EL PASO COUNTY NATURAL HAZARDS CLEARINGHOUSE
Sinkhole caused by coal mine subsidence - Colorado Springs	Mine Subsidence The loss of ground elevation, varying from gradual to sudden, due to environmental forces acting upon it.  Subsidence related to natural phenomena, such as erosion or geological movement, have changed little throughout time.  Subsidence has become a greater issue in recent history subsequent to man’s impact upon the environment.  Common causes are withdrawal of fluids (i.e. groundwater or petroleum), dissolution of subsurface limestone rock (i.e. caves or aquifers), natural compaction of soils and underground mining.  In El Paso County, the majority of subsidence related hazards are related to coalfields and their surrounding areas.
Links National Mining Association Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology (DMG) Abandoned Mines Colorado Geological Survey Hazards Information Hazards Publications Mitigation Information Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Strategic Plan Surface Mining Law - Public Law 95-87 Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology - Colorado Mine Subsidence Protection Program Colorado Office of Emergency Managament
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