320 CONFERENCE ON NATURAL BEAUTY 



The spoil banks left by strip mining create a strikingly ugly blot 

 on the landscape that is all out of proportion to the percent of land 

 stripped. Moreover, strip mining has often led to stream pollution, 

 either alone or in combination with deep mining. Using Indiana 

 again as an example, while only about 2 percent of the land area 

 has been affected in the 19 strip mining counties and while acres- 

 per-county vary from only 20 to 16,755 acres, strip mining disturbs 

 the landscape in all 19 counties and is a major eyesore in at least 15. 

 In regards to pollution, it is well known that acid materials seep into 

 the Patoka River and reportedly make it barren of fish life for about 

 58 miles. Looking at a broader view of six States which border on 

 the Ohio River, about 5,194 miles of streams are affected in that 

 area by acid mine pollution. 



The vegetation of all but a few highly acid spoil banks can be suc- 

 cessfully done with trees, shrubs, and grasses. A great deal of planting 

 with these materials has been done but there are gaps in reclamation 

 that need more attention, particularly in beautification along roads 

 and highways. In Indiana about 82,475 acres have been strip mined, 

 and of these, 69,092 acres have been reclaimed and 9,476 acres of 

 water have been produced. The latter are a source of excellent fish- 

 ing where not polluted by acid materials. 



In nearly all States where strip mining is widespread there are laws 

 that regulate strip mining and provide for reclamation. These laws 

 vary from State to State. Considerable differences exist among 

 them in the degree of leveling required, and in methods of in- 

 spection and enforcement. A study of existing State regulations 

 should be made immediately as a basis for recommending model 

 and effective State regulations. These should be so drawn up that 

 they could be fitted to the special geologic, topographic and eco- 

 nomic conditions of the various States. A uniform Federal law 

 should not be imposed upon the States involved. 



A solution to the strip mine problems should be sought in strong 

 State regulations supported by active mining associations and 

 corporations. This would require professional reclamation staffs 

 employed by the mining industry to be reinforced by Federal 

 and State cooperation in such items as planting stock and inspec- 

 tion. The present Federal agencies are adequate to do this 

 with cooperation of the State conservation departments and mining 

 industries if adequate financial support is given. Such a system has 

 worked in Indiana for a number of years. Shakamak State Park 



