Eco Reclamation Time Line

Reclamation began with the need to conserve water, while sharing it with people in arid lands. Reclamation continued into the 1920’s and 1930’s spurred on with the drought taking place during the Depression. Under Franklin Roosevelt reclamation rose to a new level and established dams throughout the country to supply power to a rapidly growing country. Not until 1977 with the passing of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Actor of 1977 that focus shifted to reclaiming land and mines that were affecting ecosystems and people around them. The following time line begins with water reclamation and moves through legislation and on to major reclamation projects.

1884 - The Carey Land Act promoted conservation of natural resources and the encouragement ofirrigation for land in arid places.

1901 - During his administration, former President Theodore Roosevelt promoted restoration of land devastated from farming, grazing and deforestation.

1902 - The Reclamation Act of 1902 prompted the U.S. government to construct irrigation systems for farmers in need. The systems received funding from the sales of public land.

1902 - The Bureau of Reclamation was established, creating powerplants, dams, and canals. The Bureau promoted further development in the West.

1920 - Former President Franklin Roosevelt instituted his "New Deal." After a massive drought, the WPAl helped control floods and develop power sources through dams.

1970 - Former President Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency in response to extensive pollution and environmental damage.

1972 - The United Nations met in Stockholm Sweden and created the United Nations Environmental Program. The program investigated damage to the atmosphere, ecosystem, and air quality.

1977 - The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1977, establishes standards for mining activities. The Act also requires mining companies to research the environmental impacts to the land, water, and wildlife before mining commences.

1977 -Under the Reclamation act the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement was established. The Office controls surface and coal mining operations.

1980 - The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, Liability Act (CERCLA), or the "Super Fund" was created to protect people, communities, and families from toxic waste resulting from abandoned mines.

1980 - The EPA oversees the evacuation of residences near Love Canal in New York. The EPA also oversaw the research into the toxic levels found in the area.

1982 - The EPA approved a plan to reclaim abandoned mines in Virginia. The Super Fund made the plan possibl

1990 - The EPA creates land disposal restriction for hazardous waste. The regulations prevent pollution by requiring toxic material to be treated before release into the ground.

2000 - Ore Hill Mine Reclamation project begins and reaches completion in 2006.

For additional information on reclamation projects see profiled Eco Reclamation Sites within this Web site.