Mine Mapping and Surveying - Coal Waste Impoundments: Risks, Responses, and Alternatives - page 60

SIDEBAR 4.2 MINE MAPS AND STORAGE, STATE OF WEST
VIRGINIA
West Virginia is in the process of creating a geographic information
system inventory of coal resources that incorporates both geologic
information and underground mine locations, at the standard 1:24,000
scale used for U.S. Geological Survey topographic and geologic
quadrangle maps. Coal resource data include outcrop locations, structural
contours of coal seams, total (coal plus partings) seam thickness, and
percentage of in-seam partings. Stratigraphy and coal seam correlation
are accomplished using core logs, geophysical (e-logs), measured coal
outcrop sections, in-mine coal sections and bottom-of-seam elevations,
coal bed discontinuities, and coal analyses (heating value per pound [Btu/
lb)] and percentage of sulfur, and ash).
The digital mine mapping system is in the initial stage of
development. Mapping has been completed for Fayette County and the
northern panhandle counties. The present focus of the project is the
southern West Virginia coalfield, where the majority of current mining
activity occurs. Underground, surface, and auger mines are being
mapped. The West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey is
concurrently mapping the location of impoundments that overlie old mine
workings. Map records dating to the end of the 19th century are
maintained on microfiche at two state agencies. Records for more than
100,000 mines are available for public inspection and copying.
SOURCE: N.Fedorko, West Virginia Geological Survey, personal
communication, 2001.
approaches in Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky indicates significant
differences in scope of data collection, storage, and access.
National Archive for Mine Maps
OSM maintains a National Mine Map Repository in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania ( http://mmr.osmre.gov ). Some maps in the repository were
originally maintained in the U.S. Bureau of Mines files and were transferred to
OSM. OSM accepts maps for inclusion in the repository from various sources,
including the states, and makes the archived maps available upon request. OSM
has no regulation requiring the submission of maps but does have informal
arrangements with MSHA to provide copies of the final map for abandoned
mines. In addition, some copies of mine maps are prepared to illustrate mine
ventilation systems, and these maps may not contain all the mine map
information required by 30 C.F.R. §§ 75.1200 and 75.1200-1. The repository
may receive such copies in lieu of the final map.