Community involvement and the determination of use of surface mined land : Eagan Mountain case study

This thesis was developed to address a perceived development problem in the resource rich areas of Appalachia. Specifically, the research focused on utilizing the principles of planning to assure that the mandated reclamation of surface mined land, put forth in the Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act, addressed community need and values.

Persons who would participate in the permit to surface mine in the state of Tennessee were interviewed concerning their perception of development and reclamation in the area, as well as their perceptions concerning the possibility of including a substantial amount of community involvement in the process. A case study community and a potential mine site were selected and a problem solving process was conducted to address the goals, objectives, and values of the community concerning the site.

The research suggests that there is a need for incorporating the principles of planning into the process of mining and reclaiming lands, and that it is feasible to do so. Further research is suggested to develop guidelines in order to implement such a process.