What is an Emergency Problem?

Under the Surface Mining Law, emergency problems are abandoned coal mine hazards that present an immediate danger to the public health, safety, or general welfare. Typically, emergency abandoned mine land problems include: landslides, open portals and shafts, subsidence, and waste bank and underground mine fires discovered near houses, roadways, and populated areas. Because health, safety, and property can be seriously threatened by Abandoned Mine Land emergency problems, rapid response is critical.

To report a coal mining related emergency within the Appalachian Region, please mouse over the state and click for contact information.