Why are locally administered nonmetallic mining reclamation programs necessary?
Unfortunately, there is a legacy of abandoned mines in Wisconsin. The absence of regulations has played a primary role in this legacy. Too often, such sites are safety hazards that create situations resulting in personal injury or even loss of life. Abandoned mines can result in a loss of productive land use, diminished habitat and decreased tax revenues. Abandoned mines can also have a negative impact on the property value of adjacent landowners. Threats to the environment may occur because of an unstable, nonvegetated landscape that enables sediments to be transported off-site from abandoned and active mine sites and deposited in adjacent surface waters. These impacts can be prevented by responsible practices encouraged through the nonmetallic mining reclamation regulations. This program will ensure that mine sites are returned to a productive and beneficial land use once mining is completed.
Related Questions
- Will the checkoff proceeds and matching funds from The Jockey Club be earmarked for specific programs administered by those two organizations?
- Who regulates the nonmetallic mining industry to ensure that mine reclamation is completed?
- Why are locally administered nonmetallic mining reclamation programs necessary?
