When mining coal, the waste water from mines contains sulfuric acid. Strip mining involves removing surface layers of soil and rock to reach the coal underneath, leaving a large, visible scar on the side of the mountains. Many states now require coal companies to do post-reclaimation by replacing soil and planting new trees, but if steep sopes have been cut and the soil is too poluted to grow vegetation, new plants are washed away and tons of soil can slide downhill and collect as sediment at the bottom of mountains and in streams. Somelands are so damaged by strip mining, they can never be used again while others have been slowly restored by nature. Large tailings piles of wast soil and rock are usually formed at mining sites.
Mining equipment is very noisy and explosives are used.
Each Homeowner's group gets 1 vote. List 3 reasons for your final decision.