Appalachian Voices New Report: The Costs Of Delaying Mine Reclamation As A New Wave Of Abandoned Coal Mines Threatens

Appalachian Voices released a new report detailing the cost of delaying mine reclamation in modern-era coal mines.

Central Appalachia may be facing a new wave of abandoned mines as more companies declare bankruptcy and desert their cleanup responsibilities. Despite a federal law, some states have not set aside enough money to guarantee mine reclamation in the face of widespread bankruptcy.

In a new report, “Repairing the Damage: The costs of delaying reclamation at modern-era mines,” Appalachian Voices  examines the total outstanding amount of reclamation still needed at mountaintop removal and other coal mines from seven Eastern states, as well as the staggering estimated costs of that cleanup. 

The  examination determined that over 633,000 acres of coal mines across seven Eastern states require cleanup, with an estimated price tag of $7.5 to $9.8 billion.

This report, produced by Appalachian Voices, is the third paper in the Repairing the Damage series.

Click Here to read the report and for more information.

NewsClip:

WESA: PA Could Face New Wave Of Abandoned And Hazardous Coal Mines

[Posted: July 8, 2021]  PA Environment Digest