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Abandoned Mine Land (AML)

Land and water resources that were disturbed by coal mining activities before August 3, 1977, and have not been properly cleaned up or restored, often causing environmental problems.

Mine Drainage

Water that flows from mines, often acidic and containing heavy metals, which can pollute rivers, streams, and groundwater.

Reclamation

The process of restoring land and water that has been damaged by mining to a more natural and productive state, often involving reshaping land, replanting vegetation, and treating polluted water.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

A formal agreement between two or more parties, like a state and federal agency, that outlines their shared goals and how they will work together on a specific project or issue.

Community Reclaimer

A non-governmental organization, like an environmental group or watershed association, that participates in cleaning up and restoring abandoned mine sites.

Liability Shield

Legal protection that reduces a person's or organization's responsibility for costs or damages, making them less vulnerable to lawsuits.

Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA)