KANSAS
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT
BILL GRAVES, GOVERNOR
Gary R. Mitchell, Secretary
For Immediate Release
Contact: Murray J. Balk, Chief
Surface Mining Section
KDHE Surface Mining Section to Exhibit at Environmental Enhancement Exhibition
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Surface Mining Section (SMS) will exhibit at the Kansas Land Improvement Contractors Association Environmental Enhancement Exhibition to be held at the Greenbush - Southeast Kansas Education Service Center west of Girard on Friday, Aug. 28 and Saturday, Aug. 29. The Exhibition will be open Friday noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m to 3 p.m.
Three SMS displays in two locations will focus on the reclamation of abandoned coal mine lands with emphasis on turning "mine spoil" into "soil." Visitors will be able to compare samples of native topsoil, untreated "mine spoil" and treated "mine spoil." Photographs of areas that have been mined and then reclaimed will be on display, along with a sample of a Kansas coal mining permit.
The KDHE Emergency Program Project database will also be featured. The database lists details of areas where past coal mining problems created an extreme danger to life and property. The Emergency Program responds when an abandoned underground coal mine roof suddenly collapses, causing the ground to subside.
The KDHE Surface Mining Section may be reached at 316-231-8540.
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