202-289-1060

**Sammy Castagna**

2403 May Drive , Burlington, NC 27215

November 17, 2007 4:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Sammy Castagna

2403 May Drive

Burlington, NC 27215

202-289-1060

**Vincent Brock**

8377 Gregory Way , Beverly Hills, CA 90211

November 17, 2007 4:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Vincent Brock

8377 Gregory Way

Beverly Hills, CA 90211

202-289-1060

**Armen Carapetian**

83 Rondel Pl , San Francisco, CA 94103

November 17, 2007 4:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Armen Carapetian

83 Rondel Pl

San Francisco, CA 94103

202-289-1060

**Nelson Meaker**

23 Cromwell Drive , Orono, ME 04473

November 17, 2007 4:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Nelson Meaker

23 Cromwell Drive

Orono, ME 04473

202-289-1060

**Martha Fitzgerald**

1925 Lake Marshall Drive , Gibsonia, PA 15044

November 17, 2007 4:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Martha Fitzgerald

1925 Lake Marshall Drive

Gibsonia, PA 15044

202-289-1060

**Rachel Zimmerman**

320 Capri Arc , Las Cruces, NM 88005

November 17, 2007 4:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Rachel Zimmerman

320 Capri Arc

Las Cruces, NM 88005

202-289-1060

**Ann Rothschild**

5825 S. Dorchester, #7W , Chicago, IL 60637

November 17, 2007 4:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Ann Rothschild

5825 S. Dorchester, #7W

Chicago, IL 60637

202-289-1060

**Stephanie Singer**

130 Ackerman Ave , Ridgewood, NJ 07450

November 17, 2007 4:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Singer

130 Ackerman Ave

Ridgewood, NJ 07450

202-289-1060

**Suzanne Ruggles**

PO Box 546 , Westhampton, NY 11977

November 17, 2007 4:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Ruggles

PO Box 546

Westhampton, NY 11977

202-289-1060

**Kellie Spellman**

606 W. Beach Avenue Apt. A, Brigantine, NJ 08203

November 17, 2007 4:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kellie Spellman

606 W. Beach Avenue

Apt. A

Brigantine, NJ 08203

202-289-1060

**Anthony Mendousa**

PO Box 126 , Dillon Beach, CA 94929

November 17, 2007 4:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Anthony Mendousa

PO Box 126

Dillon Beach, CA 94929

202-289-1060

**Patrick Roth**

60867 St. Rd. 15 , Goshen, IN 46528

November 17, 2007 4:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Patrick Roth

60867 St. Rd. 15

Goshen, IN 46528

202-289-1060

**Erica Bear**

10 Recreation Reserve , Blackwood, 3458 Australia

November 17, 2007 4:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Erica Bear

10 Recreation Reserve

Blackwood 3458

202-289-1060

**Barbara Caton**

P.O. Box 2175 2339 Cranesbill Place, Avila Beach, CA 93424

November 17, 2007 4:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Barbara Caton

P.O. Box 2175

2339 Cranesbill Place

Avila Beach, CA 93424

202-289-1060

**Timothy Mobley**

1610 Neil Armstrong St. #312 , Montebello, CA 90640

November 17, 2007 4:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Timothy Mobley

1610 Neil Armstrong St. #312

Montebello, CA 90640

202-289-1060

**Susan Cooper**

1116 Greencove Ln , Richardson, TX 75081

November 17, 2007 4:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Susan Cooper

1116 Greencove Ln

Richardson, TX 75081

202-289-1060

**Matthew Heath**

3258 Waterview Court , Hayward, CA 94542-2125

November 17, 2007 4:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Matthew Heath

3258 Waterview Court

Hayward, CA 94542-2125

202-289-1060

**Brooke Bronson**

962 Stanwix Rd. , Eagan, MN 55123

November 17, 2007 4:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Brooke Bronson

962 Stanwix Rd.

Eagan, MN 55123

202-289-1060

**Lisa Sheldon**

7235 Buckboard Dr , Park City, UT 84098

November 17, 2007 4:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Lisa Sheldon

7235 Buckboard Dr

Park City, UT 84098

202-289-1060

**Dana White**

1705 Archer Ct , Plymouth, MN 55447-2825

November 17, 2007 4:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Dana White

1705 Archer Ct

Plymouth, MN 55447-2825

202-289-1060

**Stephen Zollman**

720 A 14th Street , San Francisco, CA 94114

November 17, 2007 4:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Stephen Zollman

720 A 14th Street

San Francisco, CA 94114

202-289-1060

**Brijesh Shah**

384 E 15th Avenue , Columbus, OH 43201

November 17, 2007 4:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Brijesh Shah

384 E 15th Avenue

Columbus, OH 43201

202-289-1060

**KATE RAVENSTEIN**

6984 E CAMINO DEL TORO , SAHUARITA, AZ 85629

November 17, 2007 4:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

KATE RAVENSTEIN

6984 E CAMINO DEL TORO

SAHUARITA, AZ 85629

202-289-1060

**Jim Allen**

585 S Stewart Ave , Lombard, IL 60148

November 17, 2007 4:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jim Allen

585 S Stewart Ave

Lombard, IL 60148

202-289-1060

**Christine Wells**

Po Box 730 , Arroyo Seco, NM 87514

November 17, 2007 4:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Christine Wells

Po Box 730

Arroyo Seco, NM 87514

202-289-1060

**Mandie Barry**

5685 Kennard Rd. , Seville, OH 44273

November 17, 2007 4:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Mandie Barry

5685 Kennard Rd.

Seville, OH 44273

202-289-1060

**yuen lee**

109 eldridge st, , new york, NY 10002

November 17, 2007 4:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

yuen lee

109 eldridge st,

new york, NY 10002

202-289-1060

**Denise Mason**

10811 NE 215th CT , Vancouver, WA 09682

November 17, 2007 4:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Denise Mason

10811 NE 215th CT

Vancouver, WA 09682

202-289-1060

**Olivia Bradburn**

14024 Albert Way , Gainesville, VA 20155

November 17, 2007 4:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Olivia Bradburn

14024 Albert Way

Gainesville, VA 20155

202-289-1060

**ashley hutchins**

307 fabiola ave , lafayette, LA 70508

November 17, 2007 4:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

ashley hutchins

307 fabiola ave

lafayette, LA 70508

202-289-1060

**Scott Orr**

4202 E Fowler Ave \# 1224 , Tampa, FL 33620

November 17, 2007 4:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Scott Orr

4202 E Fowler Ave \# 1224

Tampa, FL 33620

202-289-1060

**Lawrence Loosmore**

2846 Pasteur Ave , Saint Louis, MO 63114

November 17, 2007 4:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Lawrence Loosmore

2846 Pasteur Ave

Saint Louis, MO 63114

202-289-1060

**Doug Berg**

3000 5 Mile Rd NE , Grand Rapids, MI 49525

November 17, 2007 4:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Doug Berg

3000 5 Mile Rd NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49525

202-289-1060

**Tori A. Abbott**

107 Locust Ln , Yorktown, VA 23693-4935

November 17, 2007 4:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Tori A. Abbott

107 Locust Ln

Yorktown, VA 23693-4935

202-289-1060

**Sara Bhakti**

521 7th Ave , Kirkland, WA 98033

November 17, 2007 4:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Sara Bhakti

521 7th Ave

Kirkland, WA 98033

202-289-1060

**John Brazner**

, Herring Cove,

November 17, 2007 4:22 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

John Brazner

Herring Cove

202-289-1060

**Maryagnes Moughan**

89 Amsterdam Rd. , Rochester, NY 146101005

November 17, 2007 4:22 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Maryagnes Moughan

89 Amsterdam Rd.

Rochester, NY 14610-1005

202-289-1060

**Janie Davis**

4605 Hartland Pkwy. , Lexington, KY 40515

November 17, 2007 4:22 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Janie Davis

4605 Hartland Pkwy.

Lexington, KY 40515

202-289-1060

**Idabelle Fosse**

1139 55th Street , Oakland, CA 94608

November 17, 2007 4:18 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Idabelle Fosse

1139 55th Street

Oakland, CA 94608

202-289-1060

**Sue Christiansen**

41 Valley Ave apt 7 , Iowa City, IA 52246

November 17, 2007 4:18 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Sue Christiansen

41 Valley Ave apt 7

Iowa City, IA 52246

202-289-1060

**Amy Reilein**

400 E. 71st St. Apt. 18G, New York, NY 10021

November 17, 2007 4:18 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Amy Reilein

400 E. 71st St.

Apt. 18G

New York, NY 10021

202-289-1060

**Laura Pyle**

412 Waipoli Rd. , Kula, HI 96790

November 17, 2007 4:18 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Laura Pyle

412 Waipoli Rd.

Kula, HI 96790

202-289-1060

**Richard Taylor**

18802 Evergreen Terrace , Saint Joseph, MO 64505

November 17, 2007 4:18 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Richard Taylor

18802 Evergreen Terrace

Saint Joseph, MO 64505

202-289-1060

**Esther Simon**

66 N. Pease Road , Woodbridge, CT 065251624

November 17, 2007 4:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Esther Simon

66 N. Pease Road

Woodbridge, CT 06525-1624

202-289-1060

**Jeff Mason**

41 Hilltop Circle , Lincroft, NJ 07738

November 17, 2007 4:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jeff Mason

41 Hilltop Circle

Lincroft, NJ 07738

202-289-1060

**Greta huizenga**

1322 N. Dearborn , Chicago, IL 60610

November 17, 2007 4:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Greta huizenga

1322 N. Dearborn

Chicago, IL 60610

202-289-1060

**Judith Marvin**

1075 Hardscrabble Ln , Lewisburg, PA 17837-8062

November 17, 2007 4:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Judith Marvin

1075 Hardscrabble Ln

Lewisburg, PA 17837-8062

202-289-1060

**Patricia Savage**

PO Box 100 , Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

November 17, 2007 4:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Patricia Savage

PO Box 100

Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

202-289-1060

**Silvija Kemeraite**

\- -, Siauliai, - Lithuania

November 17, 2007 4:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Silvija Kemeraite

\-

\-

Siauliai -

202-289-1060

**Tracy O\'Quinn**

1010 N. Avenue C , Elgin, TX 78621

November 17, 2007 4:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Tracy O\'Quinn

1010 N. Avenue C

Elgin, TX 78621

202-289-1060

**holy holily holian**

pob 4664 , arcata, CA 95518-4664

November 17, 2007 4:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

kind

Sincerely,

holy holily holian

pob 4664

arcata, CA 95518-4664

202-289-1060

**JOHN PAVEL**

355 MILL ROCK ROAD , HAMDEN, CT 06517

November 17, 2007 4:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

JOHN PAVEL

355 MILL ROCK ROAD

HAMDEN, CT 06517

202-289-1060

**Janis Zane**

420 Ivy Lane , Glen Mills, PA 19342

November 17, 2007 4:01 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Janis Zane

420 Ivy Lane

Glen Mills, PA 19342

202-289-1060

**Cathy Keathley**

2151 SW 41st Ln , Gainesville, FL 32608

November 17, 2007 4:01 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Cathy Keathley

2151 SW 41st Ln

Gainesville, FL 32608

202-289-1060

**Lena Sturgis**

8 Griscom Ln. , Woodbury, NJ 08096

November 17, 2007 4:01 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Lena Sturgis

8 Griscom Ln.

Woodbury, NJ 08096

202-289-1060

**Jo Morriss**

4985 Meadow Run Dr , Hilliard, OH 43026

November 17, 2007 4:01 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jo Morriss

4985 Meadow Run Dr

Hilliard, OH 43026

202-289-1060

**Robert Peter**

PO Box 3635 , Telluride, CO 81435

November 17, 2007 4:01 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Robert Peter

PO Box 3635

Telluride, CO 81435

202-289-1060

**Ted Fisk**

314 Meadow Green Drive , Naperville, IL 60565

November 17, 2007 4:01 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Ted Fisk

314 Meadow Green Drive

Naperville, IL 60565

202-289-1060

**Charlotte Reid**

50 Weddle Way , Christiansburg, VA 240731018

November 17, 2007 4:01 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Reid

50 Weddle Way

Christiansburg, VA 24073-1018

202-289-1060

**Caroline Alm**

5 Brookwood Lane , Norton, MA 02766

November 17, 2007 4:01 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Caroline Alm

5 Brookwood Lane

Norton, MA 02766

202-289-1060

**Sharon Robinet**

14421 Salem , Redford, MI 48239

November 17, 2007 4:01 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Sharon Robinet

14421 Salem

Redford, MI 48239

202-289-1060

**Daniel Soto**

913 Rosinia ct. , Orlando, FL 32828

November 17, 2007 3:49 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Daniel Soto

913 Rosinia ct.

Orlando, FL 32828

202-289-1060

**Seth H. Snapp**

2214 H St , Bellingham, WA 98225

November 17, 2007 3:49 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Seth H. Snapp

2214 H St

Bellingham, WA 98225

202-289-1060

**Barbara Rudziecka**

3837 Turtle Run Blvd Apt 2532, Coral Springs, FL 33067

November 17, 2007 3:48 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Barbara Rudziecka

3837 Turtle Run Blvd

Apt 2532

Coral Springs, FL 33067

202-289-1060

**Patrick O\'Keeffe**

11814 SE 222nd Ct , Kent, WA 98031-9641

November 17, 2007 3:48 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Patrick O\'Keeffe

11814 SE 222nd Ct

Kent, WA 98031-9641

202-289-1060

**Virginia Allgaier**

1449 Valley Rd. Apt. 111, Stirling, NJ 07980

November 17, 2007 3:48 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Virginia Allgaier

1449 Valley Rd.

Apt. 111

Stirling, NJ 07980

202-289-1060

**Ann Edelman**

6585 Red Coach Lane , Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

November 17, 2007 3:48 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Ann Edelman

6585 Red Coach Lane

Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

202-289-1060

**Mary Bettuchy**

6065 GreenVillage Rd. , Chambersburg, PA 17202

November 17, 2007 3:48 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Mary Bettuchy

6065 GreenVillage Rd.

Chambersburg, PA 17202

202-289-1060

**M. A. Dickson**

PO Box 7 , Deer Isle, ME 04627

November 17, 2007 3:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

M. A. Dickson

PO Box 7

Deer Isle, ME 04627

202-289-1060

**M Wahosi**

246 Bremerton Blvd West , Bremerton, WA 98312

November 17, 2007 3:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

M Wahosi

246 Bremerton Blvd West

Bremerton, WA 98312

202-289-1060

**Tessa Brunton**

71 Forrest Terrace , Fairfax, CA 94110

November 17, 2007 3:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Tessa Brunton

71 Forrest Terrace

Fairfax, CA 94110

202-289-1060

**Todd O\'Buckley**

Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies 3027 Thurston Bowles Bldg., CB 7178,
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7178

November 17, 2007 3:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Todd O\'Buckley

Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies

3027 Thurston Bowles Bldg., CB 7178

Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7178

202-289-1060

**Mark Harris**

560 E South Temple #202 , Salt Lake CIty, UT 84102

November 17, 2007 3:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Mark Harris

560 E South Temple #202

Salt Lake CIty, UT 84102

202-289-1060

**marc clark**

6935 142nd ct ne , redmond, WA 98052

November 17, 2007 3:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

marc clark

6935 142nd ct ne

redmond, WA 98052

202-289-1060

**J Brent**

1977 N. Olden Ave #212 , Trenton, NJ 08618

November 17, 2007 3:34 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

J Brent

1977 N. Olden Ave #212

Trenton, NJ 08618

202-289-1060

**Jasmin Phua**

6109 Little Foxes Run , Columbia, MD 21045

November 17, 2007 3:34 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jasmin Phua

6109 Little Foxes Run

Columbia, MD 21045

202-289-1060

**Catherine Harrison**

310 Cedar Dr S , Surfside Beach, SC 29575

November 17, 2007 3:34 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Catherine Harrison

310 Cedar Dr S

Surfside Beach, SC 29575

202-289-1060

**Paul Nieermeier**

251 W Manchester Ave , Playa Del Rey, CA 90293

November 17, 2007 3:34 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Paul Nieermeier

251 W Manchester Ave

Playa Del Rey, CA 90293

202-289-1060

**Nina Foushee**

2017 N Tucson Blvd , Tucson, AZ 85716

November 17, 2007 3:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Nina Foushee

2017 N Tucson Blvd

Tucson, AZ 85716

202-289-1060

**Sally Bentz**

4603 Anza St , San Francisco, CA 94121

November 17, 2007 3:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Sally Bentz

4603 Anza St

San Francisco, CA 94121

202-289-1060

**Michelle Schwartz**

3924 Ave. T , Brooklyn, NY 11234

November 17, 2007 3:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Michelle Schwartz

3924 Ave. T

Brooklyn, NY 11234

202-289-1060

**Andrew Pounds**

1718 Eastbrook road , New Castle, PA 16101

November 17, 2007 3:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Andrew Pounds

1718 Eastbrook road

New Castle, PA 16101

202-289-1060

**Joshua Wallman**

410 East 6th St , NYC, NY 10009

November 17, 2007 3:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Joshua Wallman

410 East 6th St

NYC, NY 10009

202-289-1060

**Tere M. Meyer**

10 Brigton Ct. , Safety Harbor, FL 34695

November 17, 2007 3:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Tere M. Meyer

10 Brigton Ct.

Safety Harbor, FL 34695

202-289-1060

**Delores Steele**

104 Marcy Ave. , Brooklyn, NY 11211

November 17, 2007 3:22 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Delores Steele

104 Marcy Ave.

Brooklyn, NY 11211

202-289-1060

**Kathleen Mortensen**

539 Shadywood Lane , Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

November 17, 2007 3:22 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Mortensen

539 Shadywood Lane

Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

202-289-1060

**Bill Rigby**

515 Commanche Trail , Wheeling, IL 60090

November 17, 2007 3:22 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Bill Rigby

515 Commanche Trail

Wheeling, IL 60090

202-289-1060

**Judy Epstein**

3449 Garfield Ave. South , Minneapolis, MN 55408

November 17, 2007 3:22 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I am writing to urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its
proposal to relax the decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it
easier for mining companies to fill natural streams with mining waste.

Do you realize the repercussions of this dangerous proposal? It would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

I do not mean to be patronising here, but take a moment and think about
it now\... Do you really want your children and grandchildren to be
harmed by the pollution that would accumulate from this?

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Judy Epstein

3449 Garfield Ave. South

Minneapolis, MN 55408

202-289-1060

**Stacey Fingerle**

1512 Hunter Lane , Clearwater, FL 33764

November 17, 2007 3:22 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Stacey Fingerle

1512 Hunter Lane

Clearwater, FL 33764

202-289-1060

**Maryellen Redish**

671 S. Riverside Dr. #6 , Palm Springs, CA 92264

November 17, 2007 3:22 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Maryellen Redish

671 S. Riverside Dr. #6

Palm Springs, CA 92264

202-289-1060

**Krista Batterson**

14 Rio Vista Cir , Durango, CO 81301

November 17, 2007 3:22 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Krista Batterson

14 Rio Vista Cir

Durango, CO 81301

202-289-1060

**Kelmie Blake**

PO Box 944 , Port Angeles, WA 98362

November 17, 2007 3:22 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kelmie Blake

PO Box 944

Port Angeles, WA 98362

202-289-1060

**Mark Hulett**

14720 Mcintosh Ln SE , Tenino, WA 98589

November 17, 2007 3:22 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Mark Hulett

14720 Mcintosh Ln SE

Tenino, WA 98589

202-289-1060

**Isabel Lallemand**

21, rue Henri Sellier , Bourges, 18000 France

November 17, 2007 3:14 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Isabel Lallemand

21, rue Henri Sellier

Bourges 18000

202-289-1060

**Susan Gries**

4034 NE 13th Ave , Portland, OR 97212

November 17, 2007 3:14 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Susan Gries

4034 NE 13th Ave

Portland, OR 97212

202-289-1060

**Lauren Albarella**

40 3rd Place , Brooklyn, NY 11231

November 17, 2007 3:14 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Lauren Albarella

40 3rd Place

Brooklyn, NY 11231

202-289-1060

**Carol Burton**

4107 McGee , Kansas City, MO 64111

November 17, 2007 3:14 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Carol Burton

4107 McGee

Kansas City, MO 64111

202-289-1060

**Gina Cronin**

2265 4th street , east meadow, NY 11554

November 17, 2007 3:14 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Gina Cronin

2265 4th street

east meadow, NY 11554

202-289-1060

**Geoffrey Gibbons**

5712 Tanagerlake Rd. , Lithia, FL 33547-5869

November 17, 2007 3:07 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

It is unconscionable that you would allow greater destruction &
pollution to streams and the environment when we are all much more
knowledgable about the terrible consequences of such behavior. We should
be seeking & employing ways to sustain our natural resources, not
destroy them. I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its
proposal to relax the decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it
easier for mining companies to fill natural streams with mining waste.
Your proposal would destroy the headwater streams that support important
drinking, fishing and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water
Act and other laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining
practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey Gibbons

5712 Tanagerlake Rd.

Lithia, FL 33547-5869

202-289-1060

**Angelica Cox**

P.O. Box 62292 , Boulder City, NV 89006

November 17, 2007 3:07 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Angelica Cox

P.O. Box 62292

Boulder City, NV 89006

202-289-1060

**Alexia Cloutier**

222 Glen Drive , Sausalito, CA 94965

November 17, 2007 3:07 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Alexia Cloutier

222 Glen Drive

Sausalito, CA 94965

202-289-1060

**Frank Leeds**

46 Marion Lane , Eugene, OR 97404

November 17, 2007 3:07 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Frank Leeds

46 Marion Lane

Eugene, OR 97404

202-289-1060

**M. Wire**

P.O. Box 602 , Boulder Creek, CA 95006

November 17, 2007 3:07 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

M. Wire

P.O. Box 602

Boulder Creek, CA 95006

202-289-1060

**laura li**

1016 strout band , silver spring, MD 20901

November 17, 2007 3:07 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

laura li

1016 strout band

silver spring, MD 20901

202-289-1060

**valerie sanchez**

44112 , Fontana, CA 92337

November 17, 2007 3:07 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

valerie sanchez

44112

Fontana, CA 92337

202-289-1060

**Melanie Cook**

1625 Kennedy Causeway PH7 , North Bay Village, FL 33141

November 17, 2007 3:07 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Melanie Cook

1625 Kennedy Causeway PH7

North Bay Village, FL 33141

202-289-1060

**Anne Hedberg**

7 Heather Way , Golden, CO 804012046

November 17, 2007 3:02 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Anne Hedberg

7 Heather Way

Golden, CO 80401-2046

202-289-1060

**Roberta Miller**

148 Merrybrook Dr. , Havertown, PA 19083

November 17, 2007 3:02 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Roberta Miller

148 Merrybrook Dr.

Havertown, PA 19083

202-289-1060

**Brita Sauer**

138 Beadel St. , Brooklyn, NY 11222

November 17, 2007 3:02 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Brita Sauer

138 Beadel St.

Brooklyn, NY 11222

202-289-1060

**Ruth Sander**

508 W. Mill St , Ukiah, CA 95482

November 17, 2007 3:02 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Ruth Sander

508 W. Mill St

Ukiah, CA 95482

202-289-1060

**Christin Gunel**

40 chemin de la vuette, THORENS-GLIERES, 74570 France

November 17, 2007 3:02 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Christin Gunel

40

chemin de la vuette

THORENS-GLIERES 74570

202-289-1060

**Matthew Tilford**

Bucknell University 701 Moore Avenue Box C3691, Lewisburg, PA 17837

November 17, 2007 3:02 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Matthew Tilford

Bucknell University

701 Moore Avenue Box C3691

Lewisburg, PA 17837

202-289-1060

**katerina Xepapa**

kallikratous 29 , Athens, 17563 Greece

November 17, 2007 3:02 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

katerina Xepapa

kallikratous 29

Athens 17563

202-289-1060

**Regina McCormack**

22 Chestnut Street , Binghamton, NY 13905

November 17, 2007 3:02 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Regina McCormack

22 Chestnut Street

Binghamton, NY 13905

202-289-1060

**Madelyn Rosen**

8170 Manitoba St. Unit 1, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293

November 17, 2007 3:02 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Madelyn Rosen

8170 Manitoba St.

Unit 1

Playa Del Rey, CA 90293

202-289-1060

**Terrance Hutchinson**

21305 Conklin Court , California City, CA 93505

November 17, 2007 3:02 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Terrance Hutchinson

21305 Conklin Court

California City, CA 93505

202-289-1060

**Sophia Nam**

165 Bennett Avenue 4L, New York, NY 10040

November 17, 2007 2:54 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Sophia Nam

165 Bennett Avenue

4L

New York, NY 10040

202-289-1060

**Annie McCombs**

P.O. Box 50269 , Kalamazoo, MI 49005-0269

November 17, 2007 2:54 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Annie McCombs

P.O. Box 50269

Kalamazoo, MI 49005-0269

202-289-1060

**Marcia Spann**

7269 E. Manzanita Drive , Scottsdale, AZ 85258

November 17, 2007 2:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Marcia Spann

7269 E. Manzanita Drive

Scottsdale, AZ 85258

202-289-1060

**Bob Aegerter**

370 Sudden Vly , Bellingham, WA 98229

November 17, 2007 2:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Bob Aegerter

370 Sudden Vly

Bellingham, WA 98229

202-289-1060

**Ben Heymann**

140 Eastwood Rd , Fairfield, CT 06825

November 17, 2007 2:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Ben Heymann

140 Eastwood Rd

Fairfield, CT 06825

202-289-1060

**Charles Huffman**

Rt. 2 Box 290 , Lewisburg, WV 24901

November 17, 2007 2:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Charles Huffman

Rt. 2 Box 290

Lewisburg, WV 24901

202-289-1060

**Geri Smith**

3095 Caminito Sagunto , Del Mar, CA 92014-3934

November 17, 2007 2:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Geri Smith

3095 Caminito Sagunto

Del Mar, CA 92014-3934

202-289-1060

**Riley Shirey**

230 NE Juniper St , Issaquah, WA 98027

November 17, 2007 2:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Riley Shirey

230 NE Juniper St

Issaquah, WA 98027

202-289-1060

**Shielding Cournoyer**

145 Cross Road , Holyoke, MA 01040

November 17, 2007 2:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Shielding Cournoyer

145 Cross Road

Holyoke, MA 01040

202-289-1060

**Karen Solberg**

3108 #2 Lost Creek Road , Anaconda, MT 59711

November 17, 2007 2:53 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

As someone who lives in an area heavily impacted by 100\'s of years of
copper mining, I know the impacts that relaxing any standards can have.
Our area is one of the largest superfund sites in the nation
(Anaconda-Butte,Montana) and it once was a beautiful valley. Look at it
on Google Earth- the triangular waste area it looks like a moonscape and
covers 1000\'s of acres. The Clark Fork River was heavily impacted by
tailings transported downstream from the sites. There is massive cleanup
underway at a cost of millions, maybe even billions of dollars. The time
and effort on behalf of the communities involved has impacted everything
about them- we are battling for the communities to survive the impacts
of these decisions. They are economically depressed and under the thumb
of those that are responsible for the clean up.

Please consider what the mpacts of your decisions will have on the
future generations of these communities. Make good decisions now and
hold the companies to the highest standards.

Sincerely,

Karen Solberg

3108 #2 Lost Creek Road

Anaconda, MT 59711

202-289-1060

**Pat Jones**

64338 Penny Rd. , Coos bay, OR 97420

November 17, 2007 2:45 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Pat Jones

64338 Penny Rd.

Coos bay, OR 97420

202-289-1060

**Michael Ribblet**

225 sequoia ct , latrobe, PA 15650

November 17, 2007 2:45 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Michael Ribblet

225 sequoia ct

latrobe, PA 15650

202-289-1060

**John Hogan**

7812 La Fiesta Drive , Buena Park, CA 90620

November 17, 2007 2:45 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

John Hogan

7812 La Fiesta Drive

Buena Park, CA 90620

202-289-1060

**Maria Ciafre**

1902 Fowler Road , Folcroft, PA 19032

November 17, 2007 2:45 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Maria Ciafre

1902 Fowler Road

Folcroft, PA 19032

202-289-1060

**Tina Smith**

10683 SW River Drive , Tigard, OR 97224

November 17, 2007 2:45 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Tina Smith

10683 SW River Drive

Tigard, OR 97224

202-289-1060

**andrew pine**

922 e. 4th street , tucson, AZ 85719

November 17, 2007 2:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

andrew pine

922 e. 4th street

tucson, AZ 85719

202-289-1060

**Stoyka Chipchakova**

13 Mart Str. No.8 , Sofia, 1000 Bulgaria

November 17, 2007 2:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Stoyka Chipchakova

13 Mart Str. No.8

Sofia 1000

202-289-1060

**Shaun Thomas**

5115 Totten Ct. NWd , Olympia, WA 98502

November 17, 2007 2:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Shaun Thomas

5115 Totten Ct. NWd

Olympia, WA 98502

202-289-1060

**christina coughlan**

, ddo,

November 17, 2007 2:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

christina coughlan

ddo

202-289-1060

**Tim Stroud**

1520 S. Bryan , Amarillo, TX 79102

November 17, 2007 2:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Tim Stroud

1520 S. Bryan

Amarillo, TX 79102

202-289-1060

**gino dipierro**

52 sharps lane , Trenton, NJ 08610

November 17, 2007 2:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

gino dipierro

52 sharps lane

Trenton, NJ 08610

202-289-1060

**Ben Sanders**

715 Plum Hollow , Hot Springs, AR 71913

November 17, 2007 2:39 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Ben Sanders

715 Plum Hollow

Hot Springs, AR 71913

202-289-1060

**gale steelman**

pob 3305 , Weaverville, CA 96093

November 17, 2007 2:39 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

gale steelman

pob 3305

Weaverville, CA 96093

202-289-1060

**Edgar Miller**

810 Terrace Dr , Los Altos, CA 94024-6626

November 17, 2007 2:35 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Edgar Miller

810 Terrace Dr

Los Altos, CA 94024-6626

202-289-1060

**Scott Eidem**

1606 Peachwood Dr. , San Jose, CA 95132

November 17, 2007 2:35 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Scott Eidem

1606 Peachwood Dr.

San Jose, CA 95132

202-289-1060

**Jess Bird**

943 1/2 Woodlawn St , Scranton, PA 18509

November 17, 2007 2:35 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jess Bird

943 1/2 Woodlawn St

Scranton, PA 18509

202-289-1060

**Jen Schnabel**

903 5th St NE , Rochester, MN 55906

November 17, 2007 2:35 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jen Schnabel

903 5th St NE

Rochester, MN 55906

202-289-1060

**Brie-anne Roberts**

10810 Cobblecreek Way , Missouri City, TX 77459

November 17, 2007 2:35 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Brie-anne Roberts

10810 Cobblecreek Way

Missouri City, TX 77459

202-289-1060

**Dorinda Scott**

1809 Treadwell Street , Austin, TX 78704

November 17, 2007 2:35 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Dorinda Scott

1809 Treadwell Street

Austin, TX 78704

202-289-1060

**Kate Harper**

7608 Wooddale Way , Citrus Heights, CA 95610

November 17, 2007 2:35 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kate Harper

7608 Wooddale Way

Citrus Heights, CA 95610

202-289-1060

**Karen Schmeltekopf**

1305 St. Andrews , San Angelo, TX 76904

November 17, 2007 2:35 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Karen Schmeltekopf

1305 St. Andrews

San Angelo, TX 76904

202-289-1060

**barry truman**

8413 spada road , snohomish, WA 98290

November 17, 2007 2:29 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

ONCE AGAIN, I HAVE TO RUB MY EYES.

IS IT REALLY NECESSARY FOR US TO WRITE LETTERS TO ENCOURAGE THE
GOVERNMENT NOT TO FOUL THE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF MINING
COMPANIES? IT\'S EMBARASSING AND SAD. IF ANYTHING, THESE BUFFER ZONES
SHOULD BE ENLARGED.

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

barry truman

8413 spada road

snohomish, WA 98290

202-289-1060

**Meg Rosenfeld**

1236 6th Avenue #3 , San Francisco, CA 94122

November 17, 2007 2:29 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Meg Rosenfeld

1236 6th Avenue #3

San Francisco, CA 94122

202-289-1060

**penelope johnstone**

p.o. box 2882 , oakhurst, CA 93644-2882

November 17, 2007 2:28 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

penelope johnstone

p.o. box 2882

oakhurst, CA 93644-2882

202-289-1060

**Rima Robinson**

315 E Mountain Dr , Santa Barbara, CA 93108

November 17, 2007 2:28 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Rima Robinson

315 E Mountain Dr

Santa Barbara, CA 93108

202-289-1060

**Pamela Smith**

225 East 149th Street 19f, Bronx, NY 10451

November 17, 2007 2:28 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Pamela Smith

225 East 149th Street

19f

Bronx, NY 10451

202-289-1060

**Nicole Gelb**

40 Newbury Street , Somerville, MA 02144

November 17, 2007 2:28 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Nicole Gelb

40 Newbury Street

Somerville, MA 02144

202-289-1060

**María Fernanda R. Alvarez**

Barrio Jardin , Santa Rosa, 6300 Argentina

November 17, 2007 2:28 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

María Fernanda R. Alvarez

Barrio Jardin

Santa Rosa 6300

202-289-1060

**Daniel Tagliarina**

1 Eastwood Rd. , Storrs Mansfield, CT 06268

November 17, 2007 2:28 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Daniel Tagliarina

1 Eastwood Rd.

Storrs Mansfield, CT 06268

202-289-1060

**Peter Cox**

Heuvel 96 , lommel, 3920 Belgium

November 17, 2007 2:28 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Peter Cox

Heuvel 96

lommel 3920

202-289-1060

**A.G. Bring**

115 w 82 st , NYC, NY 10024

November 17, 2007 2:28 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

A.G. Bring

115 w 82 st

NYC, NY 10024

202-289-1060

**jim kirkpatrick**

999 bookcliff ave k5 , grand junction, CO 81501

November 17, 2007 2:28 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

jim kirkpatrick

999 bookcliff ave k5

grand junction, CO 81501

202-289-1060

**Suzanne Christy**

PO Box 911 253 Hemlock Rd, Albrightsville, PA 18210

November 17, 2007 2:28 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Christy

PO Box 911

253 Hemlock Rd

Albrightsville, PA 18210

202-289-1060

**Kaye Beiswanger**

2130 Como Avenue #206 , Saint Paul, MN 55108

November 17, 2007 2:28 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kaye Beiswanger

2130 Como Avenue #206

Saint Paul, MN 55108

202-289-1060

**Sarah Perry**

114 Debra Drive , Stafford, VA 22556

November 17, 2007 2:28 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Sarah Perry

114 Debra Drive

Stafford, VA 22556

202-289-1060

**Hannah Reinhart**

3856 Flora Pl , Saint Louis, MO 63110

November 17, 2007 2:28 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Hannah Reinhart

3856 Flora Pl

Saint Louis, MO 63110

202-289-1060

**Gregory Simmons**

1748 Kimberly Drive , Marietta, GA 30008

November 17, 2007 2:28 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Gregory Simmons

1748 Kimberly Drive

Marietta, GA 30008

202-289-1060

**Mercedes Harris**

324608 Georgia Tech Station , Atlanta, GA 30317

November 17, 2007 2:21 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Mercedes Harris

324608 Georgia Tech Station

Atlanta, GA 30317

202-289-1060

**Damon Franke**

723 Leontine St. , New Orleans, LA 70115

November 17, 2007 2:21 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Damon Franke

723 Leontine St.

New Orleans, LA 70115

202-289-1060

**Leslie Winston**

600 Central Avenue #54 , Riverside, CA 92507

November 17, 2007 2:21 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Leslie Winston

600 Central Avenue #54

Riverside, CA 92507

202-289-1060

**Erich McNaughton**

11611 SE 34th Ave , Milwaukie, OR 97222

November 17, 2007 2:21 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Erich McNaughton

11611 SE 34th Ave

Milwaukie, OR 97222

202-289-1060

**Denise Nearing**

3209 Virginia Ave , Fort Pierce, FL 34981

November 17, 2007 2:21 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Denise Nearing

3209 Virginia Ave

Fort Pierce, FL 34981

202-289-1060

**Ann Sajecki**

4840 E. Ft. Lowell Rd. , Tucson, AZ 85712

November 17, 2007 2:21 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Ann Sajecki

4840 E. Ft. Lowell Rd.

Tucson, AZ 85712

202-289-1060

**Noreen Wedman**

P.O. Box 95272 , Seattle, WA 98145

November 17, 2007 2:21 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices. IF THEY
CAN\'T DO IT CLEANLY, WITHOUT POLLUTING, MINING COMPANIES SHOULDN\'T BE
ALLOWED MINE. PERIOD.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Noreen Wedman

P.O. Box 95272

Seattle, WA 98145

202-289-1060

**James Moore**

PO Box 877878 , Wasilla, AK 99687

November 17, 2007 2:21 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

James Moore

PO Box 877878

Wasilla, AK 99687

202-289-1060

**Nancy Wiens**

247 Bret Harte Road , San Rafael, CA 949015107

November 17, 2007 2:21 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Nancy Wiens

247 Bret Harte Road

San Rafael, CA 94901-5107

202-289-1060

**logan raming**

4527 s. wallace lane , salt lake city, UT 84117

November 17, 2007 2:14 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

logan raming

4527 s. wallace lane

salt lake city, UT 84117

202-289-1060

**Julie Du Bois**

8352 Starkland Ave. , Canoga Park, CA 91304

November 17, 2007 2:14 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Julie Du Bois

8352 Starkland Ave.

Canoga Park, CA 91304

202-289-1060

**Charlene Graham**

101 E 14th Ave #28 , Ellensburg, WA 98926

November 17, 2007 2:14 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Charlene Graham

101 E 14th Ave #28

Ellensburg, WA 98926

202-289-1060

**Roger Santerre**

10 Canaan Rd. , New Paltz, NY 12561

November 17, 2007 2:14 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Roger Santerre

10 Canaan Rd.

New Paltz, NY 12561

202-289-1060

**Melissa Smith**

3259 Springwood Hills Rd. , Stockbridge, GA 30281

November 17, 2007 2:14 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Melissa Smith

3259 Springwood Hills Rd.

Stockbridge, GA 30281

202-289-1060

**Cynthia King**

15210 Yvonne Dr , Morgan Hill, CA 95037

November 17, 2007 2:14 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Cynthia King

15210 Yvonne Dr

Morgan Hill, CA 95037

202-289-1060

**Teresa Mueller**

2059 Friendly St , Eugene, OR 97405

November 17, 2007 2:14 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Yes, Americans can make do with less, so ask us to do without those
extra mining products, but DON\'T leave us with filthy water and
degraded natural landscapes!

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Teresa Mueller

2059 Friendly St

Eugene, OR 97405

202-289-1060

**Barbara Quintana**

P.O. Box 28 , Soulsbyville, CA 95372

November 17, 2007 2:06 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Barbara Quintana

P.O. Box 28

Soulsbyville, CA 95372

202-289-1060

**Janet Rees**

1400 Saiz Rd. , Bloomfield, NM 87413

November 17, 2007 2:06 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

The Office of Surface Mining should not change the stream buffer zone
rule by making it easier for mining companies to fill natural streams
with mining waste. I believe that this proposal would result in the
destruction of what are termed headwater streams that are sources of
drinking water and that are used for fishing and recreation. The
proposal counters the Clean Water Act as well as other laws and would
mark a return to historically destructive mining practices. With the
impacts of a growing population and ever increasing industrialization,
we cannot afford to return to the destructive mining practices of the
past.

It is unconscionable that you are considering rule changes would allow
more of the kind of activity where mining companies, particularly those
using mountaintop removal, will be permitted to permanently bury streams
and fill valleys with rock, soil, mining wastes such as sludge. I
understand that your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the
proposed rule changes estimates that over 700 miles of central
Appalachian streams have already been covered by valley fills, and that
over 1,200 miles of streams in the region have been damaged by mining
activities such as waste disposal between 1992 and 2002. The analysis
also estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams.

Instead of doing away with the 1983 buffer zone rule which was designed
to protect natural streams from these direct mining impacts, the Office
of Surface Mining should instead strictly enforce the 1983 rule. I find
it appalling and pure madness that mountaintop removal mining is
reported to have flattened a half-million acres and buried hundreds of
miles of streams. Mining companies should not be given a new opportunity
to profit at such extreme cost to America\'s water. Our country\'s
headwater streams must continue to be protected from this kind of
devastation rather than losing existing protections as proposed by this
zone rule change.

I ask you to give up your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on better
enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Janet Rees

1400 Saiz Rd.

Bloomfield, NM 87413

202-289-1060

**charles Connor**

8400 Edinger Ave , Huntington Beach, CA 92647

November 17, 2007 2:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

charles Connor

8400 Edinger Ave

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

202-289-1060

**Peter Pilot**

315 NE 10th St , Gainesville, FL 32601

November 17, 2007 2:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Peter Pilot

315 NE 10th St

Gainesville, FL 32601

202-289-1060

**Tamara Carpenter**

932 Wheaton , Kalamazoo, MI 49008

November 17, 2007 2:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Tamara Carpenter

932 Wheaton

Kalamazoo, MI 49008

202-289-1060

**M Sage**

1126 Cordova St \# 3 , Pasadena, CA 91106

November 17, 2007 2:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

M Sage

1126 Cordova St \# 3

Pasadena, CA 91106

202-289-1060

**Dedborah Welker**

1258 D St. , Springfield, OR 97477

November 17, 2007 2:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Dedborah Welker

1258 D St.

Springfield, OR 97477

202-289-1060

**monica kirsch**

4919 kenson dr , san jose, CA 95124

November 17, 2007 2:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

monica kirsch

4919 kenson dr

san jose, CA 95124

202-289-1060

**Samantha Roming**

13088 S. Dowling , College Station, TX 77845-6806

November 17, 2007 2:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Samantha Roming

13088 S. Dowling

College Station, TX 77845-6806

202-289-1060

**Keiko Ishida**

1520 Jackson Avenue , Saint Louis, MO 63130

November 17, 2007 2:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Keiko Ishida

1520 Jackson Avenue

Saint Louis, MO 63130

202-289-1060

**Gretta Sowyrda**

37 Woodside Ave. , East Aurora,, NY 14052

November 17, 2007 2:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Gretta Sowyrda

37 Woodside Ave.

East Aurora,, NY 14052

202-289-1060

**Sue Goodell**

2140 Via Mar Valle , Del Mar, CA 92014

November 17, 2007 2:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Sue Goodell

2140 Via Mar Valle

Del Mar, CA 92014

202-289-1060

**Vernon Mogensen**

47-42 Vernon Blvd. , Long Island City, NY 11101

November 17, 2007 2:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Vernon Mogensen

47-42 Vernon Blvd.

Long Island City, NY 11101

202-289-1060

**Melissa Hall**

331 S Pacific Ave Apt 3 , Pittsburgh, PA 15224

November 17, 2007 2:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Melissa Hall

331 S Pacific Ave Apt 3

Pittsburgh, PA 15224

202-289-1060

**Michael Girasoli**

1221 Elm Terrace , Rahway, NJ 07065-1837

November 17, 2007 1:54 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Michael Girasoli

1221 Elm Terrace

Rahway, NJ 07065-1837

202-289-1060

**Judy Dunn**

PO Box 1612 , Raceland, LA 70394

November 17, 2007 1:54 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Judy Dunn

PO Box 1612

Raceland, LA 70394

202-289-1060

**R Saxton**

532 Warren St , Albany, NY 12208

November 17, 2007 1:54 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

R Saxton

532 Warren St

Albany, NY 12208

202-289-1060

**Maria Servellon**

293 Meridian St , East Boston, MA 02128

November 17, 2007 1:54 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Maria Servellon

293 Meridian St

East Boston, MA 02128

202-289-1060

**Glenna Davolt**

6131 N. Desert Willow Dr. , Tucson, AZ 85743

November 17, 2007 1:54 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Glenna Davolt

6131 N. Desert Willow Dr.

Tucson, AZ 85743

202-289-1060

**Ann Searing**

483 Canton Ave , Milton, MA 02186-3217

November 17, 2007 1:54 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Ann Searing

483 Canton Ave

Milton, MA 02186-3217

202-289-1060

**Phyllis Berger**

21655 Sonoma Ct. , Boca Raton, FL 33433

November 17, 2007 1:54 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Phyllis Berger

21655 Sonoma Ct.

Boca Raton, FL 33433

202-289-1060

**Vic Bostock**

17 Cliveden Green , Nottingham, CA 91001

November 17, 2007 1:54 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Vic Bostock

17 Cliveden Green

Nottingham, CA 91001

202-289-1060

**Sarah Elliott**

747 Dayton Drive , Carmel, IN 46033

November 17, 2007 1:50 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Sarah Elliott

747 Dayton Drive

Carmel, IN 46033

202-289-1060

**Leslie Brey**

207 Cherry Drive , Satellite Beach, FL 32937

November 17, 2007 1:50 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Leslie Brey

207 Cherry Drive

Satellite Beach, FL 32937

202-289-1060

**Sandi Johnson**

2 Portofino Dr Ste 803 , Pensacola Beach, FL 32561

November 17, 2007 1:50 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Sandi Johnson

2 Portofino Dr Ste 803

Pensacola Beach, FL 32561

202-289-1060

**Sharon Barefoot**

401 14th St. SW#11 #11, Albuquerque, NM 87102

November 17, 2007 1:50 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Sharon Barefoot

401 14th St. SW

#11

#11

Albuquerque, NM 87102

202-289-1060

**Jonathan Woodside**

75 Smith Hall , Hickam AFB, CA 91016

November 17, 2007 1:50 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Woodside

75 Smith Hall

Hickam AFB, CA 91016

202-289-1060

**Stephen Paylor**

232 E Spring Ave , Ardmore, PA 19003

November 17, 2007 1:50 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Stephen Paylor

232 E Spring Ave

Ardmore, PA 19003

202-289-1060

**Brenda Batcheldor**

3819 Callow Road , Lake Stevens, WA 98258

November 17, 2007 1:50 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Brenda Batcheldor

3819 Callow Road

Lake Stevens, WA 98258

202-289-1060

**Lou Ferraro**

613 23rd ST , Virginia Beach, VA 23451

November 17, 2007 1:50 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I am writing to inform you that, as a constituent, I am very concerned
about this issue.

However, PLEASE DO NOT SEND A PAPER REPLY VIA PRINTED MATERIAL.

Not only is this a waste of paper and tax dollars, but it leads me to
believe you do not actually read these email messages and simply send
out an automated form letter. I do not ask for a formal reply on your
letterhead. Whereas a reply via email would be most appreciated and an
ideal way to conserve resources. Thank You

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Lou Ferraro

613 23rd ST

Virginia Beach, VA 23451

202-289-1060

**janis farmer**

4878 jersey walnut grove rd , covington, GA 30014

November 17, 2007 1:50 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

janis farmer

4878 jersey walnut grove rd

covington, GA 30014

202-289-1060

**Karin Andrea Santis Donoso**

Las Malvas 280 depto 1101 , Santiago, 7580011 Chile

November 17, 2007 1:44 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Karin Andrea Santis Donoso

Las Malvas 280 depto 1101

Santiago 7580011

202-289-1060

**Julie Larson**

506 Juniper Drive , North Aurora, IL 60542

November 17, 2007 1:44 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Julie Larson

506 Juniper Drive

North Aurora, IL 60542

202-289-1060

**J. Huston**

60th St. , Oakland, CA 94609

November 17, 2007 1:44 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

J. Huston

60th St.

Oakland, CA 94609

202-289-1060

**Richard Heller**

68 York Street, Apt 3 , Lambertville, NJ 08530

November 17, 2007 1:44 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Richard Heller

68 York Street, Apt 3

Lambertville, NJ 08530

202-289-1060

**Bryan Paul**

2331 Wacassa Dr. , Geneva, FL 32732

November 17, 2007 1:44 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Bryan Paul

2331 Wacassa Dr.

Geneva, FL 32732

202-289-1060

**Staci Stanton**

707 West Jefferson , Knoxville, IA 50138

November 17, 2007 1:44 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Staci Stanton

707 West Jefferson

Knoxville, IA 50138

202-289-1060

**Kristi Annecone**

1683 Almond Blossom Lane , San Jose, CA 95124

November 17, 2007 1:44 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kristi Annecone

1683 Almond Blossom Lane

San Jose, CA 95124

202-289-1060

**Linda Crist**

15905 Bent Tree Forest #2083, Dallas, TX 75248

November 17, 2007 1:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Linda Crist

15905 Bent Tree Forest

#2083

Dallas, TX 75248

202-289-1060

**Jen Agatone**

459 Mountain Rd , Boyertown, PA 19512

November 17, 2007 1:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jen Agatone

459 Mountain Rd

Boyertown, PA 19512

202-289-1060

**Adam Parez**

2128 Speed Avenue , Louisville, KY 40205

November 17, 2007 1:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Adam Parez

2128 Speed Avenue

Louisville, KY 40205

202-289-1060

**Cheryl Dare**

1081 Court #810A , Memphis, TN 38104-2126

November 17, 2007 1:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Dare

1081 Court #810A

Memphis, TN 38104-2126

202-289-1060

**Mary Wiebe**

499 Sydney Avenue , Winnipeg, MB R2K 1C2 Canada

November 17, 2007 1:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Mary Wiebe

499 Sydney Avenue

Winnipeg, MB R2K 1C2

202-289-1060

**tori rumbaugh**

1154 don alberto ln. , san jacinto, CA 92582

November 17, 2007 1:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

tori rumbaugh

1154 don alberto ln.

san jacinto, CA 92582

202-289-1060

**Cindy A. Greer**

1601 18th Ave. , Sterling, IL 61081

November 17, 2007 1:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Cindy A. Greer

1601 18th Ave.

Sterling, IL 61081

202-289-1060

**Ben Goodin**

Box 5 , Coaldale, CO 81222

November 17, 2007 1:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Ben Goodin

Box 5

Coaldale, CO 81222

202-289-1060

**SUSAN CONWAY**

20 FEDERAL COURT , GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877

November 17, 2007 1:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

SUSAN CONWAY

20 FEDERAL COURT

GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877

202-289-1060

**Jerry Poe**

1119 Fernway Road , Chattanooga, TN 374051409

November 17, 2007 1:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jerry Poe

1119 Fernway Road

Chattanooga, TN 37405-1409

202-289-1060

**gaile carr**

1821 eddy dr , mtshasta, CA 96067

November 17, 2007 1:40 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

gaile carr

1821 eddy dr

mtshasta, CA 96067

202-289-1060

**Vanessa Smith**

170 Mulligan Rd. , Caledonia, ON N3W 2G9 Canada

November 17, 2007 1:32 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Vanessa Smith

170 Mulligan Rd.

Caledonia, ON N3W 2G9

202-289-1060

**Mark Curtiss**

3975 Capital heights Ave. , Baton Rouge, LA 70806

November 17, 2007 1:32 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Mark Curtiss

3975 Capital heights Ave.

Baton Rouge, LA 70806

202-289-1060

**Julio Berlingeri**

5049 S. Michigan Ct. , Littleton, CO 80123

November 17, 2007 1:32 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Julio Berlingeri

5049 S. Michigan Ct.

Littleton, CO 80123

202-289-1060

**Arlen Kleinsasser**

58 Belden St , Falls Village, CT 06031

November 17, 2007 1:32 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Arlen Kleinsasser

58 Belden St

Falls Village, CT 06031

202-289-1060

**Sarah Alba**

1321 25th St , Sacramento, CA 95816

November 17, 2007 1:32 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Sarah Alba

1321 25th St

Sacramento, CA 95816

202-289-1060

**Shannon Wright**

420 Keithwood Ct , Richmond, VA 23236

November 17, 2007 1:32 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Shannon Wright

420 Keithwood Ct

Richmond, VA 23236

202-289-1060

**Gene and Carolyn Vereen**

5703 Woodside Avenue , myrtle beach, SC 29577-2247

November 17, 2007 1:32 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Gene and Carolyn Vereen

5703 Woodside Avenue

myrtle beach, SC 29577-2247

202-289-1060

**Matthew Read**

1109 Nolan Ln , Cordova, TN 38018

November 17, 2007 1:32 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Matthew Read

1109 Nolan Ln

Cordova, TN 38018

202-289-1060

**Chuck Ricevuto**

Box 615 , Oroville, WA 98844

November 17, 2007 1:28 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Chuck Ricevuto

Box 615

Oroville, WA 98844

202-289-1060

**Scott Alberts**

2902 Bright St. , Port Saint Lucie, FL 34953

November 17, 2007 1:28 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Scott Alberts

2902 Bright St.

Port Saint Lucie, FL 34953

202-289-1060

**Gina Griffith**

737 Colman St , Altadena, CA 91001

November 17, 2007 1:28 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Gina Griffith

737 Colman St

Altadena, CA 91001

202-289-1060

**Charles Byrne**

510 W. Springfield Avenue, Apt. B , Champaign, IL 61820

November 17, 2007 1:28 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Charles Byrne

510 W. Springfield Avenue, Apt. B

Champaign, IL 61820

202-289-1060

**Daniel Constable**

618 Lessly Place , Davis, CA 95616

November 17, 2007 1:28 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Daniel Constable

618 Lessly Place

Davis, CA 95616

202-289-1060

**Lila Flagler**

6737 E. Camino Principal, #C , Tucson, AZ 85715

November 17, 2007 1:26 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Lila Flagler

6737 E. Camino Principal, #C

Tucson, AZ 85715

202-289-1060

**Anita Valdez**

800 N Country Club Rd , Tucson, AZ 85716

November 17, 2007 1:26 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Anita Valdez

800 N Country Club Rd

Tucson, AZ 85716

202-289-1060

**Sandra Conder**

7232 E. Nopal Ave. , Mesa, AZ 85209

November 17, 2007 1:26 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I don\'t have children, so go ahead and relax the stream buffer zone
rule.

I live in Arizona where one can drive for miles enjoying the wonders of
leveled mountaintops and ever-expanding valleys called open pits. I have
lived in the Pacific Northwest where once it was impossible to see the
forest for the trees until clearcutting came along. Now, one can\'t see
either, but one can see further.

I once lived in western Pennsylvania, a charming example of the
aftermath of lenient mining practices.

I grew up on the coast of Maine where we occasionally ate lobsters even
though they were 30 cents a pound. Last summer I could afford to eat my
fill at \$6.00 a pound courtesy of a lobsterman neighbor, so I must be
better off.

Natural resources are infinite, aren\'t they?

I guess my friends\' children will find out.

Sincerely,

Sandra Conder

7232 E. Nopal Ave.

Mesa, AZ 85209

202-289-1060

**Laura Robinson**

25 Collinwood Road , Maplewood, NJ 07040

November 17, 2007 1:25 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Laura Robinson

25 Collinwood Road

Maplewood, NJ 07040

202-289-1060

**jenifer rubin**

2127 frederick ave , kalamazoo, MI 49008

November 17, 2007 1:25 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

jenifer rubin

2127 frederick ave

kalamazoo, MI 49008

202-289-1060

**Allison Murphy**

138 Viking Way Apt A2, Brockport, NY 14420

November 17, 2007 1:25 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Allison Murphy

138 Viking Way

Apt A2

Brockport, NY 14420

202-289-1060

**Maggie Preston**

, North Bay,

November 17, 2007 1:25 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Maggie Preston

North Bay

202-289-1060

**Aleksandar Ivanov**

6912 66 str , Glendale, NY 11385

November 17, 2007 1:25 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Aleksandar Ivanov

6912 66 str

Glendale, NY 11385

202-289-1060

**James Thomas**

6642 Trotter Dr , Huntington Beach, CA 92648-1540

November 17, 2007 1:25 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

James Thomas

6642 Trotter Dr

Huntington Beach, CA 92648-1540

202-289-1060

**Joanne Seiff**

736 E. 11th Ave. , Bowling Green, KY 42101

November 17, 2007 1:25 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Joanne Seiff

736 E. 11th Ave.

Bowling Green, KY 42101

202-289-1060

**Joel Zulauf**

1312 1/2 S. Walnut St. , Springfield, IL 62704

November 17, 2007 1:20 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Joel Zulauf

1312 1/2 S. Walnut St.

Springfield, IL 62704

202-289-1060

**Dorothea L. Cappadona**

23 Watch Way , Huntington, NY 11743

November 17, 2007 1:20 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Dorothea L. Cappadona

23 Watch Way

Huntington, NY 11743

202-289-1060

**Matthew Franck**

119 Livingston Ave Apt 5G , New Brunswick, NJ 089012456

November 17, 2007 1:20 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Matthew Franck

119 Livingston Ave Apt 5G

New Brunswick, NJ 08901-2456

202-289-1060

**Jeanne Whitley**

6381 Reubens dr , Huntington Beach, CA 92647

November 17, 2007 1:20 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jeanne Whitley

6381 Reubens dr

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

202-289-1060

**Stephen Prine**

19784 E Baker Place , Aurora, CO 80013

November 17, 2007 1:20 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Stephen Prine

19784 E Baker Place

Aurora, CO 80013

202-289-1060

**Shyam Bhakta**

1502 Huntington Ln. , Cleveland Heights, OH 44118/1539

November 17, 2007 1:19 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Shyam Bhakta

1502 Huntington Ln.

Cleveland Heights, OH 44118/1539

202-289-1060

**Carrie Thomas**

6642 Trotter Dr , Huntington Beach, CA 92648

November 17, 2007 1:19 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Carrie Thomas

6642 Trotter Dr

Huntington Beach, CA 92648

202-289-1060

**Jenny Holland**

919 N Fairfield Ave , Chicago, IL 60622

November 17, 2007 1:19 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jenny Holland

919 N Fairfield Ave

Chicago, IL 60622

202-289-1060

**Shankar Gallery**

1840 Violet St , Boulder, CO 80304

November 17, 2007 1:15 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Shankar Gallery

1840 Violet St

Boulder, CO 80304

202-289-1060

**Kasra Kamooneh**

1471 15th Street #7 , San Francisco, CA 94103

November 17, 2007 1:15 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kasra Kamooneh

1471 15th Street #7

San Francisco, CA 94103

202-289-1060

**Suzanna Sterling**

499 Oak Manor Drive , Fairfax, CA 94930

November 17, 2007 1:15 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Suzanna Sterling

499 Oak Manor Drive

Fairfax, CA 94930

202-289-1060

**Brian Edelstein**

920 Oak Drive , Glencoe, IL 60022

November 17, 2007 1:15 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Brian Edelstein

920 Oak Drive

Glencoe, IL 60022

202-289-1060

**John Mundahl**

12942W County Road oo , Hayward, WI 54843

November 17, 2007 1:15 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

John Mundahl

12942W County Road oo

Hayward, WI 54843

202-289-1060

**Kamal Prasad**

2845 Bowen St , Graton, CA 95444

November 17, 2007 1:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kamal Prasad

2845 Bowen St

Graton, CA 95444

202-289-1060

**Michael Cook**

1635 Cohassett Ave , Lakewood, OH 44107

November 17, 2007 1:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Michael Cook

1635 Cohassett Ave

Lakewood, OH 44107

202-289-1060

**Katherine Richards**

3939 Madison Ave Apt 150 , North Highlands, CA 95660

November 17, 2007 1:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Katherine Richards

3939 Madison Ave Apt 150

North Highlands, CA 95660

202-289-1060

**Dave Campbell**

412 W Mountain Ave , Fort Collins, CO 80521

November 17, 2007 1:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Dave Campbell

412 W Mountain Ave

Fort Collins, CO 80521

202-289-1060

**Glenna Juilfs**

5391 State Hwy 276 W , Royse City, TX 751895223

November 17, 2007 1:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Glenna Juilfs

5391 State Hwy 276 W

Royse City, TX 75189-5223

202-289-1060

**Brent Gotsch**

PO Box 332 86 Knight Road, Grahamsville, NY 12740

November 17, 2007 1:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Brent Gotsch

PO Box 332

86 Knight Road

Grahamsville, NY 12740

202-289-1060

**Elizabeth Mauney**

119 N Piedmont Ave , Kings Mountain, NC 28086-3028

November 17, 2007 1:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Mauney

119 N Piedmont Ave

Kings Mountain, NC 28086-3028

202-289-1060

**Nancy Whiting**

1502 Water St , Columbia, PA 17512

November 17, 2007 1:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Nancy Whiting

1502 Water St

Columbia, PA 17512

202-289-1060

**Aaron McGarry**

254 Chase Rd , Thompson, CT 06277-2803

November 17, 2007 1:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Aaron McGarry

254 Chase Rd

Thompson, CT 06277-2803

202-289-1060

**Bill Riley**

962 Diamond St. , San Diego, CA 921092505

November 17, 2007 1:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Bill Riley

962 Diamond St.

San Diego, CA 92109-2505

202-289-1060

**Alexa White**

17856 Vanowen St. , Reseda, CA 91335

November 17, 2007 1:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Alexa White

17856 Vanowen St.

Reseda, CA 91335

202-289-1060

**Ely Freedman**

PO Box 136 , La Mesa, CA 91944

November 17, 2007 1:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Ely Freedman

PO Box 136

La Mesa, CA 91944

202-289-1060

**Janet Hoover**

12591 Scandia St , Garden Grove, CA 92845

November 17, 2007 1:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Janet Hoover

12591 Scandia St

Garden Grove, CA 92845

202-289-1060

**meleina mayhew**

2313 teviot street , los angeles, CA 90039

November 17, 2007 1:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

meleina mayhew

2313 teviot street

los angeles, CA 90039

202-289-1060

**Peggy Graham**

1524 Oriole Avenue , Sunnyvale, CA 94087-4940

November 17, 2007 1:10 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Peggy Graham

1524 Oriole Avenue

Sunnyvale, CA 94087-4940

202-289-1060

**Thilak Kariyawasam**

No 546/3 Wata mawatha Gangodawila,, Nugegoda, 2100 Sri Lanka

November 17, 2007 1:02 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Thilak Kariyawasam

No 546/3 Wata mawatha

Gangodawila,

Nugegoda 2100

202-289-1060

**Ondine Eaton**

342 N Orange grove Ave , Los Angeles, CA 90036

November 17, 2007 1:02 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Ondine Eaton

342 N Orange grove Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90036

202-289-1060

**June McCandless**

2010 NE Clackamas St , Portland, OR 97232-1517

November 17, 2007 1:02 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

June McCandless

2010 NE Clackamas St

Portland, OR 97232-1517

202-289-1060

**Marissa Gomez**

P.O. Box 572 , Danville, IL 61834

November 17, 2007 1:02 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Marissa Gomez

P.O. Box 572

Danville, IL 61834

202-289-1060

**Barbara Green**

17078 Hall rd , Clatskanie, OR 97016

November 17, 2007 1:02 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Barbara Green

17078 Hall rd

Clatskanie, OR 97016

202-289-1060

**Rebecca Boyle Douglas**

62 Willowbrook Lane , Canterbury, CT 06331

November 17, 2007 1:00 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Boyle Douglas

62 Willowbrook Lane

Canterbury, CT 06331

202-289-1060

**Leslie Sheridan**

473 Church St , Sonoma, CA 95476

November 17, 2007 1:00 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Leslie Sheridan

473 Church St

Sonoma, CA 95476

202-289-1060

**Jennifer Wilcox**

86 Perry St , New York, NY 10014

November 17, 2007 1:00 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Wilcox

86 Perry St

New York, NY 10014

202-289-1060

**Paul Yoder**

P.O. Box 1616 , Cuba, NM 87013

November 17, 2007 1:00 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Paul Yoder

P.O. Box 1616

Cuba, NM 87013

202-289-1060

**Renee Sousa**

4902 Avoca Street , Los Angeles, CA 90041-3106

November 17, 2007 1:00 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Renee Sousa

4902 Avoca Street

Los Angeles, CA 90041-3106

202-289-1060

**Vail Anderson**

27 N Rolling Rd , Baltimore, MD 21228-4849

November 17, 2007 1:00 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Vail Anderson

27 N Rolling Rd

Baltimore, MD 21228-4849

202-289-1060

**Kitrina Lisiewski**

270 Federal Road , Monroe Township, NJ 088315945

November 17, 2007 1:00 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kitrina Lisiewski

270 Federal Road

Monroe Township, NJ 08831-5945

202-289-1060

**Lola Schappell**

P.O. Box 1466 , Cornelius, NC 28031

November 17, 2007 1:00 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Lola Schappell

P.O. Box 1466

Cornelius, NC 28031

202-289-1060

**Karen Orchard**

722 Upper Third St , Kellogg, ID 83837

November 17, 2007 1:00 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Karen Orchard

722 Upper Third St

Kellogg, ID 83837

202-289-1060

**Jeffrey Freiberg**

4183 Glen Meadow Dr , Norcross, GA 30092

November 17, 2007 1:00 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Freiberg

4183 Glen Meadow Dr

Norcross, GA 30092

202-289-1060

**Laura Coyle**

9105 NE 29th St , Ankeny, IA 50021

November 17, 2007 1:00 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Laura Coyle

9105 NE 29th St

Ankeny, IA 50021

202-289-1060

**annalisa osterhout**

8124 cicero mills road , cicero, NY 13039

November 17, 2007 1:00 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

annalisa osterhout

8124 cicero mills road

cicero, NY 13039

202-289-1060

**Christopher Duran**

4902 N Amherst St , Portland, OR 97203

November 17, 2007 12:51 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Christopher Duran

4902 N Amherst St

Portland, OR 97203

202-289-1060

**Ryan Hartery**

5184 Merle St. , Las Vegas, NV 89119

November 17, 2007 12:51 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Ryan Hartery

5184 Merle St.

Las Vegas, NV 89119

202-289-1060

**Cameron Stark**

801 Locust Place Apt. 2194W, Albuquerque, NM 87102

November 17, 2007 12:51 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Cameron Stark

801 Locust Place

Apt. 2194W

Albuquerque, NM 87102

202-289-1060

**Robert Glenn San Socie**

4450 Timber Hollow Way , Jacksonville, FL 32224

November 17, 2007 12:47 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Robert Glenn San Socie

4450 Timber Hollow Way

Jacksonville, FL 32224

202-289-1060

**Joyce Wilke**

9267 1/2 Olive St , Fontana, CA 92335

November 17, 2007 12:47 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Joyce Wilke

9267 1/2 Olive St

Fontana, CA 92335

202-289-1060

**Mary Dulgeroff**

600 Stevens Dr. #302, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

November 17, 2007 12:47 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

Please, these never ending back door attacks on the environment by this
amoral and unethical administration must stop. There has to be ONE
person somewhere in the repressive, regressive, INTERMINABLE Butcher
administration that has the backbone to stand up and say enough. We have
done enough damage, we have given big business enough breaks, we have
destoyed as much of this country as we should. We have left enough work
for the next ten generations to clean up our mess. We have done enough
to go down in history as the most environmentally unfriendly
administration in the history of the US. I urge the Office of Surface
Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the decades-old stream buffer
zone rule to make it easier for mining companies to fill natural streams
with mining waste. Your proposal would destroy the headwater streams
that support important drinking, fishing and recreational uses; is at
odds with the Clean Water Act and other laws; and endorses decades of
destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Mary Dulgeroff

600 Stevens Dr.

#302

Pittsburgh, PA 15237

202-289-1060

**Todd Crowder**

21 Waters Ave , Nashville, TN 37206

November 17, 2007 12:47 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Todd Crowder

21 Waters Ave

Nashville, TN 37206

202-289-1060

**Gary Baxter**

4841 W Sandra Ter , Glendale, AZ 85306

November 17, 2007 12:47 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Gary Baxter

4841 W Sandra Ter

Glendale, AZ 85306

202-289-1060

**Amy Kim**

1246 W Rosewood Ct , Chandler, AZ 85224

November 17, 2007 12:47 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Amy Kim

1246 W Rosewood Ct

Chandler, AZ 85224

202-289-1060

**Brook Tollard**

1217 Michigan St , Oshkosh, WI 54902-6439

November 17, 2007 12:47 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Brook Tollard

1217 Michigan St

Oshkosh, WI 54902-6439

202-289-1060

**Maggie Duncan**

2501 W. 36th St. , Tucson, AZ 85713

November 17, 2007 12:47 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Maggie Duncan

2501 W. 36th St.

Tucson, AZ 85713

202-289-1060

**Joe Bernstein**

511 West 232nd Street #E1 , Bronx, NY 104633554

November 17, 2007 12:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Joe Bernstein

511 West 232nd Street #E1

Bronx, NY 10463-3554

202-289-1060

**Kelly Edinger**

9835 Occidental Ave S , Seattle, WA 98108

November 17, 2007 12:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kelly Edinger

9835 Occidental Ave S

Seattle, WA 98108

202-289-1060

**larry kubli**

332 River Rd , Collegeville, PA 19426-3026

November 17, 2007 12:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

larry kubli

332 River Rd

Collegeville, PA 19426-3026

202-289-1060

**Geno Rossi**

1191 Simms Ave. , Henderson, NV 89074

November 17, 2007 12:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Geno Rossi

1191 Simms Ave.

Henderson, NV 89074

202-289-1060

**Edward Mapes**

4903 Carolina Circle , McKinney, TX 75071

November 17, 2007 12:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Edward Mapes

4903 Carolina Circle

McKinney, TX 75071

202-289-1060

**Sarah F. Melcher**

153 Beechwood Ave. , Torrington, CT 06790

November 17, 2007 12:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I\'m incredulous that I have to write a letter like this! Have we
learned nothing about the need to preserve streams and other waterways?
I am writing to STRONGLY urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon
its proposal to relax the decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it
easier for mining companies to fill natural streams with mining waste.
Your proposal would destroy the headwater streams that support important
drinking, fishing and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water
Act and other laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining
practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Sarah F. Melcher

153 Beechwood Ave.

Torrington, CT 06790

202-289-1060

**Hugh Schmittle**

2216 Hyde Lane , Bowie, MD 20716-1147

November 17, 2007 12:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Hugh Schmittle

2216 Hyde Lane

Bowie, MD 20716-1147

202-289-1060

**Cathy O\'Leary Carey**

17696 Cumana terrace , San Diego, CA 921281814

November 17, 2007 12:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Cathy O\'Leary Carey

17696 Cumana terrace

San Diego, CA 92128-1814

202-289-1060

**Sharon Pennington**

191 Die Road , Magnolia, KY 42757

November 17, 2007 12:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Sharon Pennington

191 Die Road

Magnolia, KY 42757

202-289-1060

**Elizabeth Gonzales**

18 Gregory Place , Oakland, CA 94602

November 17, 2007 12:42 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Gonzales

18 Gregory Place

Oakland, CA 94602

202-289-1060

**Robert M. Rocco**

12554 Indianapolis St. , Los Angeles, CA 90066

November 17, 2007 12:37 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Rocco

12554 Indianapolis St.

Los Angeles, CA 90066

202-289-1060

**Tor Gilbo**

456 W Whipp Rd. , Dayton, OH 45459

November 17, 2007 12:37 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Tor Gilbo

456 W Whipp Rd.

Dayton, OH 45459

202-289-1060

**Charlotte Melichar**

2210 Penfield Lane , Bowie, MD 20716

November 17, 2007 12:37 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

Hi, Mr. Wahlquist! I\'m a volunteer at the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge,
which as you know is part of your Interior department, and I\'m sending
along the message below to request that you follow its recommendations
to safeguard our streams. Thanks very much for your work on these
issues!

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Melichar

2210 Penfield Lane

Bowie, MD 20716

202-289-1060

**Katie Thomas**

9129 Mallard Circle , Sandy, UT 84093

November 17, 2007 12:37 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Katie Thomas

9129 Mallard Circle

Sandy, UT 84093

202-289-1060

**Valerie Jordan**

3703 S 7th St , Tacoma, WA 98405

November 17, 2007 12:37 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Valerie Jordan

3703 S 7th St

Tacoma, WA 98405

202-289-1060

**Kimberly Huey**

154 S 12th St , Indiana, PA 15701-2623

November 17, 2007 12:37 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Huey

154 S 12th St

Indiana, PA 15701-2623

202-289-1060

**Joi Grabowski**

1844 7th Ave Apt 207 , Oakland, CA 94606

November 17, 2007 12:37 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Joi Grabowski

1844 7th Ave Apt 207

Oakland, CA 94606

202-289-1060

**kayde sherlock**

, vancouver,

November 17, 2007 12:37 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

kayde sherlock

vancouver

202-289-1060

**Myles McGann**

604 NE 9th Street , Gainesville, FL 32601

November 17, 2007 12:37 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Myles McGann

604 NE 9th Street

Gainesville, FL 32601

202-289-1060

**Thomas Hager**

695 Summer Lane , White Salmon, WA 98672

November 17, 2007 12:37 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Thomas Hager

695 Summer Lane

White Salmon, WA 98672

202-289-1060

**Sandip Amin**

3550 N Lake Shore Drive Apt 1021, Chicago, IL 60657

November 17, 2007 12:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Sandip Amin

3550 N Lake Shore Drive

Apt 1021

Chicago, IL 60657

202-289-1060

**Melissa Carr**

26 Willow Rd \# 609, Guelph, ON n1h1w1 Canada

November 17, 2007 12:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Melissa Carr

26 Willow Rd

\# 609

Guelph, ON n1h1w1

202-289-1060

**Suzi Tompkins**

P. O. Box 423 , Twin Peaks, CA 92391

November 17, 2007 12:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Suzi Tompkins

P. O. Box 423

Twin Peaks, CA 92391

202-289-1060

**Reino Bryant**

5310 Keller Springs Rd Apt 133 , Dallas, TX 75248

November 17, 2007 12:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Reino Bryant

5310 Keller Springs Rd Apt 133

Dallas, TX 75248

202-289-1060

**John P. Brady**

2915 W. Coyle Ave. , Chicago, IL 60645

November 17, 2007 12:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

John P. Brady

2915 W. Coyle Ave.

Chicago, IL 60645

202-289-1060

**Zach Petersen**

3104-L Westbury Lake Drive , Charlotte, NC 28269

November 17, 2007 12:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Zach Petersen

3104-L Westbury Lake Drive

Charlotte, NC 28269

202-289-1060

**Steven Brubaker**

900 N Lake Shore Dr Apt 2703 , Chicago, IL 60611

November 17, 2007 12:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Steven Brubaker

900 N Lake Shore Dr Apt 2703

Chicago, IL 60611

202-289-1060

**Suzanne Griffith**

2802 W Skyline Pky , Duluth, MN 55806

November 17, 2007 12:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Griffith

2802 W Skyline Pky

Duluth, MN 55806

202-289-1060

**Georgia Mattingly**

1308 S Francis St , Longmont, CO 80501

November 17, 2007 12:30 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Georgia Mattingly

1308 S Francis St

Longmont, CO 80501

202-289-1060

**Lauri Peacock**

718 N Burk St , Hobbs, NM 88240

November 17, 2007 12:22 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Lauri Peacock

718 N Burk St

Hobbs, NM 88240

202-289-1060

**Ava Thiesen**

60465 Cascadel Dr S , North Fork, CA 93643-9661

November 17, 2007 12:22 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Ava Thiesen

60465 Cascadel Dr S

North Fork, CA 93643-9661

202-289-1060

**Nick Kiger**

4528 Poinsetta Dr. , Fort Worth, TX 76114

November 17, 2007 12:19 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Nick Kiger

4528 Poinsetta Dr.

Fort Worth, TX 76114

202-289-1060

**Isabel Lima**

6875 Louisville st , New Orleans, LA 70124

November 17, 2007 12:19 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Isabel Lima

6875 Louisville st

New Orleans, LA 70124

202-289-1060

**Matthew McGuire**

322 Redwood Lane , Cheshire, CT 06410-2342

November 17, 2007 12:19 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Matthew McGuire

322 Redwood Lane

Cheshire, CT 06410-2342

202-289-1060

**Thomas Decker**

C/ El Collado, 12 Urbiés, Mieres, E 33 613 Spain

November 17, 2007 12:19 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Thomas Decker

C/ El Collado, 12

Urbiés

Mieres E 33 613

202-289-1060

**Phil Klein**

454 Sierra Trl , Coralville, IA 52241

November 17, 2007 12:19 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Phil Klein

454 Sierra Trl

Coralville, IA 52241

202-289-1060

**Martha Huggins**

108 Stepp Pond. Trl. , Hendersonville, NC 28792

November 17, 2007 12:19 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Martha Huggins

108 Stepp Pond. Trl.

Hendersonville, NC 28792

202-289-1060

**William Brilliant**

85 S. Birch Street , Denver, CO 80246

November 17, 2007 12:19 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

William Brilliant

85 S. Birch Street

Denver, CO 80246

202-289-1060

**tracey sams**

21-23 birdsall ave , queens, NY 11694

November 17, 2007 12:19 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

tracey sams

21-23 birdsall ave

queens, NY 11694

202-289-1060

**Elaine Mayer**

1432 20th St NW , Rochester, MN 55901

November 17, 2007 12:19 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to enforce that rule. Mountaintop
removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres and buried
hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be given a new
opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile headwater
streams.

Abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone rule and to
instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on better
enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Elaine Mayer

1432 20th St NW

Rochester, MN 55901

202-289-1060

**Jessica Ridgeway**

4115 Trout Gulch Rd , Aptos, CA 95003

November 17, 2007 12:19 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jessica Ridgeway

4115 Trout Gulch Rd

Aptos, CA 95003

202-289-1060

**David Bell**

4212 Clark Ave. Apt. 302, Kansas City, MO 64111

November 17, 2007 12:16 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

David Bell

4212 Clark Ave.

Apt. 302

Kansas City, MO 64111

202-289-1060

**Russell Grindle**

1331 Buckingham Drive , Fairfield, CA 94533

November 17, 2007 12:16 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Russell Grindle

1331 Buckingham Drive

Fairfield, CA 94533

202-289-1060

**Patti & Steve Devine**

855 Leschi Way , Fox Island, WA 98333

November 17, 2007 12:16 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Patti %pa_first_name% Steve Devine

855 Leschi Way

Fox Island, WA 98333

202-289-1060

**Deborah Lakhavani**

12660 Stafford Rd Apt. 726, Stafford, TX 77477

November 17, 2007 12:16 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Deborah Lakhavani

12660 Stafford Rd

Apt. 726

Stafford, TX 77477

202-289-1060

**bobby woodart**

1614 primrose , toledo, OH 43612

November 17, 2007 12:16 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

bobby woodart

1614 primrose

toledo, OH 43612

202-289-1060

**Joyce Korn**

227 W 15th St , New York, NY 10011-6430

November 17, 2007 12:16 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Joyce Korn

227 W 15th St

New York, NY 10011-6430

202-289-1060

**raymond crannell**

215 Schmidt Rd , Ghent, NY 12075

November 17, 2007 12:16 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

raymond crannell

215 Schmidt Rd

Ghent, NY 12075

202-289-1060

**Shanna Schultz**

207 2nd Avenue SW , Lonsdale, MN 55046

November 17, 2007 12:16 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Shanna Schultz

207 2nd Avenue SW

Lonsdale, MN 55046

202-289-1060

**Kathleen Malley-Morrison**

99 Country Ln , Westwood, MA 02090-1023

November 17, 2007 12:16 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Malley-Morrison

99 Country Ln

Westwood, MA 02090-1023

202-289-1060

**Beverly Logan**

7420 SE Milwaukie Ave , Portland, OR 972026111

November 17, 2007 12:16 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Beverly Logan

7420 SE Milwaukie Ave

Portland, OR 97202-6111

202-289-1060

**Berta Liao**

2408 Santa Cruz Ct. , Torrance, CA 90501

November 17, 2007 12:16 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Berta Liao

2408 Santa Cruz Ct.

Torrance, CA 90501

202-289-1060

**Marianne Tjorning**

Rolfsvej 21 , Frederiksberg, DK2000 Denmark

November 17, 2007 12:06 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Marianne Tjorning

Rolfsvej 21

Frederiksberg DK2000

202-289-1060

**Marianne Ryan**

PO Box 2756 , Truckee, CA 96160

November 17, 2007 12:06 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Marianne Ryan

PO Box 2756

Truckee, CA 96160

202-289-1060

**Frank Hensley**

136 Revere Cir. , Oak Ridge, TN 37830

November 17, 2007 12:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Frank Hensley

136 Revere Cir.

Oak Ridge, TN 37830

202-289-1060

**Marie Conroy-Salbi**

723-38th Avenue , San Francisco, CA 94121

November 17, 2007 12:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Marie Conroy-Salbi

723-38th Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94121

202-289-1060

**Gerard Redpath**

1690 Running Deer , Keswick, VA 22947

November 17, 2007 12:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Gerard Redpath

1690 Running Deer

Keswick, VA 22947

202-289-1060

**Traci Peyghambarian**

9620 World Cup Dr. , Las Vegas, NV 89117

November 17, 2007 12:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Traci Peyghambarian

9620 World Cup Dr.

Las Vegas, NV 89117

202-289-1060

**Allyson Loewen**

9814 Shadow Wood Dr. , Houston, TX 77080

November 17, 2007 12:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Allyson Loewen

9814 Shadow Wood Dr.

Houston, TX 77080

202-289-1060

**Carrie Ewing**

431 W. 2575 N. , Sunset, UT 84015

November 17, 2007 12:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Carrie Ewing

431 W. 2575 N.

Sunset, UT 84015

202-289-1060

**Shilla Sharifi**

373 Half Moon Ln. Apt. 107, Daly City, CA 94015

November 17, 2007 12:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Shilla Sharifi

373 Half Moon Ln.

Apt. 107

Daly City, CA 94015

202-289-1060

**Fran Zoldan**

512 Caren Dr , Virginia Beach, VA 23452

November 17, 2007 12:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Fran Zoldan

512 Caren Dr

Virginia Beach, VA 23452

202-289-1060

**Kathryn Palmer**

1453 Hale Rd. , Wilmington, OH 45177

November 17, 2007 12:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kathryn Palmer

1453 Hale Rd.

Wilmington, OH 45177

202-289-1060

**Linda Andrews**

P.O Box 97 , Canterbury, CT 06331

November 17, 2007 12:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I respectfully urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal
to relax the decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for
mining companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. This
proposal would destroy the headwater streams that support important
drinking, fishing and recreational uses, is at odds with the Clean Water
Act and other laws, and endorses decades of destructive mining
practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Linda Andrews

P.O Box 97

Canterbury, CT 06331

202-289-1060

**Julie Gengo**

PO Box 217 , Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007

November 17, 2007 12:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Julie Gengo

PO Box 217

Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007

202-289-1060

**Jennifer Smith**

26 Swan Pl. \# 2, Arlington, MA 02476

November 17, 2007 12:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Smith

26 Swan Pl.

\# 2

Arlington, MA 02476

202-289-1060

**Daniel R. Goodwyn**

226 Littlepage Ln. , King William, VA 230863324

November 17, 2007 12:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Daniel R. Goodwyn

226 Littlepage Ln.

King William, VA 23086-3324

202-289-1060

**Megan Berry**

62764 Spring Creek Road , Montrose, CO 81401

November 17, 2007 12:05 PM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Megan Berry

62764 Spring Creek Road

Montrose, CO 81401

202-289-1060

**Shreya Ghose**

, MIssissauga,

November 17, 2007 11:57 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Shreya Ghose

MIssissauga

202-289-1060

**Nancy Paulson**

PO Box 044226 , Racine, WI 53404

November 17, 2007 11:57 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Nancy Paulson

PO Box 044226

Racine, WI 53404

202-289-1060

**Claudia Jacobson**

8300 Fairmount Dr Unit JJ104 , Denver, CO 802476533

November 17, 2007 11:57 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Claudia Jacobson

8300 Fairmount Dr Unit JJ104

Denver, CO 80247-6533

202-289-1060

**Kevin Ford**

731 W. 18th St. #11 , Chicago, IL 60616

November 17, 2007 11:57 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kevin Ford

731 W. 18th St. #11

Chicago, IL 60616

202-289-1060

**Jeanne Chisholm**

8388 Dressage Road , Littleton, CO 80125

November 17, 2007 11:57 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jeanne Chisholm

8388 Dressage Road

Littleton, CO 80125

202-289-1060

**Joseph Beuttenmuller**

4044 W Lake Mary Blvd Unit 104-121 , Lake Mary, FL 32746

November 17, 2007 11:57 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Joseph Beuttenmuller

4044 W Lake Mary Blvd Unit 104-121

Lake Mary, FL 32746

202-289-1060

**David Cook**

18230 Herford Lane , Houston, TX 77058

November 17, 2007 11:57 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

David Cook

18230 Herford Lane

Houston, TX 77058

202-289-1060

**Amanda Pace**

1000 Hilltop Circle, Harbor 205D , Baltimore, MD 21250

November 17, 2007 11:57 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Amanda Pace

1000 Hilltop Circle, Harbor 205D

Baltimore, MD 21250

202-289-1060

**Louis W**

w9 , Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510

November 17, 2007 11:57 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Louis W

w9

Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510

202-289-1060

**James D. Bloom**

2724 Lake Capri Drive , Conyers, GA 300122945

November 17, 2007 11:57 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

James D. Bloom

2724 Lake Capri Drive

Conyers, GA 30012-2945

202-289-1060

**Elise Hunter**

99 Martin Court , Asheville, NC 28806

November 17, 2007 11:57 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Elise Hunter

99 Martin Court

Asheville, NC 28806

202-289-1060

**Randi Steeland**

15705 Haverhill Dr , Macomb, MI 48044

November 17, 2007 11:57 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Randi Steeland

15705 Haverhill Dr

Macomb, MI 48044

202-289-1060

**Anne Lowenthal**

340 Riverside Drive , New York, NY 10025

November 17, 2007 11:57 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Anne Lowenthal

340 Riverside Drive

New York, NY 10025

202-289-1060

**Ana Prohaska**

Granicarska 1a , Bjelovar, 43000 Croatia

November 17, 2007 11:57 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Ana Prohaska

Granicarska 1a

Bjelovar 43000

202-289-1060

**Nona Weiner**

14238 Lucian Ave , San José, CA 95127

November 17, 2007 11:57 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Nona Weiner

14238 Lucian Ave

San José, CA 95127

202-289-1060

**Jeff Noftz**

120 Rissman Ln , Ortonville, MI 48462

November 17, 2007 11:57 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jeff Noftz

120 Rissman Ln

Ortonville, MI 48462

202-289-1060

**Sally Allen**

10321 sw 15th st , pembroke pines, FL 33025

November 17, 2007 11:50 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Sally Allen

10321 sw 15th st

pembroke pines, FL 33025

202-289-1060

**Mary Waltner**

535 N. St. Louis , Chicago, IL 60624

November 17, 2007 11:50 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Mary Waltner

535 N. St. Louis

Chicago, IL 60624

202-289-1060

**elena nikolaeva**

16 inglenook dr , chattanooga, TN 37411

November 17, 2007 11:50 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

elena nikolaeva

16 inglenook dr

chattanooga, TN 37411

202-289-1060

**Belen Carmichael**

876 S. Ogden St. , Denver, CO 80209

November 17, 2007 11:50 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Belen Carmichael

876 S. Ogden St.

Denver, CO 80209

202-289-1060

**Caitlin Richardson**

3636 E Coleman Rd Apt 633 , East Lansing, MI 48823

November 17, 2007 11:50 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Caitlin Richardson

3636 E Coleman Rd Apt 633

East Lansing, MI 48823

202-289-1060

**Karen Day**

1566 Kelly St , Redlands, CA 92374

November 17, 2007 11:50 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Karen Day

1566 Kelly St

Redlands, CA 92374

202-289-1060

**James Balzli**

8130 Norton Ave #22 , WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90046

November 17, 2007 11:50 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

James Balzli

8130 Norton Ave #22

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90046

202-289-1060

**Diana Hocking**

3201 Chastain Dr. Apt. 2B, Atlanta, GA 30342

November 17, 2007 11:50 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Diana Hocking

3201 Chastain Dr.

Apt. 2B

Atlanta, GA 30342

202-289-1060

**Christine Browne-Nunez**

3804 NW Briarwood Drive , Blue Springs, MO 64015

November 17, 2007 11:50 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Christine Browne-Nunez

3804 NW Briarwood Drive

Blue Springs, MO 64015

202-289-1060

**Susan Covington**

PO Box 6 , Flint Hill, VA 22627

November 17, 2007 11:50 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Susan Covington

PO Box 6

Flint Hill, VA 22627

202-289-1060

**john mcmahon**

1085 higgins qtr dr , HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60169

November 17, 2007 11:50 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

john mcmahon

1085 higgins qtr dr

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60169

202-289-1060

**George Offord**

2856 Bronx Park East , New York, NY 10467

November 17, 2007 11:50 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

George Offord

2856 Bronx Park East

New York, NY 10467

202-289-1060

**Jaron Henrie-McCrea**

504 W 110th St Apt 9F , New York, NY 10025

November 17, 2007 11:50 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jaron Henrie-McCrea

504 W 110th St Apt 9F

New York, NY 10025

202-289-1060

**S Thomas**

3549 Esplanade , Chico, CA 95973

November 17, 2007 11:50 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

S Thomas

3549 Esplanade

Chico, CA 95973

202-289-1060

**Briana Adato**

22 S. Summit St. , Ypsilanti, MI 48197

November 17, 2007 11:50 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Briana Adato

22 S. Summit St.

Ypsilanti, MI 48197

202-289-1060

**Johanna Wald**

845 Ashbury Street , San Francisco, CA 94117

November 17, 2007 11:50 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Johanna Wald

845 Ashbury Street

San Francisco, CA 94117

202-289-1060

**Wm. & Jenna Labadie**

POB 134 , Sullivan, NH 03445

November 17, 2007 11:50 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Wm. %pa_first_name% Jenna Labadie

POB 134

Sullivan, NH 03445

202-289-1060

**Diane Sullivan**

1231 SW Kalama Loop , Oak Harbor, WA 98277

November 17, 2007 11:50 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Diane Sullivan

1231 SW Kalama Loop

Oak Harbor, WA 98277

202-289-1060

**Emily Hersh**

8601 Bridgeport Drive , Austin, TX 78758

November 17, 2007 11:41 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Emily Hersh

8601 Bridgeport Drive

Austin, TX 78758

202-289-1060

**Bonnie Brown**

379 1st Ave Apt 3 , New York, NY 10010

November 17, 2007 11:41 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Bonnie Brown

379 1st Ave Apt 3

New York, NY 10010

202-289-1060

**Molly Murphy**

15 Rock Raymond Rd , Brookline, NH 03033-2233

November 17, 2007 11:41 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

Mountains Rivers and Streams are my life. I am a river guide. It is my
job and my passion. We have one earth and you can never fully restore
it!

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Molly Murphy

15 Rock Raymond Rd

Brookline, NH 03033-2233

202-289-1060

**Tawnya Shields**

2975 Kelly Road , Hernando, MS 38632

November 17, 2007 11:41 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Tawnya Shields

2975 Kelly Road

Hernando, MS 38632

202-289-1060

**Patricia Locke**

1340 Gulf Blvd Apt 7G , Clearwater, FL 33767

November 17, 2007 11:41 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Patricia Locke

1340 Gulf Blvd Apt 7G

Clearwater, FL 33767

202-289-1060

**Amanda Braun**

6302 83rd Ct N , Brooklyn Park, MN 55445

November 17, 2007 11:41 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Amanda Braun

6302 83rd Ct N

Brooklyn Park, MN 55445

202-289-1060

**Tanya Olson**

4065 Howard Ave , Los Alamitos, CA 90720

November 17, 2007 11:41 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Tanya Olson

4065 Howard Ave

Los Alamitos, CA 90720

202-289-1060

**Caroline Tibbetts**

1630 Denniston , Pittsburgh, PA 15217

November 17, 2007 11:41 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Caroline Tibbetts

1630 Denniston

Pittsburgh, PA 15217

202-289-1060

**Caryn DiMarco**

2608 West Mendenhall , Bozeman, MT 59718

November 17, 2007 11:41 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Caryn DiMarco

2608 West Mendenhall

Bozeman, MT 59718

202-289-1060

**jesse powers**

47 Norcross Landing , W Chesterfield, NH 03466

November 17, 2007 11:41 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

jesse powers

47 Norcross Landing

W Chesterfield, NH 03466

202-289-1060

**Duane Pollard**

200W.Leslie , Salina, KS 67401

November 17, 2007 11:41 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Duane Pollard

200W.Leslie

Salina, KS 67401

202-289-1060

**Scott Wilmarth**

4115 Kenwood Ave , Kansas City, MO 64110

November 17, 2007 11:41 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Scott Wilmarth

4115 Kenwood Ave

Kansas City, MO 64110

202-289-1060

**Anthony Segelski**

79 Bieselin Rd , Bellport, NY 11713

November 17, 2007 11:41 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Anthony Segelski

79 Bieselin Rd

Bellport, NY 11713

202-289-1060

**Kurt Lightfoot**

13301 Avenida La Valencia , Poway, CA 92064

November 17, 2007 11:41 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

How you noticed how Christian Creation Care is taking off? With support
from science, social values, and Bible interpretation Creation Care is
the New Now. Pretty cool, huh?

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kurt Lightfoot

13301 Avenida La Valencia

Poway, CA 92064

202-289-1060

**Marilyn Vohs**

PO Box 1441 , Fairplay, CO 80440

November 17, 2007 11:41 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Marilyn Vohs

PO Box 1441

Fairplay, CO 80440

202-289-1060

**Michael Kuziel**

3620 Oakwood Drive , Zephyrhills, FL 33543

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Michael Kuziel

3620 Oakwood Drive

Zephyrhills, FL 33543

202-289-1060

**Courtney Chulsky**

1108 Gypsum Ave Salina, KS 67401, Salina, KS 67401

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Courtney Chulsky

1108 Gypsum Ave

Salina, KS 67401

Salina, KS 67401

202-289-1060

**Kelly Preston**

2731 Presidential Drive , Hebron, KY 41048

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kelly Preston

2731 Presidential Drive

Hebron, KY 41048

202-289-1060

**Fern Wachtel**

355 8th Ave Apt 15A , New York, NY 10001-4885

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Fern Wachtel

355 8th Ave Apt 15A

New York, NY 10001-4885

202-289-1060

**Martha Emeson**

3514 Central Ave. , Nashville, TN 37205

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Martha Emeson

3514 Central Ave.

Nashville, TN 37205

202-289-1060

**David Bean**

66 9th Street East \# 1708, St. Paul, MN 55101-2254

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

David Bean

66 9th Street East

\# 1708

St. Paul, MN 55101-2254

202-289-1060

**Mark Hochsprung**

9600 West Shore Drive , Oak lawn, IL 60453

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Mark Hochsprung

9600 West Shore Drive

Oak lawn, IL 60453

202-289-1060

**rich miles**

5969 e fairmount st , tucson, AZ 85712

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

rich miles

5969 e fairmount st

tucson, AZ 85712

202-289-1060

**Susan Helmer**

1708 Linden St. , Des Plaines, IL 60018

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Susan Helmer

1708 Linden St.

Des Plaines, IL 60018

202-289-1060

**Jeff Ball**

2436 Park Estates Dr , Sacramento, CA 95825

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jeff Ball

2436 Park Estates Dr

Sacramento, CA 95825

202-289-1060

**Whitney Harvey**

384 Old Settlement Rd. , Oneonta, AL 35121

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Whitney Harvey

384 Old Settlement Rd.

Oneonta, AL 35121

202-289-1060

**Maria Aiello**

45 Lolly Lane , Centereach, NY 11720

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Maria Aiello

45 Lolly Lane

Centereach, NY 11720

202-289-1060

**Leslie Butterworth**

125 Odell Drive , San Antonio, TX 78212

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Leslie Butterworth

125 Odell Drive

San Antonio, TX 78212

202-289-1060

**Mary Brake**

517 SE Maynard Rd , Cary, NC 27511

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Mary Brake

517 SE Maynard Rd

Cary, NC 27511

202-289-1060

**Valerie Plaschka**

16138 Chuckawa Ln SE , Yelm, WA 98597

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Valerie Plaschka

16138 Chuckawa Ln SE

Yelm, WA 98597

202-289-1060

**Kathy Clark**

549 S 1st St , Ann Arbor, MI 48103

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kathy Clark

549 S 1st St

Ann Arbor, MI 48103

202-289-1060

**Ellen Damschen**

7424 University Drive , Saint Louis, MO 63130

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Ellen Damschen

7424 University Drive

Saint Louis, MO 63130

202-289-1060

**Stephanie Steel**

4767 Coolidge St. , Oregon, WI 53575-2801

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Steel

4767 Coolidge St.

Oregon, WI 53575-2801

202-289-1060

**Kay Leffler**

18 Pond Lane , Armonk, NY 00000

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kay Leffler

18 Pond Lane

Armonk, NY 00000

202-289-1060

**Bob Thomas**

2001 Weaver Rd. , Myrtle Creek, OR 974578704

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Bob Thomas

2001 Weaver Rd.

Myrtle Creek, OR 97457-8704

202-289-1060

**Kristen Hammond**

14800 E. 2000th St , Macomb, IL 61455

November 17, 2007 11:34 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kristen Hammond

14800 E. 2000th St

Macomb, IL 61455

202-289-1060

**susan makosky**

317 W. Hicks Str , Upper Sandusky, OH 43351

November 17, 2007 11:23 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

susan makosky

317 W. Hicks Str

Upper Sandusky, OH 43351

202-289-1060

**R Hannow**

876 E Douglas Ave , Bellingham, WA 98229

November 17, 2007 11:23 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

R Hannow

876 E Douglas Ave

Bellingham, WA 98229

202-289-1060

**Pamela Gale Park**

2344 Seven HIls Rd. , Fairfield, IA 52556

November 17, 2007 11:23 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Pamela Gale Park

2344 Seven HIls Rd.

Fairfield, IA 52556

202-289-1060

**Jill Hein**

195 Harrington Road , Coupeville, WA 98239

November 17, 2007 11:23 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jill Hein

195 Harrington Road

Coupeville, WA 98239

202-289-1060

**Elizabeth Rothman**

PO Box 22094 , Seattle, WA 98122

November 17, 2007 11:23 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Rothman

PO Box 22094

Seattle, WA 98122

202-289-1060

**Kathleen Njos**

9755 Wilcox Dr. , Belvidere, IL 61008-8897

November 17, 2007 11:23 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Njos

9755 Wilcox Dr.

Belvidere, IL 61008-8897

202-289-1060

**Maria Papazian**

4800 Granada Blvd. , Coral Gables, FL 33146

November 17, 2007 11:23 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Maria Papazian

4800 Granada Blvd.

Coral Gables, FL 33146

202-289-1060

**Kent McGroarty**

319 S. 12th St. #2R , Philadelphia, PA 19107

November 17, 2007 11:23 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Kent McGroarty

319 S. 12th St. #2R

Philadelphia, PA 19107

202-289-1060

**Robin Beswick**

1510 Hazel Street , Curtis Bay, MD 21226

November 17, 2007 11:19 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; it is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and it endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Robin Beswick

1510 Hazel Street

Curtis Bay, MD 21226

202-289-1060

**Marston Leff**

1211 Shady Ave. , Pittsburgh, PA 15232

November 17, 2007 11:19 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Marston Leff

1211 Shady Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA 15232

202-289-1060

**Janice McLean**

25605 Oaks Blvd , Land O Lakes, FL 34639

November 17, 2007 11:19 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Janice McLean

25605 Oaks Blvd

Land O Lakes, FL 34639

202-289-1060

**Mary Fineran**

17 Franklin Pl. , North Arlington, NJ 07031

November 17, 2007 11:19 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Mary Fineran

17 Franklin Pl.

North Arlington, NJ 07031

202-289-1060

**Elizabeth Dilworth**

4720 Duvernay Dr , Lansing, MI 48910

November 17, 2007 11:19 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Dilworth

4720 Duvernay Dr

Lansing, MI 48910

202-289-1060

**Richard Berggren**

8 Suffolk Ave , Maplewood, NJ 07040

November 17, 2007 11:19 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Richard Berggren

8 Suffolk Ave

Maplewood, NJ 07040

202-289-1060

**Barbara Frank**

4306 Goose Street , Stanley, NY 14561

November 17, 2007 11:19 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Barbara Frank

4306 Goose Street

Stanley, NY 14561

202-289-1060

**Jessica Sjobeck**

2136 N. Sumner St. , Portland, OR 97217

November 17, 2007 11:14 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone.

The analysis also estimates that mining projects approved between 2001
and 2005 will directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule
changes would accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under
which mining companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop
removal mining, may obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill
valleys with rock, soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jessica Sjobeck

2136 N. Sumner St.

Portland, OR 97217

202-289-1060

**Jennifer Lohse**

2136 N Sumner St , Portland, OR 97217

November 17, 2007 11:14 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone.

The analysis also estimates that mining projects approved between 2001
and 2005 will directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule
changes would accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under
which mining companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop
removal mining, may obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill
valleys with rock, soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Lohse

2136 N Sumner St

Portland, OR 97217

202-289-1060

**Elliot Hanna**

1818 Belmont Lane #1, Redondo Beach, CA 90278-4120

November 17, 2007 11:14 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Elliot Hanna

1818 Belmont Lane

#1

Redondo Beach, CA 90278-4120

202-289-1060

**Stu Cowan**

475 18th St , Brooklyn, NY 112156207

November 17, 2007 11:14 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Stu Cowan

475 18th St

Brooklyn, NY 11215-6207

202-289-1060

**Larry Chamblin**

2130 Athens Ave , Pensacola, FL 32507

November 17, 2007 11:14 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Larry Chamblin

2130 Athens Ave

Pensacola, FL 32507

202-289-1060

**Linda Melino**

37 Stearns St , Danielson, CT 06239

November 17, 2007 11:14 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Linda Melino

37 Stearns St

Danielson, CT 06239

202-289-1060

**Jason Sjobeck**

2136 North Sumner Street , Portland, OR 97217

November 17, 2007 11:14 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone.

The analysis also estimates that mining projects approved between 2001
and 2005 will directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule
changes would accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under
which mining companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop
removal mining, may obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill
valleys with rock, soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Jason Sjobeck

2136 North Sumner Street

Portland, OR 97217

202-289-1060

**Merrill Pratt**

1524 Blind Brook Ln , Birmingham, AL 35216

November 17, 2007 11:14 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices. Many of the
affected streams are part of the headwaters of Midwestern and Southern
rivers such as the Ohio, the Tennessee, and the Cumberland.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams (the approximate length of the Ohio River) in the region were
directly harmed by mining activities, including waste disposal, between
1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also estimates that mining projects
approved between 2001 and 2005 will directly affect over 500 miles of
streams. The rule changes would accelerate these trends by relaxing the
conditions under which mining companies, particularly those engaged in
mountaintop removal mining, may obtain approval to permanently bury
streams and fill valleys with rock, soil, mining sludge and other
wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened an area the size of the
State of Delaware, and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining
companies should not be given a new opportunity to profit at the expense
of America\'s fragile headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Merrill Pratt

1524 Blind Brook Ln

Birmingham, AL 35216

202-289-1060

**William Stosch**

89 S Canal St. , Yardley, PA 19067

November 17, 2007 11:14 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

William Stosch

89 S Canal St.

Yardley, PA 19067

202-289-1060

**Alexandra Sjobeck**

2136 N. Sumner St. , Portland, OR 97217-3831

November 17, 2007 11:14 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone.

The analysis also estimates that mining projects approved between 2001
and 2005 will directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule
changes would accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under
which mining companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop
removal mining, may obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill
valleys with rock, soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Alexandra Sjobeck

2136 N. Sumner St.

Portland, OR 97217-3831

202-289-1060

**Herbert Herman**

30 Waterview Drive , Port Jefferson, NY 11777

November 17, 2007 11:14 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Herbert Herman

30 Waterview Drive

Port Jefferson, NY 11777

202-289-1060

**Katherine Jenkins-Murphy**

208 S.E. Twig Ave. , Port St Lucie, FL 34983

November 17, 2007 11:14 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Katherine Jenkins-Murphy

208 S.E. Twig Ave.

Port St Lucie, FL 34983

202-289-1060

**Melissa Parent**

110-325 James St. S Apt. 110, Hamilton, ON L8P3B7 Canada

November 17, 2007 11:06 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Melissa Parent

110-325 James St. S

Apt. 110

Hamilton, ON L8P3B7

202-289-1060

**Sarah Axtell**

233 S Pacific Ave , Pittsburgh, PA 15224

November 17, 2007 11:06 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Sarah Axtell

233 S Pacific Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15224

202-289-1060

**Elizabeth Grimwade**

5455 Sheridan Road unit 3012, Chicago, IL 60640

November 17, 2007 11:06 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Grimwade

5455 Sheridan Road

unit 3012

Chicago, IL 60640

202-289-1060

**Lisa Mariella**

4707 Bella Dr , Colorado Springs, CO 80918

November 17, 2007 11:06 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Lisa Mariella

4707 Bella Dr

Colorado Springs, CO 80918

202-289-1060

**Janet Fotos**

26 Truell Road , Hollis, NH 03049

November 17, 2007 11:06 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Janet Fotos

26 Truell Road

Hollis, NH 03049

202-289-1060

**Carl Michel**

1125 Granger Ave. , Ann Arbor, MI 48104

November 17, 2007 11:06 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Carl Michel

1125 Granger Ave.

Ann Arbor, MI 48104

202-289-1060

**Rand Child**

1590 Harrison St. , Denver, CO 80206

November 17, 2007 11:06 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Rand Child

1590 Harrison St.

Denver, CO 80206

202-289-1060

**Nancy Bleeker**

8017 Greenwich Woods Drive , McLean, VA 221021332

November 17, 2007 11:06 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Nancy Bleeker

8017 Greenwich Woods Drive

McLean, VA 22102-1332

202-289-1060

**Darren Strain**

4824 Shepherd Street , Brookhaven, PA 19015

November 17, 2007 11:02 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Darren Strain

4824 Shepherd Street

Brookhaven, PA 19015

202-289-1060

**rebecca marshall**

731 S. Lindsay St , Gainesville, TX 76240

November 17, 2007 11:02 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

rebecca marshall

731 S. Lindsay St

Gainesville, TX 76240

202-289-1060

**LouAnn Conner**

1200 N Veitch St Apt 1226 , Arlington, VA 22201

November 17, 2007 11:02 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

LouAnn Conner

1200 N Veitch St Apt 1226

Arlington, VA 22201

202-289-1060

**Danusia Tsu**

9327 Willowglen Tr. , Charlotte, NC 28215

November 17, 2007 11:02 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Danusia Tsu

9327 Willowglen Tr.

Charlotte, NC 28215

202-289-1060

**Melissa Bilobran**

325 S. Lakeside Ct. Apt. 3A, west Palm Beach, FL 33407

November 17, 2007 11:02 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Melissa Bilobran

325 S. Lakeside Ct.

Apt. 3A

west Palm Beach, FL 33407

202-289-1060

**Shana Cooper**

4120 Glass Lantern Drive , North Las Vegas, NV 89032

November 17, 2007 11:02 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Shana Cooper

4120 Glass Lantern Drive

North Las Vegas, NV 89032

202-289-1060

**Eric Kremer**

5965 Bennett Parkway , Cumming, GA 30040

November 17, 2007 11:02 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Eric Kremer

5965 Bennett Parkway

Cumming, GA 30040

202-289-1060

**Matt Connolly**

3442 Tilden St. , Philadelphia, PA 19129

November 17, 2007 10:55 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Matt Connolly

3442 Tilden St.

Philadelphia, PA 19129

202-289-1060

**Karen Eble**

58 Lee Lynn , HV, PA 19006

November 17, 2007 10:55 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

Hasn\'t mining destroyed enough streams already? Why do we as a country
want to destroy even more??? I urge the Office of Surface Mining to
abandon its proposal to relax the decades-old stream buffer zone rule to
make it easier for mining companies to fill natural streams with mining
waste. Your proposal would destroy the headwater streams that support
important drinking, fishing and recreational uses; is at odds with the
Clean Water Act and other laws; and endorses decades of destructive
mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Karen Eble

58 Lee Lynn

HV, PA 19006

202-289-1060

**Laria Saunders**

358 South Highland Ave , Los Angeles, CA 90036

November 17, 2007 10:55 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Laria Saunders

358 South Highland Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90036

202-289-1060

**KARLA MUNOZ**

637 ROSEWOOD ST , BRONX, NY 10467

November 17, 2007 10:55 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

KARLA MUNOZ

637 ROSEWOOD ST

BRONX, NY 10467

202-289-1060

**Janet Ackerman**

15781 Hayes Trail , Apple Valley, MN 55124

November 17, 2007 10:55 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Janet Ackerman

15781 Hayes Trail

Apple Valley, MN 55124

202-289-1060

**Mary Howie**

1504 Oakland Ave , Durham, NC 27705

November 17, 2007 10:55 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Mary Howie

1504 Oakland Ave

Durham, NC 27705

202-289-1060

**Bartek Odias**

Ogrodowa 2 , Goleszow, 43440 Poland

November 17, 2007 10:55 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Bartek Odias

Ogrodowa 2

Goleszow 43440

202-289-1060

**Ruben Arcia**

5125 SW 137th Ave , Miramar, FL 33027-5905

November 17, 2007 10:53 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Ruben Arcia

5125 SW 137th Ave

Miramar, FL 33027-5905

202-289-1060

**Paolo Baker**

6065 Estelle St. Apt. 11 , San Diego, CA 92115

November 17, 2007 10:53 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Paolo Baker

6065 Estelle St. Apt. 11

San Diego, CA 92115

202-289-1060

**Fernando Cruz de Sousa**

Rua de Fanares, 7 - 4 Esq. , MEM MARTINS, Portugal

November 17, 2007 10:53 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Fernando Cruz de Sousa

Rua de Fanares, 7 - 4 Esq.

MEM MARTINS

202-289-1060

**Anna Engels**

801 Indigo , Savoy, IL 61874

November 17, 2007 10:53 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Anna Engels

801 Indigo

Savoy, IL 61874

202-289-1060

**Steve Yakunovich**

10227 West Ridge Rd. , Elyria, OH 44035

November 17, 2007 10:53 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Steve Yakunovich

10227 West Ridge Rd.

Elyria, OH 44035

202-289-1060

**Albert Brown**

7651 SE 118 Ave , Morriston, FL 32668-4843

November 17, 2007 10:53 AM

Attn: RIN 1029-AC04

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement

1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 252 SIB

Washington, DC 20240

Subject: Don\'t change the current stream buffer zone rule

Dear Director Wahlquist,

I urge the Office of Surface Mining to abandon its proposal to relax the
decades-old stream buffer zone rule to make it easier for mining
companies to fill natural streams with mining waste. Your proposal would
destroy the headwater streams that support important drinking, fishing
and recreational uses; is at odds with the Clean Water Act and other
laws; and endorses decades of destructive mining practices.

Your agency\'s environmental impact analysis on the proposed rule
changes estimates that over 700 miles of streams in central Appalachia
have already been buried by valley fills, and that over 1,200 miles of
streams in the region were directly harmed by mining activities,
including waste disposal, between 1992 and 2002 alone. The analysis also
estimates that mining projects approved between 2001 and 2005 will
directly affect over 500 miles of streams. The rule changes would
accelerate these trends by relaxing the conditions under which mining
companies, particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining, may
obtain approval to permanently bury streams and fill valleys with rock,
soil, mining sludge and other wastes.

Instead of turning its back on the existing buffer zone rule, which was
adopted in 1983 to protect natural streams from the most direct impacts
of mining, the Office of Surface Mining should commit itself and the
state mining agencies it oversees to strictly enforcing that rule.
Mountaintop removal mining has already flattened a half-million acres
and buried hundreds of miles of streams. Mining companies should not be
given a new opportunity to profit at the expense of America\'s fragile
headwater streams.

I urge you to abandon your proposed changes to the stream buffer zone
rule and to instead focus the Office of Surface Mining\'s efforts on
better enforcement of the existing rule.

Sincerely,

Albert Brown

7651 SE 118 Ave

Morriston, FL 32668-4843