The disposal in mines (active and abandoned) of coal ash from power plants
has been a contentious issue in Indiana in recent years. Some environmental
groups have argued that disposing ash in coal mines could introduce contaminants
into ground water. For current practices regarding the disposal of ash in active
coal mines, contact the Indiana
Department of Natural Resources, Division of Reclamation.
A project to investigate the effects on ground water of ash used to reclaim
an abandoned coal mine is described in Hydrology
and Water Quality Associated with the Midwestern Reclamation Site (Site No.
1087) Pike County, Indiana.