The Problem of Reclamation of Derelict Land After Coal Strip Mining in Appalachia

Abstract

THE PROBLEM OF RECLAMATION OF DERELICT LAND AFTER COAL STRIP MINING IN APPALACHIA Jerry E. Green9 INTRODUCTION. The spoil banks and highwalls left after strip mining for coal has taken place have long been the object of criticism from those who are concerned about the detrimental effects of their appearance upon the landscape. Furthermore, the effects of such removal of coal have been cited as being disastrous to the region in which they occur if proper mining and reclamation procedures are not followed. Acid drainage from the mines, coupled with erosion, results in stream pollution. As for the land itself, once-productive agricultural areas are removed from the tax rolls and the citizenry is often forced to move to make way for the mining activity. The conflict between the means of securing coal and the environmental quality resulting from such means has long been apparent. However, because such mining can be an important source of economic gain for mining areas within the region, there has been a reluctance on the part of states to enact sufficiently restrictive legislation. Thus, the more desirable mining and reclamation procedures which might curb mining activities, with a resulting loss of regional income, have been avoided or minimized. It is only in the post-world War II years that state legislative controls have become significant, and the Federal government has yet to act within this realm. Nevertheless, current Federal research projects are giving increasing attention to the problems associated with strip mining of coal. Even more important, this attention is being focused on the variety of possible uses such disrupted land offers when properly reclaimed. Effective involvement concerning the problems and possibilities presented by strip mining demands a knowledge of the mining processes involved and the locational aspects of such mining as well as the existing legal structure within which the mining operations take place. It should be noted that many of the problems associated with strip mining cannot be avoided. This is particularly true with regard to the aesthetic disruption of the landscape. With respect to the legal and administrative controls, one should then think in terms of a two-phase approach. In the first instance there should be controls during the mining operation, and secondly there should be such legal instruments as are necessary to guarantee proper reclamation. *Mr. Green is a d octoral can d id a te in geography at the U n iv e rsity of N orth C a ro lin a , C hapel H ill. The paper w as accepted fo r p u b lica tio n in Ja n u a ry 1969. Vol. IX, No. 1, 1969 37 F ig u re l. G en eralized m ap of co al-b earin g area of A p p alach ia. F ig u re s in d icate bitu m in ou s co a l s trip m ined in th ou san d s of net sho rt tons in 1965. 38 S o u t h e a s t e r n G e o g r a p h e r There are several objectives in this paper. First, it seeks to outline the method, technique, and spatial nature of strip mining, and to briefly trace the history of the development of this method of coal removal in Appalachia. Second, this study seeks to present a review of the problems resulting from this means of coal removal; third, a review of the existing legal and adminis­ trative controls affecting such mining will be undertaken. Finally, several cases of completed reclamation projects have been included as examples of the positive results that can be achieved. It is significant to consider this particular means of mining at the present time. Current thinking has turned public attention to the matter of coal strip mining as a subject of increased government interest. As a more pronounced attitude of social consciousness develops in the United States, problems created by irresponsible and/or destructive resource acquisition will be given greater attention. In this paper, attention will be focused on strip mining in association with the acquisition of coal in the Appalachian Region of the United...