Coal Mining in Appalachia

Paper Summary:

The paper overviews the history of the development of coal mining methods in the Appalachian regions. The paper looks at underground mining, strip mining and mountaintop removal mining (MRM) as well as the problem of inadequately controlled and managed coal slurry impoundments and slag heaps. The paper also describes the harmful effects of these methods of mining on the environment. In addition, the paper refers to many studies that all emphasize the fact that a more harmonious balance between industrial coal mining and the environment needs to established.

Outline:
Introduction
The Environmental History of Appalachian Coal Mining
Environmental Impact of Coal Mining in the Appalachians
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The issue of coal mining in the Appalachian regions has in recent years been the cause of much debate and contention. The central concern in this debate is the dramatic and severe impact that coal mining has had on the environment of the region. In the age of global warming and climate change the issue of the devastation of the natural environment through mining methods such as mountaintop removal mining (MRM) tends to evoke strong and critical responses."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Baller, Mark, and Leor Joseph Pantilat. 2007. Defenders of Appalachia: The Campaign to Eliminate Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining and the Role of Public Justice. Environmental Law 37, no. 3: 629+. Database on-line. Available from Questia, http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5022837158. Internet. Accessed 1 August 2008.
• Buckley, Geoffrey L. 1998. The Environmental Transformation of an Appalachian Valley, 1850-1906. The Geographical Review 88, no. 2: 175+. Database on-line. Available from Questia, http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001410948. Internet. Accessed 1 August 2008.
• Clark, W. B., and E. B. Mathews. 1906. Report on the Physical Features of Maryland, Together with an Account of the Exhibits of Maryland Mineral Resources Made by the Maryland Geological Survey. Baltimore, Md.: Johns Hopkins Press.
• Coal Controversy in Appalachia .Essay on-line. Available from http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Study/MountaintopRemoval/.Internet. Accessed 1 August 2008.
• Coal mining ravages Appalachia mountains. Essay on-line. Available from http://www.thestar.com/sciencetech/Environment/article/306165 2008 Internet. Accessed 1 August 2008.

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