What is the controversial type of coal mining that is happening in West Virginia?
Below the densely forested slopes of the Appalachian Mountains in southern West Virginia is a layer cake of thin coal seams. This time-series of images of a surface mine in Boone County, West Virginia, illustrates why this controversial mining method is also called “mountaintop removal.”
What are at least 3 hazards associated with underground coal mining?
Mining disasters, such as those caused by firedamp and coal-dust explosions, the inrush of water, fire and sudden outbursts (of CO2 or CH4) are collective hazards which have been associated with the industry from its very beginnings.
What counties in WV have no coal?
Coal was first discovered in what is now West Virginia in 1742 by John Peter Salley in what is now Boone County. Coal occurs in 53 of West Virginia’s 55 Counties only Jefferson and Hardy in the eastern panhandle have no coal.
What can be done to stop mountaintop removal?
Top 3 Ways to Rid U.S. Need for Mountaintop Removal Coal
- 1 Be Energy Efficient. One answer is that opportunities for energy efficiency in the US are huge.
- 2 Invest in Renewable Energy.
- 3 Stop Exporting Coal.
Is mountaintop mining legal?
Mountaintop mining is regulated under several laws, including the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA). Viewed broadly, the Administration’s combined actions on mountaintop mining displease both industry and environmental advocates.
What are the unsafe working conditions at mines?
The hazards covered are: accidents, dust (including poisoning by certain ores), high temperature and humidity, noise and vibration, toxic gases, and miscellaneous other hazards.
Why is coal mining unsafe?
Miners are also directly exposed to toxic fumes, coal dust and toxic metals, increasing their risk for fatal lung diseases such as pneumoconiosis and silicosis. The toll on the physical landscape is severe. One of the most serious impacts of coal mining is acid mine drainage.
What is the biggest health risk of coal mining?
1. Exposure to coal mine dust causes various pulmonary diseases, including coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 2. Coal miners are also exposed to crystalline silica dust, which causes silicosis, COPD, and other diseases.
Where can I find information about active coal mines in West Virginia?
For more detailed information on the status of active coal mines and reclamation areas, you can use the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Mining Data Tools. Click here to access the WVGES interactive map of coal mines in West Virginia.
Where can I find the West Virginia Surface Mining and Reclamation Act?
The West Virginia Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Act 22-3 and the West Virginia Surface Mining Reclamation Regulations 38CSR2 are available for you to read or print directly from the Internet. Additional laws and regulations associated to mining and reclamation can be referenced in the Important Linkssection of the Handbook.
What does the coal mining map show?
The map shows areas of active and historical coal mining in both underground and surface mines, with separate colors for auger and highwall mining. Users can zoom in on mining areas and retrieve information for individual mines, including historical mine maps for many locations.
Where can I find West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) information?
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) now provides helpful user information from the Division of Mining and Reclamation over the Internet. Check out the DEP home page at http://www.dep.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx