English

Abstract

Acid mine drainage (AMD), which is a by-product of many abandoned surface and under ground coal mines, is detrimental to the environment. The toxic runoff has destroyed thousands of miles of streams and adjacent areas. Though programs are in place to attempt to ameliorate the AMD concerns, AMD continues to pose a potential problem in many areas, despite regulations, improved prediction, and prevention techniques. On March 31, 1997, Kathrine L. Henry, Acting Director of OSM, issued a memorandum “A Message Concerning Acid Mine Drainage”, stating, “The prevention of future acid and toxic discharges from coal mining operations into surface and ground waters and the remediation of mining-related pollutional discharges are high priorities of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM). To advance these priorities, OSM previously established the Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative (ACSI), with a primary focus on eliminating acid and toxic mine drainage from abandoned mines, and the Acid Drainage Technology Initiative, which concentrates on the prevention and remediation of AMD from modern coal mining.” In response to the Acting Director’s concerns, OSM established an AMD Policy Team and after extensive input from all affected parties developed policy goals, objectives and strategies to protect the hydrologic balance in coal mining areas from the effects of AMD. Two and a half years later, during 1999, OSM initiated the Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program (WCAP) as part of the Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative. The purpose of this program was to develop partnerships and assist local not-for-profit organizations in funding for the remediation of small local AMD concerns. This program expanded rapidly in several eastern states, as strong and very proactive local watershed groups and other environmentally conscious organizations looked for ways to assist in cleaning up the environment --especially as it affected the water of the area and its potential effects on their economy and living environment. Implementation of the WCAP in Iowa, Kansas and Illinois is in its infancy. Amelioration of the AMD concerns was recently completed on their first projects. Future success will depend on funding and expansion of the program through education and public involvement. _______________________ 1 Paper was presented at the 2007 National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Gillette, WY, 30 Years of SMCRA and Beyond June 2-7, 2007. R.I. Barnhisel (Ed.) Published by ASMR, 3134 Montavesta Rd., Lexington, KY 40502. 2 John W. Coleman, Senior AML and Regulatory Program Specialists, Office of Surface Mining, Alton, Il, 62002 Proceedings America Society of Mining and Reclamation, 2007 pp 155-164 DOI: 10.21000/JASMR07010155