This report addresses the past effects and the possible future effects of underground coal mining activities on ground-water resources in the region east of the 100th meridian. Such effects are highly dependent on the location of the mine with respect to natural flow system. Recharge-discharge relationships in the vicinity of active mines may be altered, and lowered ground-water levels may not recover to pre-mining conditions after closure. Studies indicate that contamination of ground water exists in many places in the immediate vicinity of coal mines. Many refuse piles and impoundments likely affect stream and shallow ground-water quality. From the viewpoint of the value of ground-water resources, it is most likely that future underground mining in the Eastern Interior Basin and the southern Appalachians will result in adverse ground-water effects in only very limited areas.

"Geraghty & Miller, Inc." "Energy Pollution Control Division, Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory." "June 1980." Includes bibliographical references (pages 154-165). "Contract No. 68-03-2467." "Project Officer Edward R. Bates, Energy Pollution Control Division."

Introduction -- Findings -- Underground coal mining in the eastern United States -- Ground-water availability -- Water use -- Natural ground-water flow patterns -- Hydrologic effects of mining -- Effects of underground mining on ground-water quality -- Effects of surface disposal of mining wastes on ground-water quality -- Ground-water problems from future mining -- Methods for mitigation hydrologic and water-quality effects.