Surface coal mining in the mountainous areas of Appalachia generates controversy because of its scale and the post-mining appearance of the land. This report examined the characteristics of: (1) surface coal mining; and (2) reclaimed lands that were disturbed by surface coal mining in the mountainous, eastern part of Kentucky and in West Virginia, where most such mining occurs. Fed. and state law requires mining operators to obtain permits before mining. The permits identify the acres under open permit and how the land will be reclaimed -- including the post-mining land use, whether the approximate original contour of the land will be restored, and the extent to which excess earth, rock, and other materials are placed in nearby valleys. Illustrations.

Surface coal mining : characteristics of mining in mountainous areas of Kentucky and West Virginia : report to congressional requesters.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent agency that works for Congress. The GAO watches over Congress, and investigates how the federal government spends taxpayers dollars. The Comptroller General of the United States is the leader of the GAO, and is appointed to a 15-year term by the U.S. President. The GAO wants to support Congress, while at the same time doing right by the citizens of the United States. They audit, investigate, perform analyses, issue legal decisions and report anything that the government is doing. This is one of their reports.

Surface mining for coal in Appalachia has generated opposition because rock and dirt from mountaintops is removed and placed in valleys and streams. The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) and states regulate these mines. Mine operators must provide financial assurances to allow mines to be reclaimed. This report examined: (1) the approaches OSM and the states have taken to obtain financial assurances for surface coal mines with valley fills; (2) fed. and state agencies' monitoring of these mines after reclamation and mitigation are complete; and (3) the fed. laws agencies may use, and have used, to address latent environ. problems. The report gathered info. from agencies in KY, TN, VA, and WV. Illus. This is a print on demand report.