Revisions to the federal policy now consider general welfare problems that are in proximity to populated areas or have adverse economic impacts as potential priority 2 problems. More recently, grassroots organizations have expressed the need to improve the quality of streams polluted by acid mine drainage. While these organizations emphasize mine drainage treatment and abatement, they have taken an areal approach focusing on watershed cleanup. Rehabilitation plans are developed addressing the watershed as a whole. The Department, also, has begun to take an areal approach looking, for example, at water supplies impacted by mining on an areal basis.
Decision makers have a difficult task in determining how to spend the limited resources.
A decision to fund a project means another worthy project will not be funded. A comprehensive approach to planning is needed to accomplish this goal. The Plan is intended to help those involved in reclamation activities focus on similar, achievable goals. In addition, resources are limited requiring priorities to be set. Partnerships between the DEP, watershed associations, local governments, environmental groups, other state agencies, federal agencies and other groups organized to reclaim abandoned mine lands are essential to achieving reclamation and abating acid mine drainage in an efficient and effective manner.