Burning Coal When You Don't Want To

Technocrat

Burning Coal When You Don't Want To

zogger

Wed Nov 21 20:46:23 -0800 2007

Environment

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Much has been written about the pollution caused by burning coal in power plants, but at least there is a trade off when we get useful electricity. But what about uncontrolled coal mine fires? Recently, a fire that raged underground for 50 years in China was finally put out-but that still leaves thousands more burning there. One such fire has been burning since the 1800s.

.."Some scientists say that the fires could release as much as 360 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere — as much as all the cars and light lorries in the United States."....more, waste not want not there. sort of hard to put out in the same area with less and less water available.

Burning Coal When You Don't Want To

Verteiron

Wed Nov 21 21:01:01 -0800 2007
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There was a show about these fires on the BBC world service not too long ago. A village had houses collapsing, toxic fumes pouring out of holes, and parts of the ground so hot it would melt the soles of your shoes. Not fun.

There's also one of these fires still on-going in the (now abandoned) town of Centralia, Pennsylvania. It's been burning since 1962 and has resisted all attempts to extinguish it. Current estimates point to it continuing to burn for another 60 years, at least.

Burning Coal When You Don't Want To

Altacus

Fri Nov 23 19:42:22 -0800 2007
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Crazy! I think its great news that they stopped the fire. It such a waste of resources. Kudos!