Public views of reclaiming an abandoned coal mine: the Macoupin County project
An abandoned underground coal mine waste area in Macoupin County, Illinois, has been reclaimed for demonstration and research purposes near the city of Staunton. According to federal law, end uses of reclaimed coal mines must be determined in part by local concerns. This study examined local residents' preferences for land uses and their social and economic evaluations of reclamation at the Macoupin County site. Personal interviews with 119 residents revealed preferences for recreational use of the demonstration area; however, responses were probably influenced by prior awareness of land-use intentions. Generally, very positive evaluations of the reclamation were received. Willingness to pay for reclamation appears to be linked to fulfillment of desired recreational uses on the site and socioeconomic status of the respondent. In general, the research results provide further evidence that the value of abatement of environmental damage from mining is recognized and supported in economic terms at the public level.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31-109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 7181722
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/LRP-7
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
COAL MINES
LAND RECLAMATION
PUBLIC OPINION
LAND USE
EVALUATION
ILLINOIS
SURVEYS
UNDERGROUND MINING
GREAT LAKES REGION
MINES
MINING
NORTH AMERICA
USA
010900* - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Environmental Aspects
294001 - Energy Planning & Policy- Coal
290200 - Energy Planning & Policy- Economics & Sociology