Additional Information ODNR Mine Subsidence Planning Resources Division of Geological Survey - 614-265-6576 Staff knowledgeable about Ohio mining history. Topographic maps showing locations of underground mines at a cost of $8 each. Detailed, individual mine maps with costs ranging from $0.25 to $4. Some maps show depth to the mine. Drilling records and other geological information for the area. All maps and printed information can be ordered by telephone. Abandoned Underground Mine Locator website allows anyone with internet access to create a map showing the location of the abandoned underground mines in Ohio.  Division of Real Estate and Land Management - 614-265-6778 GIS maps (scale 1"=1 mile) showing underground mines. Maps cost $25. Residential land use over underground mines in each county. Maps cost $50.-$100. Electronic files available for GIS use at no charge.  Division of Mineral Resources Management - 614-265-6633 Information concerning abandoned mine land reclamation programs. History of abandoned mine land complaints. Drilling records and geotechnical evaluations for some abandoned mine areas. More information is available from the Ohio Mine Subsidence Insurance Underwriting Association 614-839-6446 or 800-282-1772 AML Development Guide - Ask Before You Build (pdf)   AUDIO SEGMENTS AUDIO: Mine Subsidence Insurance AUDIO: Mine Subsidence AUDIO: On-line Underground Mine Locator View video of AML Development Guide - Ask Before You Build   VIDEO and MORE AUDIO>

When buildings are constructed above mines, major damage to walls and foundations can occur if the mine subsides. Most insurance policies do not automatically cover mine subsidence damage to your home.

The Ohio legislature enacted a law in October 1987, that established the Ohio Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund. It allows individuals residing in certain counties to purchase insurance for protection from losses due to mine subsidence.

On January 1, 1993, changes in the mine subsidence law affected residents in 37 Ohio counties. Coverage depends on whether you reside in a "mandatory" coverage or an "optional" coverage area.

Mandatory and Optional
MSI Coverage by County

Mandatory
Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Hocking, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mahoning, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Scioto, Stark, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, Vinton, Washington

Optional
Delaware, Erie, Geauga, Lake, Licking, Medina, Ottawa, Portage, Preble, Summit, Wayne

Good Local Planning
To Prevent Mine Subsidence Damage

• Make underground mine maps available at County offices and encourage their use.
• Incorporate underground mine maps into your comprehensive planning process and direct development to areas that are geologically stable.
• Use subdivision regulations to insure that developers have provided for geologic stability if underground mines are in the area. Specifically cite "underground mines" in your regulations. Areas more susceptible to subsidence can be set aside as open space if mine subsidence is cost prohibitive.
• Add "underground mines" to your site review checklists.
• Be aware that not all mines are mapped, particularly old mines dating to pre-1874. Mine maps are only a general planning tool.
• Gather detailed information about subsurface conditions through geotechnical investigations (core borings and analysis). This expense can be borne by the developer in many cases since the developer wants to ensure that stable geologic conditions exist.
• Compile a list of geotechnical firms operating in your region.

Mine Subsidence Insurance Coverage

• Most insurance policies do not cover damage to a home due to mine subsidence. The Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund provides low cost insurance coverage in 37 Ohio counties for homes damaged due to mine subsidence.
• Report your claim to an agent or the insurance company. The company will notify the Ohio Mine Subsidence Insurance Underwriting Association, who administers and adjusts the claim.
• Insurance coverage is mandatory in 26 of the 37 counties, with a low annual premium.
• Available for 1-4 family dwellings having at least 50% of the living area occupied. Mobile homes and farm houses are also eligible.
• Coverage is the lesser of $100,000 or the amount of insurance coverage for the dwelling.
• Coverage includes costs of excavation, foundations, and underground utilities.
• Annual premium is $1 in mandatory counties and $5 in optional counties.