ODNR to Hold Meeting in New Philadelphia to Discuss Abandoned Mine Projects in Northeastern Ohio

 
COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will hold a public meeting in New Philadelphia on October 29 to discuss proposed abandoned mine projects being considered in nine northeastern Ohio counties. The meeting is set for 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Auditorium in Founders Hall of the Kent State University-Tuscarawas Campus, 330 University Drive.
 
Staffers from ODNR’s Division of Mineral Resources Management will be on hand to discuss environmental and public health and safety issues associated with Ohio mines that were abandoned prior to August 3, 1977, when legislation addressing the problem went into effect.
They will discuss the policies and procedures of Ohio’s Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Program and present a list of proposed projects for Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Harrison, Jefferson, Mahoning, Trumbull, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties. Meeting attendees are encouraged to present details of their own abandoned mine problems in these counties as well as Holmes, Medina, Portage, Stark and Summit counties and to check on eligibility for funding.
 
In November, ODNR will apply for federal construction grant money from the U.S. Department of the Interior to fund abandoned mine clean-ups during the next year throughout the northeastern and southeastern Ohio coal mining region. Part of that money is earmarked for 21 non-emergency projects in northeastern Ohio. ODNR proposes to spend about $1.07 million on construction and/or design for these projects. Also included in the grant is $2.34 million to improve streams impacted by acid mine drainage and $2.3 million to address emergency abandoned mine land problems in the coal region.
                                                                                                                      
Non-emergency projects proposed for the northeastern Ohio mining district will accomplish the following:

• Stabilize four dangerous landslides, including seepage control;
• Backfill seven dangerous highwalls and eliminate associated hazardous water bodies, and construct drainage control structures;
• Install mine drains to direct acid mine drainage away from several residences;
• Assist in the extension of an existing waterline to replace wells contaminated from abandoned deep mines;
• Stabilize two subsidence areas near several residences by drilling and injecting grout into mine voids;
• Remove remnants of a concrete mining tipple;
• Reclaim two coal refuse piles, reduce the sediment load from erosion dumping into nearby streams and stabilize the stream channels;
• Close one mine portal.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Tags: