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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Utah Geological Association

Abstract


Hydrocarbon and Mineral Resources of the Uinta Basin, Utah and Colorado, 1992
Pages 325-334

Reclamation of Abandoned Coal Mines in the Uinta Basin

Louis A. Amodt

Abstract

Title IV of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA), Public Law 95–87, addresses reclamation of abandoned coal mine lands. SMCRA is administered by the Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). The state of Utah has primacy to conduct reclamation activities through the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil, Gas and Mining (DOGM). The Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program (AMRP) within DOGM has completed a total of 36 reclamation projects from 1983 to the 1991 (Table 1). One large reclamation project was completed in the Vernal Coal Field and one in the Tabby Mountain Coal Field involving State owned surface and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) coal.

The primary goal of the AMRP is to restore landscapes that were disturbed prior to 1977 where there is no continuing reclamation responsibility by a mining company or individual. The Vernal Project was completed in 1985 and 1986 at a cost of $318,O00. The Red Creek Project was completed in 1988 and 1989 in cooperation with OSMRE and the Ute Indian Tribe for $81,000.

A total of 26 abandoned mine sites were reclaimed under the Vernal Project, representing operations from 1891 - 1950. Work involved closure of 60 entries and restoration of 37 acres of disturbed land to wildlife and grazing use. Two abandoned mine sites were reclaimed under the Red Creek Project representing the protection of the coal resource and restoration of four acres of disturbed land to wildlife and grazing use.


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