Inez, Kentucky. The 72-acre surface impoundment for coal processing waste materials broke through into a nearby underground coal mine. Although the spill caused no loss of human life, environmental damage was significant, and local water supplies were disrupted. This incident prompted Congress to request the National Research Council to examine ways to reduce the potential for similar accidents in the future. This book covers the engineering practices and standards for coal waste impoundments and ways to evaluate, improve, and monitor them; the accuracy of mine maps and ways to improve surveying and mapping of mines; and alternative technologies for coal slurry disposal and utilization. The book contains advice for multiple audiences, including the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Office of Surface Mining, and other federal agencies; state and local policymakers and regulators; the coal industry and its consultants; and scientists and engineers. Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive Summary1 Introduction2 Current Regulatory Framework3 Planning Coal Slurry Refuse Impoundments4 Mine Mapping and Surveying5 Technologies For Locating Mining Workings6 Limiting Potential Failures7 Alternatives for Future Coal Waste Disposal8 Conclusions and RecommendationsReferencesAppendix A: Biographical Sketches of Committee MembersAppendix B: Information Provided to the CommitteeAppendix C: GlossaryAppendix D: Acronyms and AbbreviationsAppendix E: Geophysical Techniques

Hide more