Regional Studies Program. Extraction of North Dakota lignite: environmental and reclamation issues

Basis for a National Reclamation Plan by Special Committee to Study Health and Environmental Effects of Increased Coal Production.

“…The most expensive steps in surface mine reclamation are topsoil removal, storage and replacement, backfilling and grading, and erosion control. Uniformity is lacking in reporting these costs but with topsoiling, estimates for North Dakota range from $2400 to $6600/acre (31). If additional segregation of lower soil horizons is found to be necessary in order to return land to a productivity level equal to or greater than premining levels, it may be just a matter of added cost/ton of coal mined.…”