Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has begun construction on four new abandoned mine land (AML) reclamation projects in Mahaska and Marion Counties. The four projects encompass approximately 150 acres and represent nearly $4.9 million in new water quality and soil conservation work.
The new projects are in addition to significant AML activity already underway across southern Iowa. Nine other projects are currently under construction, while an additional 21 sites are in various stages of design and planning.
“Abandoned mine reclamation is an important part of our work to improve water quality and soil health,” said Secretary Naig. “We’re taking land that was once hazardous and making it productive again. These projects make a lasting difference for the land, water and communities where this work is taking place. For more than four decades, our team and partners have been steadily reclaiming abandoned mine lands across southern Iowa. We’ve made tremendous progress, but there is still important work ahead as we continue to move these projects forward.”
Source : iowaagriculture.gov