Conclusions and Recommendations - Coal Waste Impoundments: Risks, Responses, and Alternatives - page 152

• Implementing a coordinated and assertive approach to collecting and
archiving mine maps,
• Scanning paper copies of mine maps into electronic data files upon
receipt,
• Setting standards for minimum closure error for all underground
closed-loop surveys and that a closed-loop survey be maintained within
a standard distance (to be determined by MSHA),
• Recording the depth of the last cut taken to a level of accuracy to be
determined by MSHA,
• Using state plane coordinates or latitude and longitude and bottom-of-
seam elevations as the map base reference,
• Listing of appropriate coordinate transformation equation(s) on the
mine map,
• Adding a qualifying statement to accompany any coordinate
transformation that is based upon the alignment of surface features,
• Improving and maintaining the location of surface controls,
• Determining which mine permit documents should be retained, in what
form, and for how long,
• Avoiding the use of coal seam names as the sole basis for determining
the vertical location of an abandoned mine.
In situations where no mine maps are available or there is reason to doubt
the accuracy of maps that do exist, additional investigation of the relative
location of underground mine workings with respect to an existing or proposed
impoundment is warranted. Chapter 5 reviews a variety of geophysical
techniques that can be used to obtain additional information. Some drilling of
boreholes is likely to be of value in most site characterization efforts, but the
use of geophysical techniques along with drilling has potential to provide
additional useful information. The committee concludes that geophysical
techniques have been underutilized in the coal-mining industry and could
benefit from additional research. The committee recommends that
demonstration projects using modern geophysical techniques be funded,
and that the results be widely conveyed to the mining industry and to
government regulatory personnel through workshops and continuing
education. Continuing education could include the opportunity to attend short
courses and seminars that present the latest technology along with case histories
to support its use.