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Abandoned Mine Land Program |
Before and After AML Reclamation photos
This scene, typical of East Tennessee surface coal mining in the early 1970's shows an unreclaimed contour mine. The mine operator followed the coal seam around the mountain pushing the overburden down the hillside. Without any reclamation the dangerous unstable highwall remained exposed and the disturbed soil and overburden was left to erode and pollute nearby streams.
Photo credit: Rodger Betson, Tennessee Valley Authority.
Reclamation of an abandoned steep-slope contour mine under OSM's AML Program eliminates the safety and environmental problems and restores the natural beauty of the area.
Photo credit: Chuck Meyers, OSM.