Mine Safety and Health Administration
Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978
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U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978 |
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www.msha.gov |  |
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In 1972, the tragic failure of the coal waste dam at Buffalo Creek occurred. As a result of this failure, MSHA promulgated regulations (30CFR 77.214, 77. 215 and 77.216) requiring mining companies, which have dams that meet the size or hazard criteria spelled out in these regulations, to submit an engineering design plan, certified by a registered professional engineer, to the MSHA District manager for Approval. These dams then have to be constructed and maintained according to the approved design plan. Since these regulations were promulgated (1975), there have been no incidents of dam failures at any coal waste impoundments.
 There have been four instances, during this period, where the water and slurry from the impoundment has broken into an abandoned coal mine, passed through the mine, and created an uncontrolled release of water and slurry at an area beyond the impoundment. Each of these cases has resulted in environmental damage, but there have been no losses of life. |
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Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) 1100 Wilson Boulevard, 21st Floor Arlington, VA 22209-3939 |
Phone:
(202) 693-9400 Fax-on-demand: (202) 693-9401 Technical (web) questions: Webmaster On-line Filing Help: MSHAhelpdesk@dol.gov or call (877) 778-6055 Contact Us | |
