The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment through May 22nd about the abandoned mine lands reclamation projects that have been selected for work through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
IDNR’s Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Division was awarded $75.7 million for land and water reclamation work at 55 abandoned mine sites throughout Illinois during the first year of the grant. IDNR is eligible to receive $75.7 million per year for a total of 15 years through IIJA to address additional reclamation projects.
The Abandoned Mine Land program addresses serious environmental and safety problems at coal and non-coal mines that were abandoned prior to Aug. 3, 1977.
Projects proposed for the first year of the grant include:
Henry County
Galva Coal Co. – Reclamation of vertical opening to fill shafts correctly.
Knox County
Snakeden Hollow – Modifications to a dam are needed to accommodate water level fluctuations.
Sanchez Property – Dangerous slope and embankment will be addressed; site is located near a residential home.
Round House Dam – Reclamation of culverts to prevent future possible dam failure.
Hook and Bullet Club – Grading the barren waste areas to eliminate gullies and steep slopes, with acid mine drainage treatment.
Farmington Embankments – Reclamation of clogged stream, dangerous piles or embankments, and dangerous highwall to correct the extreme hazard to local farmers and residents.
And McDonough County
Argyle Lake State Park Drift – Reclaim the portal; the drift is just 30 feet from a park road and adjacent to a display, where visitation is quite high.
Colchester West – Reclaim vertical openings and gob material, which is releasing acid mine drainage and sedimentation.
