Public & DOR
The public is encouraged to contact our office with any concerns or questions related to mining or mine related problems. Although extensive reclamation work has been done to clean up and restore old mine works, new sites on private property continue to be reported. Contact our office if you would like to request a site visit.
The public can participate by soliciting comments on projects scheduled for work. Public notices of proposed projects are printed in newspapers of general circulation in the municipality or locality in which the project lies. Citizens have 30 days to submit written comments, objections, or requests for additional information. If sufficient interest is expressed by residents in the general vicinity of the proposed reclamation site, a public meeting may be scheduled.
Landowners who are directly affected by the reclamation will be contacted by staff and involved during the site survey and design. A right-of-entry agreement with the landowner gives the division and its contractor permission to enter and work on the property. After satisfactory completion of the reclamation and a warranty period to ensure vegetation is well established, the right-of-entry is terminated and the landowner has full use of the land.
What you need to know about living near Indiana coal mines
A guide is available from the Division of Reclamation to help the public and local officials further understand potential problems associated with previously mined areas. These problems may be associated with both underground and surface mined sites and can result in serious damage to improvements. Previously mined land may have many attractive features for development as residential, industrial and recreational sites. Hidden dangers such as dangerous mine openings, unstable highwalls, and unpredictable ground movement have resulted in serious damages to improvements on these sites. Additional problems can result from subsidence, mine spoils, mine impoundments, and landslides. The Indiana Division of Reclamation always suggests obtaining assistance from a qualified engineer for specific site evaluation before you buy or build on previously mined land. A list of resources is provided at the end of this booklet for additional information. Please click here to review this brochure.
Common problems found on abandoned coal mine sites in Indiana
- Abandoned buildings & structures
- Acid Mine Drainage
- Erosion
- Highwalls
- Open dumping
- Refuse Fire
- Shafts - Vertical openings
- Spoil & refuse
- Subsidence
Stay Connected
