The Surface Mining Unit is responsible for the reclamation of abandoned coal mines in Kansas under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (P.L. 95-87). Federal funds are available through the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement for the reclamation of past mining problems that are hazardous to the health, safety, and general welfare of the public. Abandoned Mine Land (AML) reclamation includes the following construction activities:
- land clearing
- backfilling and grading
- erosion and site drainage control
- guardrail and fence installation
- demolition and disposal
- revegetation
Abandoned Mine Land Inventory
Kansas has more than 350 abandoned coal mine sites identified with health and safety problems. To learn more about abandoned mine land across the U.S., view the Abandoned Mine Land Inventory System. The cost to reclaim all problems on the inventory is over 800 million dollars.