDY GROUP
1. Marketing Department
2. Consultants
1. Mining Engineering Department
2. Consultants
1. Mining Department
2. Geohydrologist
3. Environmental Department
4. Consultants
STUDY AREA
IV. MARKET DEVELOPMENT
Coal Quality Requirements
Letter of Intent
Market Prices, Escalation Factors
V. MINE DESIGN
Preliminary Mine Design
Pit Design-length, width, tonnage, and spoil area
Spoiling Sequence
Equipment Selection for Topsail, and Overburden
Drilling and Blasting;
Coal Loading
Coal/Waste Hauling
Ancillary Equipment
Reclamation-Phasing of Active
Mining with Reclamation
Environmental Control Measures
Economic Analysis - Capital and Operating Costs
VI. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Environmental Impacts: On-Site and Off-Site
Water Management
Air/Noise Pollution
Aquatic/Terrestial Ecology
Land Use Analysis
Toxic Material Burial
Erosion Control
Fugitive Dust Control
Waste Disposal
Climatic Analysis
STUDY
REPORT
Market
Report
Mining
Report
Environmental
Report
Figure 5. I'reminin;$ planning study cruups, areas, and reports (Continued).
-------
to
STUDY GROUP
1. Construction Department
2. Consultants
1. Finance Department
2. Consultants
1. Personnel Department
2. Legal Department
3. Consultants
1. Mining Engineering Department
2. Mine Operating Department
3. Construction 'Department
4. Contractors/Consultants
STUDY AREA
VII. SERVICES CONSTRUCTION
Construction Site, Drawings and Plans
Access Roads/ Electrical Lines
Machine Shop and Auxiliary Facilities
Relocation and Diversion of Facilities
Railroad Sidings
Economic Analysis-Capital and Operating Costs
VIM. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
Taxes and Insurance
Financial Requirements
Financial Sources
Preliminary Financial Committments
Revenue and Profit Analysis
IX. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Administrative Services /Structure/Strength
Labor -Structure and Strength
Housing and Transport of Employees
Social Requirements of Employees
Public Relation Needs-Public Meetings,
Awareness Campaign etc.
X. MINE DEVELOPMENT
Mine Construction Schedule
.Waste/Reject Disposal Area
Equipment Construction
STUDY
REPORT
Construction
Report ~
Financial
Report ~~
Personnel
Report
Study
Phases'
Order of
Magnitude
Preliminary
Study
Detailed
Study
Time •
Equipment and
• Methods Selection-
Phases
Design
Analysis
Select
Construction
or
Delivery
Time —••
Figure 5. Premining planning study groups, areas, and reports (Continued).
-------
INITIATE LETTER OF FIRM
NEGOTIATIONS INTENT CONTRACT
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
PREEMPTIVE FACTORS
SMALL OPERATIONS, EXTENSION OF PERMITS ETC.-2-5 YEARS
LARGE OPERATIONS, FEDERAL COAL ETC.-7-15 YEARS
LAND AND RESERVE ACQUISITION:
EXPLORATION AND RESERVE EVALUATION
(MINEABLE PACKAGE ASSEMBLY)
I MARKET DEVELOPMENT
II. FINANCIAL EVALUATION
V. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS
V. COAL BENEFICATION STUDIES AND
PLANT DESIGN
VI. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDIES
VII. PRELIMINARY MINE PLANNING
VIII. PERMITS
IX ADMINISTRATIVE DETAIL
X. DETAILED MINE PLANNING
XI. SERVICES CONSTRUCTION
XII. MINE DEVELOPMENT
MINEABLE
PACKAGE
CONTINOUS ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY
MARKET DEVELOPMENT FOR ADDITIONAL PROPERTY
ORDER OF DETAILED
MAGNITUDE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION
UPDATE OF REVENUE, COSTS AND PROFITS
CONTINOUS UPDATE
DETAILED
PLANT DESIGN
PREEMPTIVE FACTORS
PRELIMINARY AND REGIONAL
DETAILED REPORT
(SITE SPECIFIC)
REPORT UPDATE
MAJOR EQUIPMENT,
PLANT, METHOD
SELECTED
ALL PERMITS
OBTAINED
DETAILED
MINE DESIGN
ACCESS ROADS.
,RAIL, UTILITIES,
kWQRKSJtJOP _
Figure 6. A time frame for prcmininf, pi ami in;; study areas.
-------
SECTION 3
SUMMARY AND USE OF BACKGROUND REPORTS
OVERVIEW
The User's Manual for Premining Planning of Eastern Surface Coal Mining
is made up of the following six volumes, which are described briefly in this
section:
Volume I - Executive Summary
Volume II - Surface Mine Engineering
Volume III - Geology of Eastern Coalfields
Volume IV - Mine Hydrology
Volume V - Mine Drainage Management and Monitoring
Volume VI - Mine Land Planning
The study was limited in scope to three major areas: (a) Surface mine
engineering; (b) water management; and (c) land-use planning. Since geology
and hydrology are basic inputs to mine planning and water management, sepa-
rate reports on the geology of the eastern coalfields (Volume III) and on
the hydrological considerations (Volume IV) were prepared. Specifically ex-
cluded from the project scope were the biological (animal, plant life, or
recreation) and socio-economic areas. However, the mine land planning re-
port (Volume VI) does touch on the climatic, judicial, economic, and
demographic systems as they relate to premining site evaluation for post-
mining land use.
These reports are intended to define the rationale and procedures for
premining site evaluation and to serve as an aid to mine operators and control
personnel in developing, evaluating, and selecting mine reclamation prac-
tices that will be the least detrimental to the environment. Several other
EPA manuals are also available (see Appendix C) to complement and supplement
the reports prepared during this project.
VOLUME II - SURFACE MINE ENGINEERING
This volume presents a comprehensive summary of the analyses required to
lay out a surface mine, taking into consideration the limitations imposed by
geology, available equipment, and environmental control requirements. Meth-
ods, techniques, and alternatives are recommended for selecting and designing
mining systems that include (1) soil handling and storage, (2) overburden
24
-------
handling, segregation and disposal, and (3) minimization of the adverse
environmental effects of drilling, blasting, off-highway truck transportation,
coal loading, etc. The major topics covered in this report are:
1. Exploration
2. Surface mining equipment
3. Surface mining methods
4. Fragmentation practices
5. Surface mine haulroad design
6. Slope stability
7. Operational considerations
8. Reclamation
9. Surface mining costs
VOLUME III - GEOLOGY OF EASTERN COALFIELDS
The geology report is primarily intended as a summary of the regional
coal geology and a background for many of the hydrologic, engineering, and
land-use considerations covered in the other reports. Geology is of course
a determining factor in the surface mining of coal, mine area restoration,
and environmental impact of the mining process.
Major topics covered in this report include:
1. Occurrence of sulfur in coal
2. Paleoenvironments
3. Structural setting
4. Central Appalachian region
5. Southern Appalachian region
6. Eastern interior region
7. Michigan basin
8. Western interior province
VOLUME IV - MINE HYDROLOGY
This volume presents many of the basic hydrogeological and geochemical
concepts regarding the occurrence and movement of groundwater within soil
and bed rock strata of the mineable coal beds in the Eastern United States.
Selected basic concepts that must be considered in all mine planning are re-
viewed: Definition of premining and postmining hydrological budgets,
premining and postmining groundwater flow systems, data required for such
analyses and methods of collection, basic approaches to these analyses, etc.
Major emphasis is placed on the groundwater segment of the hydrologic cycle
rather than the surface water segment.
The major topics covered in Volume IV include:
1. Hydrologic cycle
2. Surface water systems
3. Soil water system
25
-------
4. Infiltration indices
5. Groundwater flow system
6. The nature of porosity and permeability of coal-bearing
and associated strata
7. Factors controlling mine drainage discharge locations
8. Low relief areas
9. Mechanisms to cause water supply failures
10. Aquifer construction
11. Changes in water divides
12. Proximity to deep mines
13. Exploration and testing procedures
14. Pumping test procedures
15. Data analyses
16. Dewatering systems
17. Determining inflow rates to mines
VOLUME V - MINE DRAINAGE MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING
Volume V provides a technical background on which to establish pragmatic
guidelines for making decisions about water quality management in surface
mining. Four major areas of concentration are identified. The first area is
that of mine drainage control and the nature of coal mine water. The second
area involves drainage abatement techniques commonly used in surface mining.
The third area includes a number of experimental techniques currently being
considered as having some potential for controlling mine drainage. The
fourth and final area involves the various aspects of monitoring programs.
Some of the major topics covered in this report include:
1. Geographical trends in surface mining of coal related
to water quality management
2. Origin and quality of water encountered in surface mining
3. Governmental regulations
4. Control of water movement
a. Surface flow control
b. Control of soil water
c. Strata dewatering
5. Actions based on nature of overburden
a. Establishment of water pollution potential
b. Approaches using overburden segregation
c. Limestone treatment of strip mine spoil
d. Minimizing oxidation conditions
6. Utilization of settling ponds
7. Treatment of water associated with surface mining
a. Minimizing the introduction of coal fines and silt
into waters during mining
b. Water treatment in the open cut
c. Treatment of water after removal from open cut
d. Carbonate rocks added to acid water
26
-------
8. Experimental techniques for treating surface mine waters
a. Ion exchange
b. Reverse osmosis
c. Development of water storage in lieu of
direct release
d. Soil as a renovation medium
e. Sewage sludge and effluents
9. Monitoring programs
a. Monitoring wells
b. Soil water
c. Long-term changes in precipitation
VOLUME VI - MINE LAND PLANNING
This report concerns itself primarily with the postmining uses of the
mined land. The emphasis is twofold: First, a review of the site factors
that determine the suitability of the mined land for alternative uses is
provided. And second, the site planning considerations associated with a
number of major land use types (i.e., residential, institutional, commercial,
industrial, agricultural, and silvicultural) are presented.
Some of the major topics covered in this report include:
1. The mine land planning process
2. Identification of regulatory constraints
3. Geographic site factors
4. Geomorphic site factors
5. Soil site factors
6. Climatic site factors
7. Site considerations for residential land use
8. Site considerations for institutional land use
9. Site considerations for commerical land use
10. Site considerations for industrial land use
11. Site considerations for agricultural land use
12. Site considerations for silvicultural land use
CONCLUSION
This six-volume report, together with a number of other complementary
and supplementary reports referenced in Appendix C, provides a foundation
for comprehensive premining planning of surface coal mining operations.
Table 4 shows how the materials provided in each report relate to the
various components and activities of the premining planning process.
A breakdown of typical data that are often required by regulatory
agencies is provided in Appendix E. This list was developed by compiling
the data required from companies applying for a mining permit in all 20
States covered by this report, as well as in a number of selected western
States. These data are provided as illustrations only, and although they
are very extensive and comprehensive, they may not entirely satisfy the
27
-------
requirements within a given state. The operator should thus always check
with the regulatory agencies of the State in question to assure full compli-
ance with their requirements.
28
-------
TABLE 4. MAJOR COMPONENTS OF PREMINING PLANNING COVERED IN THE USER'S MANUAL
M
3
3
C/5
0)
M >
•H
0) J->
e 3
3 CJ
Major Components and Activities "o *
> w
The premine planning process 1*
Grouping of major activities 1
Description of major activities 1
Identification of regulatory
requirements 1
Permits and licenses required 1
Laws and regulations 1
Bonding requirements 1
Effluent criteria 1
Exploration and mapping
Literature review
Field Reconnaissance
Government agency contact 1
Drilling and mapping
Feasibility report 1
Site evaluation
Analysis of land use patterns
Geologic analysis
Geotechnic analysis
Coal characterization
Climatic analysis
Topographic analysis
Soil analysis
Analysis of terrestrial ecology
Analysis of aquatic ecology
Analysis of water resources
Analysis of equipment and mining
method
General classification of
mining methods
Mine design (pit width)
00
0) >% O
C 00 00 M
•H C M O O
M 2 -H MM > J-i
M V4 MO M -O
0) 0) 0) >t
0) CJ 01 0) O 0) SC
e a c 6 e
3 in -H 3 M 30)
M M 00 M cfl M C
O 3 C O O O -H
> W [d > U > 2
2 3
2
2 2
1 1
1 2
1
1 1
1 2
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
Manage-
toring
0) -H
00 C
cfl O
C S
•H
> Cfl TJ
(-1 C
0) Q CO
a
3 0) J-i
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> 2 6
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c
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* Code: 1 = detailed discussion; 2 = minor discussion; 3=discussion in
other EPA reports.
29
-------
TABLE 4. MAJOR COMPONENTS OF PREMINING PLANNING COVERED IN THE USER'S MANUAL
(Continued)
Major Components and Activities
Stripping equipment selection
Topsoil
Overburden
Stripping equipment design
Topsoil
Overburden
Other equipment
Drilling and blasting
Coal loading
Coal hauling
Ancillary equipment
Bulldozers
Scrapers
Front-end loaders
Road graders
Maintenance trucks
Waste-handling in pit
Reclamation
Phasing of active mining and
reclamation
Water management
Identification of environmental
control measures
Surface water control
Groundwater control
Water quality control
Control of fugitive dust
Controls during blasting
Erosion control
Control of toxic material
Monitoring
Mine land planning
Evaluation of alternative land
uses
Selection of po straining uses
^t
^j
qj
0
3
3 M M
•H 0)0)
01 4J 0) CJ 0)
33 6 ta d
3 o 3 y-i -rt
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OX 03d
> w > co ta
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
I
2
2
2
2
i
0)
00 00
co d
d -H
Cti \rt
22 o
>» 4J
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MO M T3 > f8 *O
0) >. M C
QJ CJ 0) 53 0 Q CO
see
3 -H 3d) 3 to > a > a e
1
2
1 1
1 1
1
1
2
1
1
1
00
d
•H
d
d
(0
iH
Pu
M T3
> d
CO
0) J
§^_l
0) 0)
M d js
O -H W
> a o
2
2
2
2
3
1
1
1
30
-------
APPENDIX A. STATE AND FEDERAL STRIP MINE REGULATION IN THE EASTERN AND
MIDWESTERN COAL-PRODUCING STATES
Table A-l compares State and Federal strip mine laws, rules, and regula-
tions in the states reviewed for this manual. Below is a key to the desig-
nations used. If any other symbol is used it is explained in the text or in
footnotes. The states are designated using the official U.S. Postal Service
abbreviations.
KEY
L = the subject is mentioned explicitly in the state law
R = the subject is mentioned explicitly in the regulations (if
mentioned in both the law and regulations, the law took precedence)
N = no mention is*made regarding this subject in either the law or
the regulations
A = although not specifically mentioned in either the law or the
regulations, the law's tenor implies that some action regarding
the requirement is advisable
31
-------
TABLE A-l. STATE AND FEDERAL STRIP MINE REGULATION IN THE EASTERN AND
MIDWESTERN COAL-PRODUCING STATES
At.
AK
II
IN
1A
GA
KS
KY
Ml)
MI
CO
Regulatory Powers
Enforce Rules Promulgated Under Lav
and Its Intent
Promulgate Rules
Pass on Permit or License
Inspections
1. Before Granting Pen, Us
2. Operating Requirement
3. Reclamation
4. Revegetation
Stop Illegal Operations
Stop for Reason OTher Than Infraction
of Law Rule or Regulations
Provisions for Appealing Regulatory
Decisions
Licenses and Permits
Strip Mine Operators License Different From
Permit Required (duration in years
indicated)
Permit for Each Operation
Duration (years)
Permit and License Information Required
on Application
L
L
1
L
L
L
1
L
L
N
L
L
L
1
I
I
1
L
I
1
L
L
L
N
L
N
L
5
L
I.
L
1.
A
I
L
L
I.
N
L
N
• L
3
I
L
1.
L
L
L
L
L
I.
N
L
N
1
1
1.
I
I
L
I
I
1
L
L
N
L
L(l)
N
1
I
I,
L
l
A
1
L
L
1
N
L
L(l)
L
1
L
L
L
L
1
T
I.
L
I
N
1.
N
L
1
I
I.
L
L
I
L
L
1
1.
N
L
N
L
1
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
N
L
uu
I
Mine
Life
N
N
N
N
N
L
L
A
N
N
N
N
N
N
BLI^
BLM
USGS
R
R
R
R
R
BLM
R
N
N
R
5
*These are the federal agencies involved with control of surface mining of federal coal or coal on federal lands.
-------
TABLE A-l. (Continued)
MO
NB
NC
OH
OK
PA
SC
TN
VA
WV
Fed
LO
Regulatory Powers
Enforce Rules Promulgated Under Law
and its Intent
Promulgate Rules
Pass on Permit or License
Inspections
1. Before Granting Permits
2. Operation Requirements
3. Reclamation
4. Revegetation
Stop Illegal Operations
Stop for Reason Other Than Infraction
of Law Rule or Regulations
Provisions for Appealing Regulatory
Decisions
Licenses and Permits
Strip Mine Operators License Different From
Permit Required (duration in years
indicated)
Permit for Each Operation
Duration (years)
Permit and License Information Required
on Application
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
N
1
N
L
1
N
N
N »
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
L
L
L
L
1
L
I
L
L
N
L
N
L
10
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
N
L
L(l)
L
Mine
Life
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
A
N
N
N
L
1
L
L
L
1
L
L
L
L
L
N
L
L(l)
L
Mine
Life
L
L
L
L
A
1
I
I
L
N
L
N
L
10
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
N
I
N
L
1
I
L
L
L
L
L
L
I
L
N
L
N
L
1
L
L
L
I
L
L
L
L
I
N
I
N
L
1
BLM
BLM
uses
uses
R
R
R
R
BI.K
R
N
N
R
5
-------
TABLE A-l. (Continued)
u>
Location and Area of Proposed Permit
Area Fixed at Issurance
Permit Area Amendable With Approval
of Revised Mine and Reclamation Plan
Access
Owner Names Land and Mineral
Owner Permission
Temporary and Permanent Addresses
History of Previous Permits
Public Notice Required
Application Fee (in dollars)
Bonds (dollars per acre)
Special Taxes and Fees (in dollars
Insurance (10 dollars)
Pre-mining or Proposed Plan
Map (USGS 7-1/2 minute) and Enlarged to
Indicated Scale
1. Color codes and symbol for map
2. Size
At.
L
L
L
t
L
I
L
t
N
300+
5/
acre
1200
N
1250
R
A
A
AK
L
N
I
A
A
L
A
N
N
Per
sched-
ule
500
N
N
500
R
16x20
IL
L
N
1
L
I.
L
L
L
L
504
25/
acre
600
N
N
L
A
A
IN
L
N
L
I
I
t
I
L
N
30/
acre
600
N
N
L
N
N
IA
R
N
I
L
1
L
I
N
N
50
cost
esti-
mate
N
N
A
A
A
GA
R
N
R
P
R
A
L
L
N
Per
sched-
ule
100-
500
N
A
A
A
A
KS
t
N
L
t
I
t
t
I
N
50+
2V
acre
300-
1000
N
N
400-
660
L
24x36
K_Y
L
N
L
L
L
L
I.
L
N
150^
35/
acre
400
t
N
500
R
R
KD
L
N
L
L
L
L
L
L
N
100
450
30
N
L
R
S
MI
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
A
A
A
Fed
R
N
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
A
cost
esti-
mate
N
N
A
A
A
-------
TABLE A-l. (Continued)
Location and Area of Proposed Permit
Area Fixed at Issuance
Permit Area Amendable With Approval
of Revised Mine and Reclamation Plan
Access
Owner Names Land and Mineral
Owner Permission
Temporary and Permanent Addresses
History of Previous Permits
Public Notice Required
Application Fee (in dollars)
Bonds (dollars per acre)
Special Taxes and Fees (in dollars)
Insurance (10 dollars)
Pre-minlng or Proposed Plan
Map (USGS 7-1/2 minute) and enlarged to
indicated scale
1. Color codes and symbol for map
2. Sice
MO
'I
N
I
A
L
L
L
L
N
50+
17. 50/
acre
300
N
N
L
A
A
NB
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
NC
A
N
L
L
A
A
A
L
N
N
L
N
N
S
A
A
OH
L
N
L
R
L
I
L
L
For
Bond
Release
L
L
N
100-
300
400
R
S
OK
t
N
L
N
L
L
A
L
N
50
350
650
N
10
L
A
A
PA
L
N
L
A
L
L
A
I
N
500
Vari-
able
N
100
200
R
R
SC
L
N
L
L
L
A
L
L
A
Vari-
able
N
A
L
A
A
TN
L
N
L
L
L
L
L
I
L
250+
25/
acre
1000
2000
N
A
500
R
A
VA
L
L
L
A
L
I
A
L/R
N
12/
acre
or 300
L
N
400
R
R
WV
L
N
L
R
L
L
L
L
L
500
6-10
L
100
500
R
I
Fed
R
N
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
A
cost
esti
mate
N
N
A
A
A
-------
TABLE A-l. (Continued)
ALAKILINIAGA. KSKYMDMI fed
Name and Location on Map
1. Stream and Creek
2. Other Water Bodies
3. Roads
4. Building
5. Cemetavi.es
6. Oil and Gas Wells
7. Utilities
8. Railroad
O<
9. Perimeter of Location
a. Area boundaries
With indicated from boundary
10. Coal Seams
Show on Map
1. Seam Cropline
2. Area of Land Involved in Disturbed
Area
3. Drainage Plan
L
1
L
L
1
L
I
L
L
L
500
A
A
L
R
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
L
A
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
1
L
1
I
1
A
L
L
L
L
L
I
L
L
L
L
L
A
L
A
A
A
L
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
R
A
L
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
L
A
L
L
L
L
L
L
1
A
L
L
500
L
L
L
1
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
I
L
1
500
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
1
A
R
A
L
L
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
N
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
A
R
R
R
R
-------
TABLE A-l. (Continued)
MO
NB
NC
OH
OK
PA
SC
TN
VA
WV
Fed
Name and Location on Map
1. Stream and Creek
2. Other Water Bodies
3. Roads
4. Building
5. Cemetaries
6. Oil and Gas Wells
7. Utilities
8. Railroad
9. Perimeter of Location
a. Area boundaries
With indicated from boundary
10. Coal Seams
Show on Map
1. Seam Cropline
2. Area of Land Involved in Disturbed
Area
3. Drainage Plan
L
L
L
L
1
L
L
L
L
L
660
1
L
L
L
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
R
A
L
L
L
L
L
I
I
L
L
L
500
A
A
L
I
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
R
N
A
A
A
A
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
1
L
L
1000
A
L
L
L
L
L
L
A
A
A
A
A
A
L
300
A
A
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
1
L
500
R
R
L
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
A
L
R
500
R
R
R
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
1
A
I
L
500
I
L
I
L
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
A
R
R
R
R
-------
TABLE A-l. (Continued)
a. Flow direction -arrows
b. Constructed dralnways
c. Natural waterways
d. Receiving water bodies
1) on permit area
2) and within the specified radius
of the boundaries
4. Date of the Map Preparation
S. North Arrow
6. Quadrangle Name
w
00 7. Deep Mine Location
a. under the permit area
b. within the specified radius (feet)
8. Identify Acid Producing Materials
9. Drill Hole Locations & Logs
10. Statement of Certification
A registered engineer must certify a map for
large scale prospecting of coal (prototype
variety) permit.
AL
R
R
R
R
R
R
L
L
A
A
A
A
L
A
L
AK
A
A
A
A
A
A
L
A
A
A
A
N
A
A
A
IL
L
L
L
L
L
I
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
L
L
IN
A
A
A
L
A
A
L
A
A
A
A
N
A
A
L
1A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
GA
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
KS
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
A
L
L
A
L
KY
L
L
L
L
L
500
L
R
L
L
L
L
R
R
L
MD
R
L
L
L
L
L
t
R
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
m
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Fed
R
R
R
R
A
A
R
R
R
R
A
200
A
R
N
-------
TABLE A-l. (Continued)
a. Flow direction arrows
b. Constructed dralnways
c. Natural waterways
d. Receiving water bodies
1) on permit area
2) and within the specified radius
of the boundaries
4. Date of the Map Preparation
5. North Arrow
6. Quadrangle Name
7. Deep Mine Location
a. under the permit area
b. within the specified radius (feet)
8. Identify Acid Producing Materials
9. Drill Hole Locations & Logs
10. Statement of Certification
A registered engineer must certify a map for
large scale prospecting of coal (prototype
variety) permit.
MO
L
L
L
L
A
A
L
I
L
L
A
A
A
A
L
NB
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
NC
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
OH
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
500
A
L
I
OK
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
N
A
A
A
PA
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
I
R
L
L
SC
A
A
A
A
A
A
L
L
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
TN
A
A
R
R
A
A
R
A
R
1
A
500
R
A
R
VA
R
R
R
R
R
500
R
R
R
R
A
500
A
A
R
WV
L
I
L
L
L
500
L
R
L
L
L
500
L
A
L
Fed
R
R
R
R
A
A
R
R
R
R
A
A
A
R
N
-------
TABLE A-l. (Continued)
Reclamation Standards
Reclamation & Planting Returned to Equal or
Better Use
Backfilling & Grading
1. Minimize Hazards
2. To Approximate Original Contour
(maximum slope shown)
3. Eliminate Highwall or Reduce It
a. (Circumstances mitigate)
Cover Coal, Acid Producing & Toxic Material
by Indicated Depth (ft)
Bury or Remove Toxic, Acid, Flammable
Material and Refuse
No Refuse Allowed Beyond Permit Boundary
Terrace Bench Slope I - Away From Highwall
II - Toward From Highwall
Maximum Slope of Terrace is Indicated in
Percent
Time Limit to Begin Reclamation
1. Differentiates Auger Area &
Contour Mining
2. Days After Coal Removal
AL
AK
1L
IN
IA
GA
KS
KY
MD
MI
Fed
3.
Distance Behind Present Work Area
in Feet
Time Limit for Completion Reclamation
After the Permit Has Expired (years)
L
L
A
A
L
L
N
N
N
N
N
1/2
L
A
A
3
L
A
N
33
L
365
N
2
L
L
L
4
L
L
N
Per
sched-
ule
N
N
N
2
A
L
L
2
L
A
N
Per
sched-
ule
L
1
ridges
1
L
A
A
2
L
A
N
N
N
A
A
A
R
A
A
A
A
A
A
N
N
N
N
N
A
A
A
2
L
L
N
N
L
180
R
1
L
L
R
4
L
L
L-l
10
L
Per
plan
1
I
I
R
R
R
L
R
R
R
Per
plan
N
A
A
N
N
N
L
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
R
R
N
R
R
A
N
N
N
N
N
N
-------
TABLE A-l. (Continued)
MONBNCOHOKPASCTNVAWVFed
Reclamation Standards
Reclamation & Planting Returned to Equal or use use use use
Better Use L N only L only L only only L L A
Backfilling & Grading
1. Minimize Hazards INLLLLLLLL R
2. To Approximate Original Contour
(maximum slope shown) A N 4:1 L A L 3:11 R 2:1 R
3. Eliminate Highwall or Reduce It LNALALALLL R
a. (Circumstances mitigate) NNALAAALL1 A
Cover Coal, Acid Producing & Toxic Material
by Indicated Depth (ft) 4NAL33A444R
Bury or Remove Toxic, Acid, Flammable
Material and Refuse LNALALALRL R
No Refuse Allowed Beyond Permit Boundary ANALALAARL A
Terrace Bench Slope I - Away From Highwall
II - Toward From Highwall N N A R N R-I N R-II R-II R-II A
Maximum Slope of Terrace is Indicated in ,. „
Percent LNANL35NNN10N
Time Limit to Begin Reclamation
1. Differentiates Auger Area & L „ .,
Contour Mining NNNLNNNRRR N
2. Days After Coal Removal 180 N A 90 365 N per 180 30 90 N
plan
3. Distance Behind Present Work Area ... .... „
in Feet N N A N N 1500 N 1500 350 3000 N
Time Limit for Completion Reclamation
After the Permit Has Expired (years) 1N211521NN N
-------
TABLE A-l. (Continued)
Water Control ALAKILINIAGAKSKYMDMlFed
No Overburden Allowed in a Natural Drainage Ways RAAAAAARAN A
No Mining Within (indicated) Feet of Natural
Drainage Ways 100 A A A A A A 100 A N A
Haulage Ways Crossing Natural Drainage Cannot
Restrict Flow of (indicated) Years Storms AAAAAAA25AN R
Haulage Ways Crossing Natural Drainage Cannot
Cause Siltation of That Drainway AAALAAAL1N R
A Separate Effluent Emission Permit Required LLLLLNKNLL R
Drainage Ditches Must Control Velocity of Water .
to Prevent Erosion on Long Slopes RALLAALRRN N
Drainage Ditches Must Intercept Water Above High-
£. wall and Transport to Natural Drainway Effectively RALAAAARRN R
Drainage Ditches in Pit Must be in Solid Bench
and Break at Midpoint to Either Side of Pit RAAAAAARAN A
Drainage Ditches Below Spoil to Intercept
Drainage From Same With (indicated) Feet AARARAARAN A
Drainage Ditchea Must be Maintained (i.e..
Free of Silt, etc.) RAALAAARRN A
Drainage Ditches Shall Not Discharge Over
Spoil (but through
provided in spoil)
Spoil (but through adequate channel or culvert
'' " " oil)
Drainage Ditches Required on Sides of Haulage
Road Cuts (both side through-cut, inside cut-fill) RAAAAAARAN A
Drainage Ditches Intercepted Water at Switch Backs AAAAAAARAN A
-------
TABLE A-l. (Continued)
Water Control MONBNCOHOKPASCTNVAWV Fed
No Overburden Allowed In a Natural Drainage Ways ANAAAAARSR A
No. Mining Within (indicated) Feet of Natural
Drainage Ways ANAAALA25A5QA
Haulage Ways Crossing Natural Drainage Cannot _
Restrict Flow of (indicated) Years Storms ANAAALSRAR K
Haulage Ways Crossing Natural Drainage Cannot
Cause Siltation of That Drainway ANAAANARRL R
A Separate Effluent Emission Permit Required LNNLLLNLLN R
Drainage Ditches Muse Control Velocity of Water
to Prevent Erosion on Long Slopes ANRAALALAR N
Drainage Ditches Must Intercept Water Above High-
wall and Transport to Natural Drainway Effectively ANRAALAARR R
Drainage Ditches in Pit Must be in Solid Bench
and Break at Midpoint to Either Side of Pit ANAAARARSR A
Drainage Ditches Below Spoil to Intercept
Drainage From Same Within (indicated) feet AHAAAAASR25A
Drainage Ditches Must Be Maintained (i.e.,
Free of Silt, etc.) ANRAALLLRRA
Drainage Ditches Shall Not Discharge Over
Spoil (but through adequate channel or culvert
provided in spoil) ANRAALARRR A
Drainage Ditches Required on Sides of Haulage
Road Cuts (both side through-cut, inside cut-fill) A-NAAAAARRR A
Drainage Ditches Intercepted Water at Switch Backs ANAAAAARAR A
-------
TABLE A-l. (Continued)
ALAKILINIAGAKSKYMDMI Fed
Drainage Ditches and Culvert Space for Haulroads
By Formula and Cross-Sectional Area and Placement AANANAARAN R
•
Drainage Ditches and Othe* Temporary Drainage
Structure Must Remain In Place Until Reclamation
Is Complete AAAAAAARAN
Impoundments
Impoundment of Water is to be of Adequate Con-
struction NALARARRRN R
Impoundment of Water Shall Have an Adequate
Capacity RAAAAAARAN R
Impoundment May, if Approved, Modify Backfilling
Requirements RLLL1ALLRN R
Information for Impoundment Approval
Location of the Impoundment Area and Plot
Plan of Impoundment Area RAAI. AAIRRN R
Dimensions and Capacity Information
(averages maximum and minlmums) RAALAALRRN A
Water Source of the Impoundment RARLAALRRN A
Quality of Water Entering the Impoundment RAL1AALRRN A
Quality of Water Leaving the Impoundment and
How It Leaves the Impoundment R A L L A A L R R N - A
Coal Seams Affecting the Impoundment RAAAAAARRN A
Characteristics of Soil and Rock Beneath
the Impoundment Area AAAAAAARAN R
-------
TABLE A-l. (Continued)
MONBNCOHOKPASCTNVAWV Fed
Drainage Ditches and Culvert Space for Haulroads
by Formula and Cross-Sectional Area and Placement ANAAARARRR R
Drainage Ditches and Other Temporary Drainage
Structure Must Remain in Place Until Reclamation
is Complete ANAAARARAR
Impoundments
Impoundment of Water la to be of Adequate Con-
struction ANAAALAAAR R
Impoundment of Water Shall Have an Adequate
Capacity ANAAARARRR R
Impound May, If Approved, Modify Backfilling
Requirements LNARLRARRR R
Information for Impoundment Approval
Location of the Impoundment Area and Plot
Plan of Impoundment Area ANA1ARARAR R
Dimensions and Capacity Information
(averages maximum and minlmums) ANALARAAAR A
Water Source of the Impoundment ANARARAAAR A
Quality of Water Entering the Impoundment ANARARAAAR R
Quality of Water Leaving the Impoundment and
How it Leaves the Impoundment ANARARAAAR A
Coal Seams Affecting the Impoundment ANARARAAAR A
Characteristics of Soil and Rock Beneath
the Impoundment Area ANARARAAAR R
-------
TABLE A-l. (Continued)
ALAKILINIAGAKSKYMDMI Fed
Safety Aspect of Impoundment RLAAAALAAN R
Landowner Consent for Impoundment RARAAAAAAN A
Haulage Roads
Grading
a. Maximum-sustained grade In percent (shown) R A 30% 10% A A 25*. RAN A
b. The maximum pitch of the road defined in
percent per feet (Indicate) AARAAAARAN A
c. Road crown or inslope of road surface
-------
TABLE A-l. (Continued)
Safety Aspect of Impoundment
Landowner Consent for Impoundment
Haulage Roads
Grading
a. Maximum sustained grade in percent (shown)
t. The maximum pitch of the road defined in
percent per feet (indicate)
c. Road crown or inslope of road surface
(in inches/foot)
d. Switch back grade shall be less than the
approach grade and always less than
indicated 10%
Acid, Toxic, or Silt Producing Material
Forbidden as Road Surface Material
Set for Line & Grade Accuracy
Water Bars are Required for Road Surface by a
Prescribed Formula
Rules Exist Governing Haulroad Abandonment
Reports
Monthly
Quarterly
MO
A
A
N
N
N
A
N
N
N
N
N
NB
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
NC
A
A
A
A
A
R
N
N
A
N
N
OH
A
A
A
A
N
A
N
N
A
N
L
OK
A
A
N
N
A
A
N
A
N
N
N
PA
R
A
A
A
A
R
N
N
L
N
L
SC
A
A
A
A
A
S
N
A
N
N
N
TN
A
A
R/107.
\y/.i
300 ft
107.
R
N
R
R
N
N
VA
A
A
N
N
R
R
N
R
L
N
N
WV
R
R
107.
157.
300 ft
107.
R
R
R
L
I
N
Fed
R
A
A
A
A
R
N
A
R
N
N
-------
TABLE A-l. (Continued)
Annual
Reclamation
Revegetation
Report Must be Accepted or Pass Upon
Forms are Provided
Soil Test Report
Revegetation
1. Seeding and Planting Required
In Appropriate Season
2. Seed and Plant According to Soil
Conditions or Intended Use
3. Soil Must be Treated to Insure
Survival of Plants, If Necessary
A. Grasses and Legumes - Woody
Plant Specified
5. Plant Survival Required
6. Alternative Area Revegetation
Provision (if approved)
Additional Requirements
Testing Water Quality Before Mining or Estab-
lishing Before Permit Issued (show on drain
plan map)
AL
N
A
A
A
A
A
L
L
L
S
L
AK
A
A
A
N
I
L
L
L
L
L
A
IL
N
N
L
L
A
L
I
L
L
L
L
IN
A
L
L
L
t
A
I
L
L
L
t
IA
L
N
I
L
R
L
R
R
R
A
R
GA
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
KS
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
KY
I
I
L
A
A
1
L
I
L
L
L
MD
L
L
I
A
N
L
I
L
R
A
1
£L!
i
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Fed
R
R
R
R
A
R
k
R
A
S
R
-------
TABLE A-l. (Continued)
vo
Annual
Reclamation
Revegetation
Report Must be Accepted or Pass Upon
Forms are Provided
Soil Test Report
Revegetation
1. Seeding and Planting Required
in Appropriate Season
2. Seed and Plant According to Soil
Conditions or Intended Use
3. Soil Must be Treated to Insure
Survival of Plants, if Necessary
4. Grasses and Legumes - Woody
Plant Specified
5. Plant Survival Required
6. Alternative Area Revegetation
Provision (if approved)
MO
L
L
L
L
A
A
L
L
A
L
L
L
NB
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
NC
A
L
1
1
I
A
R
R
R
R
R
A
OH
L
L
L
L
A
L
L
L
L
A
L
N
OK
L
L
A
A
A
A
L
L
R
A
A
A
PA
L
L
I
L
A
R
L
R
A
R
R
N
SC
L
L
L
L
A
A
A
A
A
L
A
A
TN
L
L
L
L
R
R
R
R
L
R
L
N
VA
R
R
R
N
N
R
A
R
R
R
R
N
WV
L
L
L
L
A
L
R
R
R
R
R
N
Fed
R
R
R
R
A
R
R
R
A
S
R
N
Additional Requirements
Testing Water Quality Before Mining or Estab-
lishing Before Permit Issued (show on drain
plan map)
-------
TABLE A-l. (Continued)
in
o
Terracing Required for Long Interrupted Final
Slopes
Seal Off All Breakthroughs and Report by
Prescribed Procedures
Regulates Groundwater As Well As Surface Waters
Prohibit Subsurface Drainage
Discharge Reports
Fire Road for Access to Area Above Highwall
Reestablish Survey Monuments
Department of Transportation Permit or Approval
For Using Public Road
Operation Controls and Restrictions
Remove and Score Topsoil or Top
Layer Must Support Vegetation
Contour Mining Singled Out for Special
Consideration and Control
Barrier required on contour benches
at coal cropping width in feet
Scalp slope before mining
Fill bench limits (None Haulage Type)
Mining Prohibited Within a Certain Distance
of Features in Sect. III-B-d-8)
(A) 1.5 x depth plus 25 feet rule
Blasting Laws are a Part of the Act
AL
R
A
R
R
L
N
A
S
N
N
N
L
N
L
AK
A
L
N
R
1
N
A
A
N
N
L
N
L
S
N
IL
R
A
L
R
4
N
A
L
N
N
N
I
S
N
IN
17.
Varies
A
N
L
L
N
A
A
N
N
A
N
A
A
IA
R
A
L
A
A
N
A
L
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
GA
A
A
N
R
A
N
N
A
N
N
N
N
A
N
N
KS
A
L
A
N
N
N
N
L
N
N
A
N
L
N
N
KY
L
L
N
R
R^
N
L
R
L
R
L
N
100
N
N
MD
1
R
N
R
R
N
A
A
N
N
R
N
L
N
N
MI
N
N
R
N
N
N
A
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Fej
N
R
R
R
A
A
N
R
N
N
A
A
R
N
R
-------
TABLE A-l. (Continued)
MONBNCOHOKPASCTNVAWV Fed
Terracing Required for Long Interrupted Final
Slopes ANRLARARAL N
Seal Off All Breakthroughs and Report by
Prescribed Procedures ANAANLALAL R
Regulates Groundwater As Well As Surface Waters
Prohibit Subsurface Drainage NNISNLNRNN R
Discharge Reports RNRRAANLRL A
Fire Road for Access to Area Above Highwall RNNLAANLRL A
Reestablish Survey Monuments NNNLNNNNNN A
Department of Transportation Permit or Approval
for Using Public Road AAAAALNNAA N
l~i Operational Controls and Restrictions
Remove and Store Topsoil or Top
Layer Must Support Vegetation NNALNLALAR R
Contour Mining Singled Out for Special
Consideration and Control NNNNNLNRAI R
Barrier required on contour benches
at coal cropping widte in feet NNNNNLNRAN R
Scalp slope before mining LNAANANAAR A
Fill bench limits (None Haulage Type) ANNNNRNNAL A
Mining Prohibited Within a Certain Distance
of Features in Sect. III-B-U-8) L N A 50 R S 100 A 100 R
(A) 1.5 x depth plus 25 feet rule INNNLNNAAN N
Blasting Laws are a Part of the Act NNNNNLAANL R
-------
APPENDIX B. STATE SURFACE MINE RECLAMATION CONTROL LAWS AND RESPONSIBLE
AGENCIES
State
Code
Agency
Alabama
The Alabama Surface Mine
Reclamation Act
Arkansas
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Arkansas Open Cut Land
Reclamation
Act 236 of 1971
Georgia Surface Mining Act
of 1968
Act No. 620 as amended
through 1972
Rule and Regulation
Chapter 39133
Surface Mined Land Conserva-
tion & Reclamation Act of
1971 PA 78-1295
Effective 7-1-75
An Act Regulating Surface
Mining of Coal Clay and
Shale
Chapter 344, Act of 1967 as
amended by Act of 1974
An Act Relating to Surface
Mining
Chapter 83A
Kansas
Mineral Land Conservation
and Reclamation Act
Article 4
The Alabama Surface Mining
Reclamation Commission
1816 8th Avenue, N.W.
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
(205) 251-1181 832-6011
Arkansas Pollution Control
Commission
1100 Harrington
Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
(501) 371-1701
Department of Natural
Resources
Environmental Protection
Division
270 Washington St., S.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
(912) 744-3346
Land Reclamation Division of
the Department of Mines and
Minerals
State Office Building
Springfield, Illinois 62706
(217) 782-4970
Division of Reclamation
Department of Natural
Resources
613 State Office Building
100 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
(317) 633-6217
Department of Soil Conserva-
tion
Division of Mines and
Minerals
Grimes Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
(515) 281-5774
Mined Land Conservation and
Reclamation
Board of Kansas
(913) 295-0111
52
-------
State
Code
Agency
Kentucky
Chapter 350
Kentucky Revised Statutes
Maryland
Michigan
Missouri
Nebraska
North
Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Maryland Strip Mining Law
Title and Subtitles
Mine Reclamation Act
of 1970, as amended
Act No. 92 of the Public
Acts of 1970 as amended
I Reclamation of Mining
Land
II The Land Reclamation Act
Legislative Bill No. 681
Mining Act of 1971
Strip Mining &
Reclamation of Mined Land
Mined Lands
Reclamation Act
Surface Mining Conservation
& Reclamation Act
Division of Reclamation
Department of Natural
Resources
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
(502) 564-3350
Department of Natural
Resources
Tawes State Office Building
Annapolis, Maryland 21901
(301) 267-1230
Department of Natural
Resources
Steven T. Mason Building
Lansing, Michigan 48921
(517) 373-2329
Department of Natural
Resources
Box 176, Jefferson City
Missouri 65101
(314) 751-3332
Department of Natural &
Economic Resources
Administrative Building
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
(919) 733-4984
Department of Mines
2323 W. Fifth Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 466-4240
Department of Mines
State Capital Building
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
(405) 521-3859
Department of Environmental
Resources
Evangelical Press Building
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17105
53
-------
State
Code
Agency
South
Carolina
South Carolina Mining Act
Tennessee
Virginia
West
Virginia
Tennessee Surface Mining
Act
Chapter is 58-1501-»-58-1564
Coal Surface Mining Act of
1971
Title 45.1
Chapter 16 Code of Virginia
Article 6
Chapter 20
Code of West Virginia as
amended
Land Resources Conservation
Commission
P.O. Box 11708
Columbia, South Carolina 29211
(803) 758-2823
Department of Conservation
2611 W. End Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
(615) 741-3011
Department of Conservation
and Economic Development
1100 State Office Building
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 786-2121
Department of Natural
Resources
Division of Reclamation
State Office Building #3
Charleston, West Virginia
25305
(304) 348-3267
54
-------
APPENDIX C. EPA MANUALS RELATED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL FOR SURFACE COAL
MINING
Barnhisel, R., 1977, Reclamation of Surface Mined Coal Spoils, EPA-600/7-77-
093, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
Carrucio, F., 1977, Paleoenvironment of Coal and Its Relation to Drainage
Quality, EPA-600/7-77-067, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Washington, D.C.
Hittman Associates, 1976, Erosion and Sediment Control: Surface Mining in
the Eastern U.S. - Volume 1: Planning, EPA-625/3-76-006a, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
Hittman Associates, 1976, Erosion and Sediment Control: Surface Mining in
the Eastern U.S. - Volume 2: Design, EPA 625/3-76-006b, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
Lovell, H., 1973, Appraisal of Neutralization Processes to Treat Coal Mine
Drainage, EPA-670/2-73-093, NTIS: PB 231 249/AS, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
Ohio State University, 1976, Resource Allocation to Optimize Mining
Pollution Control, EPA-600/2-76-112, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Washington, D.C.
Randall, A., 1978, Estimating Environmental Damages from Surface Mining
of Coal in Appalachia: A Case Study, EPA-600/2-78-003, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
Smith, R., 1976, Extensive Overburden Potentials for Soil and Water Quality,
EPA-600/2-76-184, NTIS: PB 257 739/AS, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Washington, D.C.
Sobeck, A., 1978, Field and Laboratory Methods Applicable to Overburdens and
Minesoils. EPA-600/2-78-054, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Washington, D.C.
Wilmoth, R., 1978, Combination Limestone-Lime Neutralization of Ferrous
Iron Acid Mine Drainage, EPA-600/2-78-002, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Washington, D.C.
Wilmoth, R., 1977, Limestone and Lime Neutralization of Ferrous Iron Acid
Mine Drainage, EPA 600/2-77-101, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Washington, D.C.
55
-------
APPENDIX D. MAJOR FUNCTIONS OF THE OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING REGULATION AND
ENFORCEMENT
1. Administers the programs for controlling surface coal mining operations
required by the Act.* Reviews and approves or disapproves State programs
for controlling surface coal mining operations and reclaiming abandoned
mined lands. Makes those investigations and inspections necessary to
insure compliance with the Act. Conducts hearings, administers oaths,
issues subpoenas, and compels the attendance of witnesses and production
of written or printed material as provided for in the Act. Issues
cease-and-desist orders. Reviews and vacates or modifies or approves
orders and decisions. Orders the suspension, revocation, or withholding
of any permit for failure to comply with any of the provisions of the Act
or any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
2. Publishes and promulgates such rules and regulations as may be necessary
to carry out the purposes and provisions of the Act.
3. Administers the State grant-in-aid program for the development of State
programs for surface mining and reclamation operations provided for in
Title V of the Act.
4. Administers the program for the purchase and reclamation of abandoned
and unreclaimed mined areas pursuant to Title IV of the Act.
5. Administers the surface mining and reclamation research and demonstration
project authority provided for in the Act.
6. Consults with other agencies of the Federal government having expertise
in the control and reclamation of surface mining operations and assists
States, local governments, and other eligible agencies in the coordina-
tion of such programs.
7. Maintains a continuing study of surface mining and reclamation operations
in the United States.
8. Develops and maintains an information and data center on surface coal
mining, reclamation, and surface impacts of underground mining to make
data available to the public, to the Federal, regional, State, and local
agencies conducting or concerned with land use planning, and to agencies
concerned with surface and underground mining and reclamation operations.
9. Assists the States in the development of State programs for surface coal
mining and reclamation operations that meet the requirements of the
Act and at the same time reflect local requirements and local environ-
mental and agricultural conditions.
* The Act referred to in this table is the Surface Mining Control and
Reclamation Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-87).
56
-------
10. Assists the States in developing objective scientific criteria and appro-
priate procedures and institutions for determining those areas of a State
to be designated unsuitable for all or certain types of surface coal rain-
ing pursuant to section 522.
11. Monitors all Federal and State research programs dealing with coal ex-
traction and use and recommends to Congress the research and demonstration
projects and necessary changes in public policy that are designated to
(A) improve feasibility of underground coal mining, and (B) improve
surface mining and reclamation techniques directed at eliminating adverse
environmental and social impacts.
12. Cooperates with other Federal agencies and State regulatory authorities
to minimize duplication of inspections, enforcement, and administration
of the Act.
13. Performs such other duties as may be provided by law and relate to the
purposes of the Act.
57
-------
APPENDIX E. TYPICAL DATA REQUIRED FROM COMPANIES APPLYING FOR A MINING
PERMIT
PART I. IDENTIFICATION OF APPLICANT AND MINE SITE
A. Nature of Operation
1. Is this a new or an amended permit application?
2. Have any violations occurred on this permit?
3. If this is an amended permit, will the area increase or de-
crease?
4. If this is an amended permit, will the time increase or de-
crease?
5. What is the name or pit number?
6. Is a prospecting permit being converted to a mining permit?
7. Prospecting permit number and acreage.
B. Applicant's Identity
1. Applicant name, local address, and local phone number.
2. Applicant permanent address and phone number.
3. Give brief directions for locating the local office.
4. Office to which registered mail is delivered (registered agent's
address).
5. List name and title of persons representing the company.
6. List names and address of the mine manager and superintendent.
7. List names and addresses of persons having more than 10%
interest in the firm.
8. Type of organizations.
a. Proprietorship
b. Par tner ship
c. Corporation - What is the home State of this corporation?
d. Joint venture
9. List names and addresses of other persons having control over
the company.
C. Qualifications of Applicant
1. Give the firm's strip mine license number.
2. List all previous and existing permits held by the company
(state & number).
3. Have any of the persons of authority ever had a permit removed
or suspended?
4. Has a land entry agreement been submitted with the application?
5. Has the public notice been posted according to the prescribed
method?
D. Ownership Data
1. List names and addresses of the owners of minerals to be mined.
2. List names and addresses of the owners of the suface land to
be disturbed.
58
-------
3. List names and addresses of the reputed owners of all land
within 1000 feet of the permit boundary.
4. Have these people been notified by mail?
5. Produce the legal source to enter in and operate on the area in
this permit.
E. Site Information
1. Area already mined.
2. Size of the area.
3. Breakdown of the area to be disturbed.
a. Mining area
b. Access and haulroad area
c. Drainage system area
d. Physical plant area
e. Stock pile area
f. Water impoundment area
g. Total area
4. Estimated duration of activities.
a. Commence construction date
b. Commence operating date
c. Complete backfilling and grading
d. Complete revegetation data
e. Total months
5. Mine location.
a. County
b. Township range and section
c. Nearest town or village (direction and distance)
d. Nearest highway
e. Latitude and longitude
6. How many acres were mined last year?
7. How many acres were reclaimed last year?
PART II. IDENTIFICATION OF PERMITS, FEES, BONDS, ETC.
A. Fee, Taxes, Bonds, and Insurance
1. Permit fee.
2. Amendment fee.
3. Reclamation tax.
4. Bond amount.
a. Cash
b. Negotiable instruments
c. Surety (give names and addresses)
5. Sworn statement guaranteeing the truth of information given.
6. Date.
7. Signature.
8. Title.
9. Notarization.
59
-------
10. Insurance.
a. Amount
b. Company name
c. Address
d. Surrender the policy
B. Other Permits That May be Required
1. Federal permits.
a. Water and pollution discharge permit (NPDES)
b. Approval of ground control plan (MA)
c. Permit for work involving navigable waters (COE)
d. Permit to construct RR bridge over navigable waters (USCG)
e. Railroad service extension permit (ICC)
f. Permit to operate microwave equipment (FCC)
2. State permits.
a. Refuse disposal permits
b. Road relocation permit
c. Highway use permit
d. Stream encroachment permit
e. Industrial siting permit
f. Water pollution permit
3. Local permits.
a. County road permit
b. Zoning permit
c. Sanitary and health permit for sewage disposal
d. Garbage disposal permit
PART III. SUPPORTING SITE ANALYSIS DATA
A. General Map Requirements
1. Certification by a licensed engineer or surveyor.
2. Use a consistent color code.
3. USGS map 1 inch = 500 ft.
4. North arrow.
5. Area of present and possible future permits adjacent to
present permits.
6. Boundary location, total area, and operation.
B. Land Use Analysis
Locate the following land use types within 1000 ft of permit
boundary.
1. Railroads.
2. Roads.
3. Utilities (water lines, pipe lines, or power lines).
4. Buildings.
5. Cemeteries.
6. Oil and gas wells.
60
-------
7. Underground surface and auger mines.
a. Location and thickness of all barriers to adjacent deep
mines
b. Are these mines active or abandoned?
8. Historic monuments.
9. State parks.
10. State game preserves.
11. Archaeological and paleontological sites.
12. Favored hunting and fishing areas.
13. Other special significant sites.
C. Topographic Analysis
1. Vertical relief contour map.
2. Vertical section of mine every 200 ft.
3. Accuracy tolerances.
D. Soils Analysis
1. Map of soil.
2. Agricultural characteristics.
a. Soil types
b. Depth of soil
c. Depth of the A, B, and C horizons
d. Slope of soil
3. Engineering Characteristics.
a. Pertinent soil bearing strengths
b. Other physical characteristics
E. Geologic Analysis
1. Location of drill holes with appropriate number.
a. Type of drill hole
b. Lithologic log of the hole
c. Drillers' logs showing location of water table
2. Overburden characterization.
a. Stratigraphic column
b. Dips and strike of beds
c. Presence of acid-forming material
(1) Amount of iron disulfide
(2) Iron disulfide grain size
(3) Iron disulfide location by Stratigraphic unit
(4) Give acid-forming material bed location
d. Presence of alkalinity potential
(1) Limestone
(2) Calcareous shale
(a) tin beds
(b) nodular
61
-------
(3) Calcareous glacial drift
(a) till
(b) windblown
(c) sand and gravel
(4) Calcareous drift position and thickness
3. Coal bed characterization.
a. Dip and strike of bed(s)
b. Coal seam outcrop line
c. Coal seam name
4. Locate the following features (within 1 mile of site).
a. Springs (indicate those which are in use)
b. Wells (drilled or dug)
c. Show location of water table (piezometric surface)
F. Analysis of Water Resources
1. Hydrologic features (within 1000 ft of permit boundary) -
provide a drainage plan map (scale 1 inch = 500 ft)
(1) Show total watershed area
(2) Show disturbed watershed area
(3) Show major drainage system with flow
direction arrows
(4) Show interim tributaries
(5) Show all water bodies
(6) Locate all drainage structures
(a) ditches
(b) diversion structures
(c) collection structures
(d) dispersion structures
(e) water impoundments (sedimentation ponds)
(7) Locate all treatment facilities
(8) Name and locate all receiving streams and waterways
(9) Locate all pump stations
(10) Locate water test sites and sampling points
(11) Locate all discharge points on receiving stream
2. Existing water quality.
a. Streams and rivers
b. Ponds and lakes
c. Groundwater
3. Provide an analysis of each stream. Samples must be taken
downstream of proposed mine site.
a. Was analysis done by a standard method and a qualified
chemist?
b. Analyze for: pH, hot acidity, mineral, alkalinity, total
iron, total aluminum
c. Total manganese, sulfate, TSS, IDA
d. List on the analysis sheet the following:
(1) Name of applicant
(2) Name of individual collecting sample
(3) Date of sample and date of analysis
(4) Sample location
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(5) Name, address and phone number
(6) Signature of chemist responsible
(7) Units of measure used in report
4. Does mine drainage currently exist at the mine site?
a. Do these mines have drainage collection points?
b. Submit an analysis of the water from those collection points
PART IV. MINING OPERATION PLAN
A. Proposal Map
1. Show the direction of mining and the sequence and number of cuts.
2. Note location and extent of auger mining.
3. Locate haulroads on a map of scale.
4. Locate and note size of all culverts and bridges on haulroads.
B. Site Preparation
1. Will mine be dewatered? Why?
2. Measures for site preparation and abandonment.
3. Describe the clearing and grubbing procedures and vegetation
disposal methods.
4. Describe method of removing and storing the topsoil.
5. Describe premining construction (what, where, when).
6. Describe other premining activities.
C. Mining Type Practiced
1. Contour.
2. Mountaintop removal.
3. Will barriers be left at this mine?
4. Area.
5. Auger.
a. Show pattern of auger holes
b. What will be the depth of the holes?
c. How will auger holes be prevented from intersecting
U/G mine pools?
d. Will auger holes be filled in after mining?
D. Pit Description
1. Pit width maximum, minimum, average.
2. Bench width maximum, minimum, average.
3. Highwall height maximum, minimum, average.
4. Length of cut maximum, minimum, average.
5. Ultimate highwall height.
6. Will drainage structures intercept water above the highwall?
E. Neighboring Mines
1. Adjacent operations active and abandoned (deep, surface, or auger).
2. Is the adjacent mine regraded and revegated and to what extent?
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3. Will the mine daylight any U/G mines?
4. Estimate the barrier width that exists between this mine
+ U/G mines.
5. Submit a plan and cross section showing how these will be
sealed.
F. Blasting
1. How many blasts will be required by the operations?
2. Detail the blasting procedures.
3. How will neighbors be notified before blasts?
4. When will neighbors be notified before a blast?
5. During what hours will blasting be scheduled?
6. How will damage from air blasts and vibration be prevented?
7. List other blasting safety precautions.
G. Haulroads
1. Give a haulroad profile; indicate grades, curves, culverts,
water bars.
2. Show portions of road constructed on fill.
3. Give the road grades maximum, minimum, average.
4. Give maximum pitch of the road in % per feet.
5. Give the crown or inslope of the road surface.
6. Give the grade on switch backs.
7. Describe the road surfacing and subgrade material.
8. Will special surfacing material be used?
9. Give the tolerances to which the road will be built.
10. Will drainage structures be provided along haulroads and
through road cuts?
11. Will water be intercepted at switchbacks on haulroads?
12. Give details of how haulroads will cross streams.
H. Other
1. How close will the excavation come to civil features?
2. Will written permission from the owner be needed for closer
excavation?
3. How close will mining come to a natural drainage way?
4. Will any overburden be placed in a natural drainway?
5. How will overburden be prevented from entering the natural
drainway?
I. Mine Water Requirements
1. Quantity required and purpose.
a. Washing plants and initial and make up
b. Sanitary water
c. Dust control
(1) Plant dust
(2) Road dust
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2. Storage facilities.
a. Number
b. Location
c. Size
3. Source of Water.
a. Groundwater
b. Surface water
c. Public water
PART V. ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL PROVISIONS
A. Spoil
1. Spoil characterization.
a. Estimate the character of the resulting spoil
b. Spoil rock mix
c. Will spoil contain refuse?
2. Locate acid-forming material and explain where and how
toxic, flammable, and acid-producing materials will be
placed.
3. How deep and how well will the exposed coal face be covered?
4. Locate alkalinity or neutralization potential.
B. Erosion and Sediment Control
1. Acres susceptable to erosion.
2. Describe erosion control and sediment control measures.
3. Acres of watershed above mine.
4. Acres of watershed above discharge point.
5. Estimate amount of surface runoff.
6. Give minimum stream flow of immediate receiving stream.
7. Maximum and minimum 7-consecutive-day flow occurring once in
10 years.
8. Maximum and minimum stream flow.
9. List flood protection measures.
C. Flood Control
1. Discuss flood control measures.
2. Estimate the uncontrolled water velocity for each structure
(ditch and water impoundments)
3. Estimate the control water velocity for each structure.
4. Give character of soil + rock under water impoundments.
5. Will drainage structures be constructed on the solid part of
the benches?
6. How will water accumulations be discharged from the pit?
a. Will drainage structures be provided below the spoil?
b. Will drainage structures discharge over the spoil?
7. How long will the drainage structures be required?
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8. Give specifications of all drainage structures.
a. Give the design capacity of each drainage structure
b. Include: maximum, minimum, and average capacity
c. Give the dimensions of each drainage structure
9. Will any drainage structure be left at the end of the job?
a. Has the owner given written permission for this?
b. Has the owner agreed to maintain this structure?
c. Will these structures modify the backfilling and grading
requirements?
10. Provide a proposal of pollution incident prevention methods.
11. Explain the design criteria used to answer these questions.
D. Groundwater Treatment
1. Describe the groundwater existing in the area and how it will
be affected by the mine.
a. Mine above water table
b. Mine below water table
c. Mine both above and below the water table
d. Is mine in a groundwater recharge zone?
e. Is mine in a groundwater discharge zone?
f. Groundwater coming from the highwall
g. Groundwater coming from the spoil
h. Will groundwater affect mining method and how?
2. Aquifers.
a. Above seam to mined (characteristics)
b. Gravel and sand
c. Porous stone
d. Fractures and joints
e. Other
3. Well information.
a. Well depth
b. Owner
c. Casing length
d. Yield
e. Static head or water level
f. Date
g. Well time
h. Chemical and biological analysis
4. Will the mine dewater any wells?
a. Estimate drawdown caused by mine on well(s)
b. Estimate drawdown radius
c. Is the aquifer being used within one mile?
d. Could this aquifer be used?
e. Impact of mine on adjacent water resources
f. Will this mine be affected by other mines? Why?
g. Will this mine affect other mines? Why?
5. How was the estimate determined?
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E. Mine Drainage
1. Impact of mining on water quality.
a. What will the quantity and quality of the water be? Why?
b. Post mining water quality
2. Waste treatment.
a. Is it treated?
b. Will treatment be used?
c. Describe the treatment facilities and sequence of the
treatments
d. Submit plans and drawings of these treatment facilities
e. Give schematic flow diagram of water treatment facilities
3. Operation features.
a. Type of waste
b. Will analytical method used be standard method during
monitoring?
c. Analyze for
(1) PH
(2) Alkalinity
(3) Suspended solids (Mg/1)
(4) Suspended solids (Mg/1 and Ib/day)
(5) Settable solids (Mg/1)
(6) Dissolved solids (Mg/1)
(7) Iron, dissolved and total
(8) Manganese
(9) Aluminum
(10) Sulfate
(11) Turbidity
4. Treatment.
a. Amount treated
b. Not treated
c. Combined
5. Waste load or estimated before and after treatment.
6. Standby equipment parts inventory or availability.
7. What measures will be taken to control hazards.
a. Will any mine water be discharged during flood or
facility breakdown?
b. Will alternate storage of water be made use of?
8. Source of waste and location.
a. Total waste flow average and maximum
b. Will the treated water be above a satisfactory minimum
standard?
c. Give latitude and longitude of discharge point
F. Pumping Facilities
1. Number of pumps.
2. Classifications.
a. Raw waste
b. Recirculation
c. Raw sludge
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d. Effluent pump
e. Mine drainage pump
3. Indicate points of suction and maximum suction head.
4. Specify point of discharge and discharge head.
5. Pump capacity.
6. Are these pumps
a. Variable speed
b. Automatically controlled
c. Manually controlled
d. Well or sump
7. Total capacity.
8. Effective capacity.
G. Type of Processes (Bath, Continuous, Neutralization, Oxidation,
PPT., Reduction, Other Types of Processes)
1. What instrumentation and alarms will be used?
2. Waste load and characteristics.
3. Quantity of water to be handled.
a. Forward flow
b. Recirculation flow
c. Comb ined
d. Hydraulic loading during runoff period
4. Flow equalization and storage basins.
a. Will basin be excavated or dike type?
b. Storage of treated and untreated waste
c. Material and characteristics of basins
d. Construction materials
e. Are construction materials resistant to the waste or
chemicals used?
f. Earthen inside slope outside slope, berm width
g. How will slides be protected from wave action
h. Wood
i. Steel
j. Average dimensions
k. Length, width, or diameter
1. Depth, normal, maximum, freeboard
5. Design data (capacity, normal, maximun) .
6. Describe outlet and water level control.
a. Waste enters by gravity or pump
b. Is inlet designed to give adequate flow distribution? Will
pond be restored?
c. Waste leaves by gravity or pump
d. Are weirs adjustable?
e. Retention time
7. Aeration system.
a. Aeration tanks or basins
b. Capacity
c. Waste water source
d. Type of construction
(1) Bill of construction materials
(2) Bill of equipment used
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e. Aeration or contract
f. Stabilization or reaeration
g. Oxidation ditch
(1) Design information
(2) Maximum liquid depth
(3) Cross-sectional velocity
(4) Provisions for varying liquid level
(5) Dimensions: Length, width, diameter, swd, freeboard,
detention time
h. Diffused aeration
8. Chemical treatment.
a. Chemical or trade names, dosage, application point
b. Location of chemical storage area: will an adequate
supply be provided?
c. Is chemical storage protected?
d. Describe the control points
e. Feeder type: Manual, auto, standby
f. Capacity: Ib/day, range
g. Time required for process
h. Mixing devices: number/unit, type of mixer, rapid mixing,
slow mixing
i. Effluent characteristic of treatment units
9. Sludge production.
a. Show unit producing sludge
b. Type of unit: Tank or earthen
c. Design of unit: length, width, diameter, swd, freeboard,
detention time
d. How will sediment accumulations be handled?
e. Describe method and frequency of sludge removal
f. If sludge is to remain in pond, how long will operation
sustain?
10. Waste disposal.
a. Washing plant waste. How and where?
b. Sanitary waste (sewage, etc.). How and Where?
c. Solid waste (trash, litter, oil and grease). How and where?
11. Settling tanks and earthen settling basins
a. How will solids be removed from this unit?
b. Will process increase solids loading? How and when?
PART VI. RECLAMATION AND REVEGETATION
A. Backfilling and Grading
1. On a contour map as it is planned to be backfilled and graded
show:
a. Water impoundment to remain
b. Drainage ditches
c. Haulroad
(1) Access to area above highwall
(2) For other purposes
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d. The reduced highwall
e. Area to receive topsoil
2. Description of backfilling and grading.
a. How will graded area be protected from erosion before
vegetation is established?
b. Describe regrading method, include direction of grading
c. How will highwall be reduced?
B. Revegetation
1. Vegetation types.
a. Trees
(1) Areas to receive seedlings (locate on regraded
contour map)
(2) number per acre
(3) list tree species
b. Woody stem bushes
(1) Area to receive woody stem plants (locate on regraded
contour map)
(2) number per acre
(3) list varieties
c. Grasses, legumes and flowers
(1) Area to receive grasses, legumes, and flowers
(2) Application rate: pound per acre
(3) List varieties
2. Describe planting methods.
a. Trees
b. Woody stems
c. Grasses, legumes, and flowers
d. If hydroseeding and mulching will be used, describe
mulch
3. Seed innoculation and fertilizer
a. Will a soil analysis plan be used to determine fertilizer?
b. Fertilizer
(1) Type: name
(2) Application rate in Ib/acre
(3) Will the fertilizer be quick or slow release?
c. Seed innoculation
(1) What will the seed be innoculated with?
(2) Application rate
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO.
EPA-600/7-78-180
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
USER'S MANUAL FOR PREMINING PLANNING OF
EASTERN SURFACE COAL MINING
Volume 1: Executive Summary
5. REPORT DATE
August 1978 issuing date
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHOR(S)
R. V. Ramani, M. L. Clar
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Department of Mineral Engineering
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
INE623
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
R803882
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Industrial Environmental Research Lab.
Office of Research and Development
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
- CINN, OH
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Final 6/1975 - 7/1978
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA/600/12
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
16. ABSTRACT
^ document is the first of a series of six volumes which together comprise a
User s Manual for Premining Planning of Surface Coal Mining Operations in the
Eastern United States. Recommended methods, techniques and alternatives for selecting
and designing mining systems, based on a review and critical evaluation of the
methods reported in the literature and applied in the field, and using the geological
and hydrological settings prior to mining as basic inputs, have been structured
into guidelines for developing, evaluating and selecting mining and reclamation plans,
prior to commencement of mining, that will be least detrimental to the environment.
This first volume is an executive summary which provides first a review of
the major considerations addressed in the research project; second, a discussion of the
premining planning process; and third, an outline and summary of the contents
and use of the other five volumes.
17.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.lDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS C. COSATI Field/Group
Coal
Geology
Hydrology
Water Duality
Reclamation
Land Use
Miner (Excavation)
Engineering
Premining Planning
Eastern Coal Regions
Surface Mining
Reclamation
Mining Engineering
Environmental
Planning
81
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Release to Public
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report)
Unclassified
21. NO. OF PAGES
81
20. SECURITY CLASS (This page)
Unclassified
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (R«v. 4-77) PREVIOUS EDITION is OBSOLETE
71
OHO. an— 757- MO/139«
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