Chapter
The Costs of Inadequate Mining Reclamation
15:41 - 20:32 (04:50)
The lack of proper reclamation for mining operations can lead to massive environmental damage and potentially huge fines. A bond system has been implemented to encourage companies to reclaim the land, but past damages have already been done, resulting in a hefty cleanup cost.
Clips
The east coast has many abandoned mines with a large portion being coal mines.
15:41 - 17:31 (01:49)
Summary
The east coast has many abandoned mines with a large portion being coal mines. The Bureau of Land Management is responsible for finding and reclaiming these mines, which are divided into three categories.
ChapterThe Costs of Inadequate Mining Reclamation
EpisodeSelects: What happens to abandoned mines?
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Centralia, Pennsylvania is an abandoned town where a coal seam underneath is still burning.
17:31 - 18:12 (00:41)
Summary
Centralia, Pennsylvania is an abandoned town where a coal seam underneath is still burning. Over time, land and lease records were lost and the responsibility of the mine owners and government for the situation is unclear.
ChapterThe Costs of Inadequate Mining Reclamation
EpisodeSelects: What happens to abandoned mines?
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Mining companies are now required to post a bond upfront to ensure successful land reclamation after mining operations are over.
18:13 - 20:32 (02:18)
Summary
Mining companies are now required to post a bond upfront to ensure successful land reclamation after mining operations are over. The Clean Water Act also prohibits the leakage of toxins from mining operations into ground water.