|
|
|
|
|
Media Inquiries
614-265-6860 |
|
|
|
|
|
Oct
14
Written by:
news editor
10/14/2009 1:00 AM
10/14/09 ODNR will hold a public meeting in Athens on October 27 to discuss proposed abandoned mine projects.
ODNR to Hold Meeting in Athens to Discuss Abandoned Mine Projects in Southeastern Ohio
COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will hold a public meeting in Athens on October 27 to discuss proposed abandoned mine projects being considered in ten southeastern Ohio counties. The meeting is set for 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the conference room of the ODNR Division of Wildlife district office, 360 E. State Street.
Staffers from ODNR 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 Athens, Belmont, Gallia, Guernsey, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Muskingum, Noble and Washington counties. Meeting attendees are encouraged to present details of their own abandoned mine problems in these counties as well as Hocking, Licking, Monroe, Morgan, Perry and Vinton counties and to check on eligibility for funding.
In November, ODNR will apply for federal 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 29 non-emergency projects in southeastern Ohio. ODNR proposes to spend about $1.33 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.
Projects proposed for the southeastern Ohio mining district will accomplish the following:
- Eliminate a dangerous highwall along a township road;
- Stabilize three mine-related landslides;
- Reclaim approximately 35 acres of erosive mine spoil and refuse and install rock channel protection;
- Install five mine drainage diversion systems and repair one underdrain system;
- Plug two subsidence holes near private residences;
- Seal five portals or vertical mine openings;
- Install vent pipe around an air shaft and enclose shaft and associated fan house structures;
- Eliminate sedimentation and flooding of clogged stream lands at seven sites.
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.
-30-
For further information, contact:
Brad Burwell, ODNR Mineral Resources Management
330. 339. 2207
Beth Ruth, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860
Tags:
|
|
|