The Effects of Mountaintop Removal Mining on Appalachian Communities

Please welcome guest author Amanda Winstead. Winstead is a writer from the Portland, OR area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.

Appalachia is renowned for its rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. It has also played a key role in the development of the U.S. as an industrial nation. The boom of coal mining in the region following the Civil War helped serve the increasing demand for fuel. It also brought greater employment to the area, which provided lifestyle benefits to many families that had previously experienced poverty. Though, it has to be said that the primary economic benefits were to the independent coal barons rather than Appalachian miners. 

Here in the 21st century, the landscape of coal mining has changed significantly. One of the ways this presents itself is in the adoption of newer and more efficient methods. Rather than sending workers into shafts, many companies have opted to utilize mountaintop removal mining techniques. But does this mean that local residents also benefit from such changes? 

We’re going to examine the effects of mountaintop removal mining on Appalachian communities a little closer.

What Is Mountaintop Removal?

Before we get into the effect mountaintop removal is having on Appalachian communities, it’s helpful to understand what it is. In essence, it’s a form of surface mining that doesn’t require tunnels or pits. Companies first identify the location of coal seams in mountains. They then clear the land of vegetation and other surface elements. From here, holes are drilled to insert explosives. Upon detonation, the resulting debris is removed, leaving the coal seam exposed. This allows companies to scoop out the coal using heavy machinery.  

This practice began in Appalachia in the 1960s. On one hand, it’s intended to be a relatively cheap and efficient way to get as much coal out of a mountain as possible. Companies have also frequently claimed it is a safer alternative to underground coal mining, as there are ostensibly fewer risks to workers. This isn’t just attractive to mining companies due to mitigating worker injuries, but it also avoids union action related to miner safety.

Unfortunately, the benefits of mountaintop removal methods are almost entirely geared toward corporations and investors. Appalachian communities have limited access to the wealth this approach produces. Indeed, in recent years there has been a range of reports and movements highlighting just how destructive this technique is.

The Health Implications

Appalachian communities already live with a range of wellness challenges. Compared to their urban counterparts, rural citizens tend to experience a higher risk of negative health outcomes. The causes of this range from untreated chronic illnesses to a lack of health insurance. There are also environmental factors that contribute to health problems. Though mountaintop mining was promoted as a safer form of coal extraction, it actually continues to feature among these negative health influences.

One of the most prominent issues is in relation to respiratory health. Traditional mining had a prevalent employee health concern with Black Lung disease. However, mountaintop removal methods present air quality problems for the wider community. A recent study suggests that residents of mountaintop removal mining areas had higher deposits of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and particulate matter in their lungs.

This effect on air quality is considered to have a range of health implications. Research conducted by Indiana University’s Michael Hendryx suggests that cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs) are common outcomes. This research compared Appalachian residents in areas both hosting mountaintop removal and those that didn’t. So, other potential contributing lifestyle and environmental factors have been taken into account here. Hendryx also asserts that there is evidence of birth defects as a result of living in close proximity to mountaintop removal techniques. 

The Environmental Concerns

There is little denying that mountaintop removal mining has a significant impact on the local ecosystem. Given that between 800 and 1000 feet can be removed from the tops of mountains, the landscape is certainly expected to change. Nevertheless, it’s important to recognize that the effects aren’t just cosmetic. Appalachian communities are frequently witnessing damage to the local environment as a result of these activities. 

Firstly, before explosives can be inserted, the area must be prepared. This involves removing trees and other natural features. The resulting deforestation destroys the habitats of local wildlife, forcing relocation. Not to mention that wildlife and woodland can be destroyed directly by explosions when they occur. The process can also introduce toxins to Appalachian water systems, poisoning the animal and plant life that relies on these sources of hydration.  

Though industry in Appalachian areas is almost inevitable, environmental damage needn’t be. Local industries and governments can adopt sustainable development practices that protect the environment while supporting economic growth. This could include incentivizing businesses to commit to methods that minimize emissions and protect local biodiversity. On both a regional and national level, greater investment in renewable energy development rather than destructive mining techniques could make a positive difference.

The Quality of Life Impact

The impact of mountaintop mining on Appalachian communities isn’t limited to wellness and environmental elements. It’s important to recognize that there are significant knock-on effects on other areas of residents’ lives. Mountaintop removal mining is an invasive process on a variety of levels and this alters the quality of life that Appalachian residents should be able to expect. Some of these effects are immediately recognizable. Others occur over the course of generations. 

One of the key long-term negative effects of mountaintop removal mining is that it introduces or exacerbates poverty. While traditional coal mining had its problems, it was a key source of employment. Mountaintop removal methods are largely mechanized in nature and present fewer entry-level work vacancies. It can also reduce the potential for development and tourism in communities even after mining has been completed.

There’s no doubt that on a day-to-day level, this approach to coal extraction affects residents’ quality of life. Appalachian communities live with the soundtrack of explosions and heavy machinery. Loud industrial vehicles frequently travel through previously quiet residential areas. Many people’s houses are subjected to tremors, and residents can be injured by the resulting damage. 

Indeed, locals’ ability to present legal challenges to protect their quality of life is often hampered by the economic challenges many communities face. There are some organizations and initiatives supporting the drive for change. But with so many people living below the poverty line in Appalachian communities, fighting deep pocketed corporations proves difficult.