AbstractRadon Densities over Abandoned Coal Mines in Sangamon County, IllinoisTrack: Mining and Geosciences Author Purpose: To study any possible association between radon densities and abandoned coal mines. Introduction: In Illinois, several properties exist over abandoned coal mines but radon densities associated with these areas have not been examined. This study looks at any possible association between radon densities and abandoned coal mine sites in Sangamon County. Methods: With map data and radon density measurements from State agencies, average density at each location was calculated. Numerical data was converted to spatial data and address locations over abandoned coal mine sites were illustrated using ArcGIS 9.3. Results: Higher Radon gas densities were found in locations over abandoned coal mine sites. Lower Radon gas densities were found in areas where measurement and mitigation efforts are in place. Conclusions: A possible association is demonstrated between Radon gas density levels and abandoned coal mine sites in Sangamon County, Illinois. Measurement and mitigation efforts effectively reduce Radon gas densities. Ajay Myneni University of Illinois at Springfield 2518 Lake Lansing Rd Apt 6 Lansing, Michigan 48840 United States Phone: 408-887-4310 E-mail: ajay.myneni@gmail.com |