Abstract
This report presents a review of available dewatering technology and an evaluation of its relevance to surface coal mines in the interior province of the United States. Guidelines for the selection, design, and construction of dewatering systems are included. On the basis of documented experience, candidate dewatering systems were selected and evaluated with respect to their anticipated impact on the environment and mine operations. Included in the discussion is a summary of laws and regulations that can impact on dewatering operations. Geologic and hydrogeologic conditions within the interior province are described and potential dewatering problems at surface coal mines are identified. Model mines were developed that exhibit the most difficult dewatering problems, and it is demonstrated how available technology can be utilized to deal with them. Dewatering of coarse-grained, high permeability terrace deposits might be economically feasible. Low permeability, saturated glacial tills or lake deposits appear to be significantly outside present economic feasibility for dewatering.
