Western Coal Shipment on the Great Lakes: Background and Research Needs

摘要

The purpose of this study is to examine existing and future patterns of western coal movement on the Great Lakes, and to identify the potential economic and environmental impacts of significantly increased levels of western coal shipment to the lower Great Lakes region. Research needed to determine probable levels of impacts and to provide background data and guidelines for governmental and management decision-making are outlined. A total of 21 million tons per year of western coal is expected to be moved from Duluth-Superior to the lower lakes by 1985, requiring the construction of 8 to 10 new, 1000-ft, specialized coal carriers and additional lakeside coal handling facilities. The most significant impacts are anticipated to be related to noise, vessel traffic, employment, coal-storage-pile runoff, and airborne dust from coal unloading. (ERA citation 04:000155)