Subsidence Control Measures

Public Law 95-87, the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA), Section 516 (b), requires the underground coal mining operator to "adopt measures consistent with known technology in order to prevent subsidence cawing material damage to the extent technologically and economically feasible, maximize mine stability, and maintain the value and reasonably foreseeable we of such surface lands, except in those instances where the mining technology wed requires planned subsidence in a predictable and controlled manner.. . ." Congress also directed the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations to implement the law. As a result, the control of subsidence from underground coal mining to minimize surface damage has become the mandate of a federal law. This paper discusses the mechanics of subsidence and the effects of subsidence on ground features. This paper also summarizes some measures used to minimize the possibility of damage to structures as a result of subsidence due to underground coal mining.