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SITE SELECTION AND DESIGN FOR MINIMIZING POLLUTION FROM UNDERGROUND COAL MINING OPERATIONS
Citation:
Shotts, R., E. Sterett, AND T. Simpson. SITE SELECTION AND DESIGN FOR MINIMIZING POLLUTION FROM UNDERGROUND COAL MINING OPERATIONS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/7-78/006 (NTIS PB280180), 1978.
Description:
The objectives of this study were to determine how best to select a layout and mining system and also to develop and operate an underground coal mine while at the same time minimizing pollution of the environment. The pre-mining environment was assessed by sampling Cedar Creek 3 and other streams. Analyses of samples of groundwater into the mine, of the water pumped from the mine sump, and of water from Cedar Creek below the mine, made possible the assessment of the area with regard to water quality. Principal factors associated with mining which affected downstream water quality were sulfide oxidation and acid formation in the mine, the quality of the groundwater seeping into the mine, the limestone used for rock dusting, and the quality of the resettled but not treated mine and washing plant water carried to the continuous miners for dust suppression. Deep mines in Alabama's synclinal coalfields, if entered some distance from the outcrop, or mined down-dip if started on the outcrop, should produce little surface pollution.