Pennsylvania limestone caves are natural, educational, tourist destinations.
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection supports a growing multi-billion-dollar aggregate mineral industry. In 2010, Pennsylvania has 2,232 working mineral mines, a 150 percent increase since 2000. Limestone mines produce limestone concrete, mortar and plaster used in tile, brick and paint during the construction of houses and buildings. Lime makes agricultural soil alkaline. Limestone quarries provide well-paying jobs, taxes and support for local businesses. Limestone formations, with interesting minerals, crystals and fossils, make interesting tourist destinations.
Lehigh Valley Limestone
Pennsylvania limestone aggregate quarries in the Lehigh Valley export limestone cement to other states and countries. Cement exported from the northern border of the Limestone Valley, the largest cement producing region in Pennsylvania, built the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, the Holland Tunnel and the Panama Canal. The Limestone Valley is the southern half of the Lehigh Valley to the base of South Mountain. Limestone dissolves in water containing carbon dioxide and mixes with rain water forming carbonic acid. The acid further dissolves the limestone forming sediment. Limestone rocks were formed by sand and gravel covering shells and invertebrates in the ocean during the Cambrian era, 505 to 570 million years ago. Sand and gravel left by pre-historic glaciers and flowing rivers form mineral deposits and rock formations. Lost River Caverns in the Lehigh Valley is open to tourists. A field of boulders left by a glacier actually ring when they are struck with a hammer or another rock.
Geological Survey
In 2010, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Pennsylvania produced minerals worth $6.25 billion. Pennsylvania produced 150 percent more limestone in 2010 than in 1999, or more than 5 percent of the United States total. Pennsylvania has 200 working limestone mines in 2010 which employee 1969 employees. Pennsylvania is the third largest producer of limestone cement in the United States. Limestone mining is subject to Chapter 77 of Title 25 of the Pennsylvania Code, Environmental Protection. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection permits, inspects and enforces laws related to limestone mines through Bureaus of District Mining and Mining and Reclamation. Limestone mining was regulated by the Act 147 of 1971, which became Sub-chapter E of Chapter 77. The Non-coal Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act, number 219 replaced Act 147. Chapter 77 Pennsylvania law of 1984, requires licenses and permits. The regulations require licenses and permits for bonding and insurance, civil penalties, enforcement and inspections.
Limestone Mining Fees
Reasonable application and administrative fees for mining limestone vary by type of permit. A large limestone surface below the water table level requires substantial time to review and approve. Large permits are required for mines that produce more than 10,000 tons of limestone per year. Blasting approval and inspection costs considerably more. The 2,232 noncoal mining permits cost $2.5 million to process annually. Large permits generally cost $13,500. Large permits below the water level cost $20,225. Small permits cost $525 annually.
Tags: Lehigh Valley, Environmental Protection, Large permits, United States, below water, Department Environmental
