In fulfilling its function, the OSMRE Library is providing information, links, and downloads of materials appropriate for surface mine design, evaluation, environmental protection, reclamation design, and bond release.

Disclaimer: The technologies described on this site are for information purposes only. The mention herein, of the technologies, companies or any brand names does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.

Each group of publications accredits the provenance or copyrights.

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• Guidelines

  • I. Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation Version 2, (RUSLE2)
  • II. Guidelines for the Use of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), Version 1.06 on Mined Lands, Construction Sites, and Reclaimed Lands
    • Further Information
      • A variety of human activities disturb the land surface of the earth, and thereby alter natural erosion rates. Federal and State legislation mandate erosion control and sediment containment from lands subjected to many activities, including mining, construction, and reclamation. Effective erosion control and sediment containment begin with the project-planning process. At this time, predisturbance rates of soil loss and sediment discharge can be assessed, together with the rates that are likely to occur during and following land disturbance. Then, several erosion-control and sediment-containment strategies can be evaluated in terms of effectiveness and cost. The results of these evaluations may be part of a required permit application.
      • The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) is a set of mathematical equations that estimate average annual soil loss and sediment yield resulting from interrill and rill erosion. It is derived from the theory of erosion processes, more than 10,000 plot-years of data from natural rainfall plots, and numerous rainfall-simulation plots. RUSLE is an exceptionally well-validated and documented equation. A strength of RUSLE is that it was developed by a group of nationally-recognized scientists and soil conservationists who had considerable experience with erosional processes. RUSLE retains the structure of its predecessor, the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE).
      • RUSLE reflects the evolutionary development of erosion-prediction technology. For nearly 100 years, erosion data have been collected, analyzed, presented, and discussed in the professional arenas of agricultural and civil engineers, agronomists, soil scientists, geologists, hydrologists, and geomorphologists. The breadth and depth of these scientific investigations allow confidence in the application of RUSLE for the estimation of soil loss from mined lands, construction sites, and reclaimed lands.
      • RUSLE resulted from a 1985 workshop of government agency and university soil-erosion scientists. The workshop participants concluded that the USLE should be updated to incorporate the considerable amount of erosion information that had accumulated since the publication of Agriculture Handbook 537 (in 1978) and to specifically address the application of the USLE to land uses other than agriculture. This effort resulted in the computerized technology of RUSLE as fully described in Agriculture Handbook 703 (published in 1997).
      • The development of RUSLE included several USLE modifications of importance to mined lands, construction sites, and reclaimed land applications. The climate data set in the CITY files was greatly expanded to include weather bureau stations at many more locations. The K (soil erodibility) factor was modified to account for the variability of soil erodibility during the year. Both the K and C (cover management) factors now take into account the multivariate influence of rock-fragment covers within soil profiles and fragments resting upon hillslope surfaces. The equations used to estimate the LS (hillslope length and steepness) factor were reconstituted to improve their accuracy and extended to include steeper hillslope gradients than the equations contained in the USLE. The method of determining C factor values was modified using a sub-factor approach that incorporates input values describing the main features of a cover-management system as it influences soil-loss rates. Consequently, RUSLE now can be applied to many more field conditions, and provides much more site-specific C values than does the USLE. New process-based equations were developed to estimate P (support practice) values, overcoming a major limitation of the USLE. These equations accommodate a wide range of site-specific practice conditions and can estimate sediment yield for concave hillslopes.
      • Collectively, every factor included in the USLE and its supporting data was reexamined in the development of RUSLE. The new information compiled since 1978 was analyzed in the development of RUSLE. In every way, RUSLE is an improved erosion-estimation technology. Although perhaps convenient, the USLE no longer should be used for soil-loss estimation, as RUSLE estimates better reflect the actual field conditions.
      • In 1997, the Office of Technology Transfer (OTT), Western Regional Coordinating Center (WRCC), Office of Surface Mining, U.S. Department of Interior, assembled a working group to examine the appropriate utilization of the RUSLE technology for the estimation of soil-losses from mined land, construction sites, and reclaimed lands. OTT chose the members of the working group to include persons experienced in: (1) the development and use of RUSLE, (2) the site conditions and erosion processes resulting from mining, construction, and reclamation activities, (3) research pertaining to, and measurement of, these processes, and (4) the regulation of these activities. Each representative in the working group was encouraged to communicate extensively with colleagues and associates to gain broad insights into the germane issues, and to identify available information sources.
      • The fundamental question asked was whether or not the site conditions resulting from mining, construction, and reclamation activities can be accommodated within the RUSLE technology. Accordingly, the working group examined each RUSLE factor carefully in relation to the surface characteristics produced by these activities. For example, the group compared the processes by which precipitation produces rainsplash, runoff, and erosion from agricultural, mining, construction, and reclamation activities. It also assessed the validity of the nomograph approach for estimating the K values of topsoils that have been salvaged, stockpiled, redistributed, and developed into a seedbed. The group considered the use of the nomograph for estimating the K values of very coarse-textured "mine soil," "growth medium," or "soil substitutes." It evaluated the validity of the tables for estimating the LS factor of long and steep hillslopes, as sometimes proposed for site reclamation, and appraised the validity of the subfactor approach for estimating C values. The group considered appropriate C values for native-plant species and various mulches of natural and artificial materials. It compared the effects of management and support practices used on agricultural, mined, construction, and reclaimed lands. In short, OTT's working group made a determined effort to characterize the special site conditions resulting from mining, construction, and reclamation activities and to critically examine the extent to which these conditions are accommodated within the RUSLE technology.
      • The Guidelines for the Use of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation, Version 1.06, on Mined Lands, Construction Sites, and Reclaimed Lands represent the conclusions and recommendations of OTT's working group. The guidelines were developed following a review of the available research reports, the reassessment of the available data, and extensive discussions of the RUSLE technology, from both general and factor-specific perspectives, based upon the experiences of the working group members. Resources did not permit validation or calibration of the RUSLE model on mined lands, construction sites, and reclaimed lands. However, the working group is confident that the guidelines support the best use of the RUSLE technology as it currently exists. Future research will further enhance the utilization of RUSLE on mined lands, construction sites, and reclaimed lands.
      • The guidelines and the RUSLE, Version 1.06, technology they describe provide direction for maximizing the accuracy of RUSLE soil-loss estimates on mined lands, construction sites, and reclaimed lands. RUSLE, Version 1.06, is a tool to estimate the rate of soil loss based on site-specific environmental conditions and then to select and design sediment- and erosion-control systems for these conditions. RUSLE, Version 1.06, does not determine when soil loss is excessive at a site or when erosion-control systems have failed. The Version 1.06 user makes such decisions based upon numerous criteria, of which soil-loss and sediment-yield estimates are one important component.
      • RUSLE, Version 1.06, is a technology for estimating soil loss from most undisturbed lands experiencing overland flow, from lands undergoing disturbance, and from newly or established reclaimed lands. Version 1.06 may also be used as a part of the procedures to prepare permit applications and to assess reclamation success in support of bond release.
      • Typically, RUSLE, Version 1.06, is used to estimate the severity of soil loss and sediment yield from disturbed-land surfaces and to select appropriate on-site erosion-control strategies. These strategies are designed to protect soil resources so that their quality and quantity are maintained over the long- term, to provide short-term erosion control while the long-term erosion-control measures become established, and to minimize off-site sediment discharges into streams and reservoirs. Version 1.06 may be used as a part of the procedures to assess long-term reclamation success. It is a very powerful tool that can be used to estimate soil loss under a wide variety of site-specific conditions. All models or equations developed to estimate the rates of geomorphic processes, including RUSLE, Version 1.06, possess limitations. It is important to respect these limitations.
      • These guidelines are based upon the premise that RUSLE, Version 1.06, will be used for estimating soil loss from mined lands, construction sites, and reclaimed lands during future years, just as the USLE was used in the past. It is the intention of the guidelines to: (1) provide guidance for maximizing the accuracy of soil-loss estimates from mined lands, construction sites, and reclaimed lands when using Version 1.06, (2) recommend procedures so that soil-loss estimates are generally reproducible, and (3) identify critical areas for future research. The recommended field and laboratory procedures for the acquisition of RUSLE-input data from mined lands, construction sites, and reclaimed lands are intended to supplement the directives contained in Agricultural Handbook 703.
      • The guidelines are divided into two parts. The first part is a discussion of each RUSLE, Version 1.06, factor in relation to mined lands, construction sites, and reclaimed lands. The concepts underlying each factor, the specific issues pertaining to lands disturbed by the aforementioned activities, the recommended field and laboratory methods, as well as other relevant information, is presented. The intent is to provide a background for the prudent use of RUSLE. The second part is a discussion of Version 1.06 applications for soil-loss estimates on mined lands, construction sites, and reclaimed lands. Research design, organization of data inputs, interpretation and use of soil-loss estimates for erosion-control planning, and limitations of the RUSLE technology are presented by means of examples. The intent is to demonstrate the proper procedures for maximizing the accuracy and reproducibility of RUSLE soil-loss estimates, thereby minimizing the misuse of RUSLE
  • III. A Guide for Revegetating Coal Minesoils in the Eastern United States By Willis G. Vogel. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. General Technical Report NE-68, 1981.
  • IV. Blaster’s Training Modules Prepared under sponsorship from: Office of Technology Transfer, Western Region, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, U.S. Department of the Interior. In Cooperation With: Sheridan District Office, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Land Quality Division. Peer reviewed: OSM Blaster Certification Team: Kenneth Eltschlager, Dennis Clark, Wendi Stephens and David Best. May 6, 2008

• Handbooks

  • I. Abandoned Mine Site Characterization and Cleanup Handbook, EPA 530-C-01-001, March 2001
    • Further Information
      • The Abandoned Mine Site Characterization and Cleanup Handbook (Handbook) has been developed by the Environmental Protection Agency as a resource for project managers working on addressing the environmental concerns posed by inactive mines and mineral processing sites. The information contained in the Handbook is not policy or guidance, rather it a compendium of information gained during many years of experience on mine site cleanup projects. This information was developed primarily for EPA staff, but may also prove useful to others working on mine site characterization and cleanup projects, including: states, other federal agencies, tribes, local government, public interest groups, and private industry. Handbook users are encouraged to refer to appropriate agency guidance and/or policy during development of site specific mine site investigation and cleanup projects.
  • II. A Citizen's Handbook to Address Contaminated Coal Mine Drainage, EPA-903-K-97-003, September 1997
    • Further Information
      • A Citizen's Handbook to Address Contaminated Coal Mine Drainage;
      • United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 3, 3WP12, Philadelphia, PA. EPA-903-K-97-003, September 1997
      • This handbook is intended to familiarize citizens and grassroots groups with the history and chemistry of coal mine drainage (CMD) from abandoned mines. Provides an overview of the step-by-step process of contaminated CMD clean-up and role that citizens and grassroots groups can play in that process. The steps include:
        • Step 1. Understanding Coal Mine Drainage
        • Step 2. Getting Organized
        • Step 3. Assessing the Watershed
        • Step 4. Understanding Clean-up Options
        • Step 5. Establishing a Clean-up Plan
        • Step 6. Financing and Implementing Your Plan
      • It is not a technical or regulatory document: it is a guide for citizens who want to join with public agencies, universities, businesses, industry and other watershed stakeholders, to do something about CMD from abandoned mines in their watershed.
  • III. Handbook for Calculation of Reclamation Bond Amounts (TSR-1); OSMRE Directive 882; April 5, 2000
    • Further Information
      • OSMRE Reclamation Performance Bonds Web Page
  • IV. Handbook of Methods to Reclaim Wildlife Habitat on Surface Mines in Wyoming; Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Wyoming
  • V. A Handbook of Technologies for Avoidance and Remediation of Acid Mine Drainage, Prepared by Acid Drainage Technology Initiative (ADTI) group. Published by National Mind Land Reclamation Center (NMLRC) at West Virginia University, June 1, 1998.
  • VI. Handbook of Western Reclamation Techniques; This handbook is copyrighted by Office of Research, University of Wyoming for the Abandoned Coal Mine Lands Research Program (ACMLRP), First Edition (1996)
    • Further Information
      • The Handbook of Western Reclamation Techniques is the culmination of cooperative effort of the mining industry, industry professionals, the academic community, and regulatory agencies. It is designed to document field-proven reclamation methods. The field techniques described in the handbook demonstrate the variety of different methodologies used to accomplish similar reclamation tasks. Many of these techniques were developed from scientific studies and have evolved over time. Although mining has occurred for over a century, concerted reclamation efforts for coal mines began in response to laws such as the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act (WEQA) of 1973, and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) of 1977. Reclamation that has been successful allows surface coal-mine operators to redeem bonds that they posted prior to the making their initial disturbances. These reclamation bonds are required by SMCRA and WEQA.
      • The roots of reclamation science lie in the conservation practices developed during the Dust Bowl and Depression years of the 1930's. Many of the practices developed, and much of the work done during that time, were funded by Federal and State governments. For this reason, many of the names associated with early reclamation of mined lands McKell; Bjugstad; Power, Sandoval, and Ries; Aldon; Plummer; Richardson and Farmer; and Hodder are also names from the Soil Conservation Service, the Agricultural Research Stations, and land-grant universities. Early mine reclamation was so closely associated with agriculture that reclamation and revegetation were considered virtually synonymous.
      • While some agricultural emphasis continues today, the technology has expanded greatly to embrace hydrology, wildlife, and compliance. Reclamation science has responded to legal requirements, reconstruction of endangered habitats, revitalization of damaged environmental systems, and establishment of wetlands. Reclamation methods are used to minimize the impact of human development in housing subdivisions, on ski slopes, and in highway reconstruction.
      • Early reclamation investigations in the arid and semi-arid Western United States were based on research trials for replacing soils and reestablishing vegetation. Cook et al. (1974), Power et al. (1976), the U.S. Forest Service Surface Environment and Mining Program (1979), and DePuit and Coenenberg (1981) are good examples of earlier efforts that continue today in work by Schumann et al. (1993). Plant-materials centers and agricultural research stations continue to provide tools for reclamation efforts (e.g., Ries et al. [1976], Aldon [1981], Bjugstad [1984], and Majerus et al. [1985]).
      • Researchers such as Shroeder (1985), Toy (1983), and Toy and Parsons (1987) produced research on geomorphic processes such as erosion, infiltration, and sediment yield, while Beauchamp (1973), Dollhopf (1978), Berg (1983), and Halvorson and Doll (1985) investigated spoil and soil in the reclaimed environment. A great deal of applied research has been conducted by mining companies interested in seeking new solutions to reclamation problems. Much of this work is reported in the annual reports required by State agencies for each active mine.
      • Postovit (1981), Hingtgen and Clark (1984a and 1984b), Yoakum (1984), Clark and Medcraft (1986), and Medcraft and Clark (1986) studied the effects of mining on wildlife populations. Olendorf et al. (1981) and Nelson et al. (1978) described techniques for wildlife-habitat restoration. Methods and classification for reconstruction of stream channels are being developed by Wesche et al. (1993) and Rathburn et al. (1993).
      • There are many works that suggest technologies of various kinds, report on field trials, and recommend plant species for use in reclamation. However, 20 years after the earliest efforts, a considerable body of practical knowledge has been developed among the specialists charged with the duty of complying with State and Federal statutes and regulations governing reclamation of mined lands. For the most part, this knowledge has never been formalized and made generally accessible until its presentation in this handbook.
      • The original Handbook of Western Reclamation Techniques was designed in a binder format with the capability of adding or replacing sections as new techniques are developed. Plans and diagrams can be easily removed to make working copies of a subsection. This handbook has been written and assembled by the volunteer labor of interested authors and a smaller volunteer editorial committee. Many of these people gained their experience in the surface coal mines of Wyoming. Abandoned Coal Mined-Land Research Program funds were utilized for support services such as administration, assembly, drafting, literature review, and word processing. The handbook was printed by the Office of Surface Mining.
      • It is the intent of the authors to present in this handbook, in an accessible format, economical and successful reclamation techniques that have survived the test of practical application. Many of the techniques are an accumulation of scientific studies and practical experience. Since some of these methodologies may not have been previously documented, the authors feel compiling this handbook is an important contribution to reclamation. It is the hope of the authors that the distribution of these techniques will positively affect not only the reclamation of surface coal-mined lands, but will also be of potential service in many reclamation fields.
  • VII. Handbook of Western Reclamation Techniques; This handbook is copyrighted by Office of Research, University of Wyoming for the Abandoned Coal Mine Lands Research Program (ACMLRP), Second Edition (2006)
  • VIII. Predicting Soil Erosion by Water: A Guide to Conservation Planning With the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), USDA AH 703; July 1996
    • Further Information
      • The USDA Agricultural Handbook (AH) 703 provides information on the formulas used in RUSLE as well as the core values for data inputs, and instructions on the use of the software. For more in depth information regarding AH 703, please visit their website, http://ars.usda.gov/Research/docs.htm?docid=6028
  • IX. Prediction of Water Quality at Surface Coal Mines, Prepared by Acid Drainage Technology Initiative (ADTI) group; Published by National Mine Land Reclamation Center (NMLRC); West Virginia University, December 11, 2000.
  • X. Small Surface Coal Mine Operators Handbook, United States Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining; A Handbook for Small Surface Coal Mine Operators; J. Toby Tourbier, Richard Westmacott, Water Resources Center, University of Delaware, 1980
  • XI. The Practical Guide to Reclamation in Utah, Utah Oil Gas and Mining Publication

• Manuals

  • I. Constructed Wetlands Treatment of Municipal Wastewaters, EPA 625-R-99-010, September 2000
  • II. Design Manual for Sedimentation Control Through Sedimentation Ponds and Other Physical/Chemical Treatment; Research paid by OSMRE, produced by Simons and Li Associates, Inc., November 1982
  • III. Design of Sediment Control Measures for Small Areas in Surface Coal Mining; Prepared for Office of Surface Mining, Washington, DC, Control No.: J5110061, by Simons and Li Associates, Inc., May 1983
    • Further Information
      • This design manual gives a series of four design procedures for estimating the performance of a wide variety of erosion control structures which are presently used to control sediment from small areas subjected to surface coal mining.
  • IV. Design of Surface Mine Haulage Roads - A Manual, By Walter W. Kaufman and James C. Ault., U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Mines, Information Circular 8758, 1977
    • Further Information
      • The aim of this publication is to provide those involved with surface mine haulage road design with a complete manual of recommended practices that, if implemented, will promote safer, more efficient haulage routes.
      • This Bureau of Mines manual for design of surface mine haulage roads covers such aspects of haulage road design as road alinement (both vertical and horizontal), construction materials, cross slope, drainage provisions. Traffic control and design of proper lane widths to promote safe vehicle movement are included, as are suggested criteria for road and vehicle maintenance and for runaway-vehicle safety provisions. The aim of this publication is to provide those involved with surface mine haulage road design with a complete manual of recommended practices that, if implemented, will promote safer, more efficient haulage routes.
  • V. Field and Laboratory Methods Applicable to Overburdens and Minesoils, EPA-600/2-78-054, March 1978; by Andrew A. Sobek, William A. Schuller, John R. Freeman, and Richard M. Smith West Virginia University, in Cooperation with the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, EPA-600/2-78-054 Environmental Protection Technology Series March 1978
  • VI. Ground-Water Information Manual: Coal Mine Permit Applications - Volume 1, U.S. Department of Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement in cooperation with U.S. Geological Survey, 1985
  • VII. Ground-Water Information Manual: Coal Mine Permit Application - Volume 2, U.S. Department of Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement in cooperation with U.S. Geological Survey, April 1987
  • VIII. Guiding Principles for Constructed Treatment Wetlands: Providing for Water Quality and Wildlife Habitat, EPA 843-B-00-003, October 2000
  • IX. Manual for Abandoned Underground Mine Inventory and Risk Assessment by L. Rick Ruegsegger, P. E., in cooperation with the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Infrastructure Division, and the Ohio Department of Transportation. Publication number and date: FHWA IF-99-007, October 26, 1999
  • X. A Manual for Training Reclamation Inspectors in the Fundamentals of Hydrology, by Willie R. Curtis, Kenneth L. Dyer, and George P. Williams, Jr., U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station, 1835 Big Hill Road, Berea, Kentucky 40403
  • XI. A Manual for Training Reclamation Inspectors in the Fundamentals of Soils and Revegetation, by Willis G. Vogel. Prepared for the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Soil and Water Conservation Society, September 1987
  • XII. Reclaiming Disturbed Lands by Darrell Brown, Resource Technician, and Richard G. Hallman, Project Leader for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Equipment Development Center, Missoula, MT, 2200-Range,8422-2805,1454.1-Technical Services, Range, November 1984
  • XIII. Surface Mining Water Diversion Design Manual, by United States Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining, Technical Services and Research, OSM/TR-82/2, September 1982
  • XIV. Technical Measures for the Investigation and Mitigation of Fugitive Methane Hazards in Areas of Coal Mining, OSMRE, September 2001
    • Further Information
      • A technical manual which addresses methane gas hazards associated with active and abandoned coal mines, presents technical guidelines, techniques and methods used to evaluate methane hazards that may result from surface coal mining and abandoned mine lands sites. The report identifies, evaluates, and develops "best science" practices to assess the hazards of methane gas, to describe the best technology for methane sourcing and to identify remediation practices for sites with dangerous methane concentrations.

• Public Domain Software

  • I. Research and Development of a GIS-Based Data Management and Model Integration Tool for Coal Mine Permitting and Reclamation in Wyoming (Research Project Final Report and Arcview GIS Extensions; This product is copyrighted by Office of Research, University of Wyoming for the Abandoned Coal Mine Lands Research Program (ACMLRP). Software requirements: SEDCAD (for SEDPREPRO section) and ARCVIEW 3.2. This is a self-extracting file.(5.62 MB)
  • II. Surface Water Modeler version 1.1 and Ground Water Modeler version 1.0 Extensions for ArcView 3.1; This product is copyrighted by Office of Research, University of Wyoming for the Abandoned Coal Mine Lands Research Program (ACMLRP). Minimum Software requirements: ARCVIEW 3.1. This is a self-extracting file.(208 MB)