The geologic information requirements of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (PL 95-87) and the promulgating regulations are summarized. The basis and purpose of these requirements and their relationship to the protection of water resources are explored. Specifically, with the geologic and related information acquired, mining and reclamation operations can be designed to preclude or mitigate the generation of acid mine drainage, and to maintain, restore, or perhaps even improve groundwater resources in proximity to and at the mine site. A hypothetical case study illustrates the substance of these requirements.

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