inspections
Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation
The Job of the AML
The State of Alabama Department of Labor Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program (AML) is responsible for resolving problems such as mine fires, mine subsidence, dangerous highwalls, open shafts and portals, mining-impacted water supplies and other hazards which have resulted from past coal mining (pree-1977) practices in accordance with requirements established by the federal Office of Surface Mining under authority of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA).
SMCRA Defines Lands and Waters Eligible for Reclamation
Lands and waters which were mined for coal or which were affected by such mining, wastebanks, coal processing, or other coal mining processes and abandoned or left in an inadequate reclamation status prior to Aug. 3, 1977, and for which there is no continuing reclamation responsibility under state or federal laws. As required by SMCRA, Alabama has documented an inventory of AML sites with Priority 1 and Priority 2 health and safety hazards. The estimated cost to reclaim these high priority sites exceeds $100 million. Many additional sites remain undocumented and future problems, such a mine subsidence, will continue to occur due to Alabama AML legacy. AML selects P1 and P2 sites for reclamation from those reported to the agency by the public, or by government agencies, and from sites in the AML inventory that have a significant impact on the public.
Economic Benefits
In addition to the obvious benefits to Alabama through the elimination of mine-related safety hazards and improvements to the environment, the program has impacted positively on local economies as dollars are spent on reclamation work.
Reporting an Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Emergency Problem
Abandoned Mine Land emergencies are hazards that occur suddenly and present an immediate threat to the public health and safety. They are caused by abandoned underground or surface coal mines and need immediate attention.
Alabama Mine Map Repository
The State Of Alabama Department of Labor’s Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program maintains and provides digital access to the Alabama Mine Map Repository for Underground Mines. Directory of Underground Mine Maps The Repository is digitally archived in our Vestavia Hills, Alabama Office and consists primarily of underground coal mine maps with a few selected underground metal ore* mine maps as well. The Repository is managed by our GIS Professional and most maps have been geo-referenced. Please be advised that copies of the underground mine maps are unavailable to the public pursuant to State Coal Mining Laws (Ala. Code §§ 25-9-300 through 25-9-304). *Metal ore mine maps are not subject to this restriction. An appointment is required to review the available maps. The Underground Mine Map Repository can be reviewed at: The Alabama Department of Labor Abandoned Mine Reclamation Office 1400 Urban Center Drive, Suite 200, Vestavia Hills, Alabama
read more?Jeff Butler
AML Program Manager
Alabama Department of Workforce
Abandoned Land Reclamation Program
1400 Urban Center Drive, Suite 200
Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35242
Office Phone: 205-945-8671
Direct Line: 205-582-5185
Email: jeffrey.butler@labor.alabama.gov
For emergencies such as subsidence and gob fires, please call 205-582-5185 or 205-945-8671
For emergencies occurring after hours and weekends call: 205-582-5185 and please leave a voicemail.
Please include your name, number and the nature of the problem.
*Please do not e-mail in case of an emergency*