Rural Abandoned Mine Program: As Authorized by Section 406 of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977: Environmental Impact Statement

The Rural Abandoned Mine Program (RAMP) will help landowners develop and apply plans for the reclamation, conservation, and development of eligible lands affected by coal mining. Participation in the program is voluntary. The program will be carried out in cooperation with conservation districts. RAMP provides cost sharing to landowners through long-term contracts funded through Congressional appropriations from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund. This statement explores alternative methods to administer RAMP and the environmental consequences of the selected program alternative. It demonstrates that the environmental effects of individual actions under the program will not have significant adverse effects on the human environment. There will be cumulative impacts over the life of the program. These impacts will be caused by the reduction of acid mine drainage, erosion, and sedimentation. Streams, ponds, and land will be improved for fish, wildlife, and human use. Areas subject to landslides and other hazardous conditions will be stabilized, reducing safety hazards to people and property. Returning the land to beneficial use will improve productivity, increase economic return, enlarge the tax base, improve wildlife habitat, and enhance the visual quality of the landscape. The use of funds under this program is an irreversible and irretrievable commitment of resources. Final program rules and regulations will be issued 30 days after the final EIS is made available to the public.