Effects of surface mining on aquatic resources in North America

Surface mining could affect topography, soil and sub-surface geological structure and hydrological regimes. Patterns of water delivery and water quality might be altered. Coal mining, sand and gravel dredging or quarrying, phosphate-rock deposit removal, peat mining or dredging and heavy metal mining are known to cause particular problems with pollution, habitat destruction and erosion. The American Fisheries Society's policy is to encourage energy conservation, use of renewable resources and recycling to reduce the need for minerals and fuels obtained by mining. It encourages its members to provide technical information about protection and management of fishery resources to policy makers so that decisions could be based on the best available scientific data.