Groundwater Quality Monitoring Recommendations for Western Surface Coal Mines

摘要

This EPA study was conducted to develop a source-specific groundwater monitoring methodology applicable to western surface coal mining. Section 1 discusses the potential for various aspects of surface coal mining, including exploration, mining, and reclamation, to pollute groundwater. General and mine-specific sources of contamination are identified. Section 2, Project Definition, describes selecting an area for monitoring, identifying potential pollution sources, and defining groundwater usage. Section 3 covers groundwater monitoring recommendations for active mines for which sources include stockpiles and pit water. Section 4 covers groundwater monitoring recommendations for reclaimed mines for which sources include spoils and reclamation aids. Section 5 describes groundwater monitoring recommendations for miscellaneous sources of pollution. Recommended monitoring steps for each of these potential pollution sources are presented separately in the guidelines.