Processing Elevation Data from Satellite Images: What Works Best? BY: Aldo F. Plascencia

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) are collaborating on a two-year pilot project to use remote-sensing satellite imagery. The project focuses on three surface coal-mine sites in Washington, Tennessee and New Mexico.   Read article  Posted: 02-14-11

Ground Water Flow Parameterization of an Appalachian Coal Mine Complex

Abstract:
A Groundwater Vistas model was built of a 100 square mile, underground mined basin in SW Pennsylvania. The model assigned numerous lithologic layers corresponding to subsidence theory as aquifer units. Pumping well theory was used to simulate the mine discharge points that were then calibrated to 1970’s Operation Scarlift data at the 26 main discharge and monitoring points.
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Application of LIDAR Imagery in AML Reclamation: Case Example - Design of an AMD Passive Treatment System at the Rock Island No. 7Airshaft, Oklahoma

Abstract:
This paper discusses techniques for aerial mapping applied to designing mine drainage treatment systems in Oklahoma. The study investigated conversion of raw LIDAR data to digital topographic data useful in GIS and CAD applications, the field verification of this digital data using real-time kinematics (RTK) GPS survey instrumentation, and a presentation of an example CAD-based design of a passive treatment system.
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Regulatory Review of Blasting Related Citizen Complaints

Abstract:
The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 requires that blasting be conducted so as to prevent injury to people and damage to public or private property. The three adverse effects are flyrock, ground vibrations and airblast. Blasting close to people frequently results in complaints of annoyance or damage. Federal and State personnel are responsible for evaluating the validity of the complaint. The elements to be evaluated include: reviewing blast logs, inspecting the mine, inspecting the house, measuring ground, air and structure vibrations, and predicting vibration levels. Computer spreadsheets, with their graphical capabilities, will be used to show how data can be cross tabulated to verify data accuracy. Complete statistical analyses of vibrations require more powerful software to make vibration predictions. Once all available data are gathered and verified, a decision on the complaint can be made.
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