Surface Coal Mining: Characteristics of Mining in Mountainous Areas of Kentucky and West Virginia

Download or read book Surface Coal Mining: Characteristics of Mining in Mountainous Areas of Kentucky and West Virginia written by Robin M. Nazzaro and published by DIANE Publishing. This book was released on 2010-11 with total page 88 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Surface coal mining in the mountainous areas of Appalachia generates controversy because of its scale and the post-mining appearance of the land. This report examined the characteristics of: (1) surface coal mining; and (2) reclaimed lands that were disturbed by surface coal mining in the mountainous, eastern part of Kentucky and in West Virginia, where most such mining occurs. Fed. and state law requires mining operators to obtain permits before mining. The permits identify the acres under open permit and how the land will be reclaimed -- including the post-mining land use, whether the approximate original contour of the land will be restored, and the extent to which excess earth, rock, and other materials are placed in nearby valleys. Illustrations.