Case Studies: Developing Land Uses in Surface-Mine Reclamation

摘要

Regulations adopted in 1978 by the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) to implement the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 foreclosed many opportunities for development of postmining uses because of the requirement to return land to its approximate original contour (AOC), and the difficulty of qualifying for a variance. The regulations all but eliminated development of postmining uses with economic or community benefits. The effect of those regulations was to develop forestland, farmland, and rangeland similar to that which existed before mining. Recent changes in OSM's regulations have made development of postmining uses more feasible by removing many restrictive conditions and interpretations. This report documents the main types of uses that have been developed as postmining uses - recreation, forestry, housing, community facilities, industry, and commercial and mixed urban uses. Most of the cases presented predate the Act, and thus were not developed in a regulatory situation comparable to the present time. However, they demonstrate the practical feasibility and the benefits to local communities of developing postmining uses. The review of examples and case studies leads to three main conclusions: in certain situations surface-mined land may be an important resource for communities; most successful postmining developments required considerable vision and dedicated effort over many years; and an intended postmining use should be studied and planned during the preparation of mining permits so that the mining operation can be coordinated with the postmining use. (ERA citation 08:049867)