OSM NEWS
U. S. Department of the Interior
Office of Surface Mining

Jerry Childress (202) 208-2719
jchildre@osmre.gov

        OSM RELEASES FINAL OVERSIGHT REPORT, ACTION PLAN  
             FOR KENTUCKY MOUNTAIN TOP MINING ISSUES 

     Kathrine Henry, Acting Director of the Interior Department's Office of Surface Mining
Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), today announced the release of OSM's final oversight
report evaluating approximate original contour and post-mining land uses for mountaintop
mining in Kentucky.  

     The report finalizes the conclusions and recommendations included in a draft report
released in September 1999.  Because only minor changes were made as a result of public
outreach, OSM chose not to republish the draft report in its entirety.  Interested parties should
refer to the draft report for further discussion of the findings and analyses that led to the
conclusions and recommendations being announced today.

     "The final report summarizes our findings and recommendations, but more importantly, it
includes the action plan addressing the problems that were identified," Henry said.  "OSM and
Kentucky have worked cooperatively throughout the entire review process to identify program
strengths and weaknesses.  Kentucky has sought input from its stakeholders in developing
solutions to the weaknesses that were  identified."

     According to Henry the action plan addresses all of the issues raised in the oversight
report.  In order to achieve consistency between the states, Kentucky has agreed to develop a
guidance document to assist permit reviewers in making approximate original contour
determinations.  To address review findings, Kentucky is also revising database systems,
findings documents, and reviewing post-mining land uses.  In addition, Kentucky has submitted
a proposed program amendment relating to steep slope variances affecting surface or
groundwater hydrology.

     For more information about the Kentucky report, contact Al Klein, OSM Appalachian
Regional Director, telephone: (412) 937-2828.  Electronic copies of both the draft report and the
final report are available on OSM's web page.  You may view or download copies of the report
at: http://www.osmre.gov/mtindex.htm.  Additionally, copies of the final report may be obtained
from OSM's Lexington Field Office, 2675 Regency Road, Lexington, Kentucky 40503-2922,
telephone (859) 260-8400.




                              -OSM-

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