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Potential dangers from mining include the disposal of the large volumes of sulfide waste rock, the discharge of acid and heavy metals into water supplies and natural habitats and the disruption of the landscape. Additionally, there remains an ongoing environmental threat from mining operations that were closed before the development of current standards. EPA, working with state and local authorities, regulates stormwater discharges from mining operations. The Agency also requires that designs for new and proposed mines and mining waste facilities include control measures for pollutants. These measures are also being applied to the closure of existing facilities and in reclaiming abandoned sites. In addition to these measures, the agency promotes research activities to improve control and monitoring technologies for the mining industry.
Recommended EPA Web pages |
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Mineral Waste