§1257 Mine Water Pollution Control Demonstrations

Summary

Authorizes the Administrator, working with the Appalachian Regional Commission and other federal agencies, to run, fund, or hire projects that test full plans to stop or control acid and other mine water pollution from active or abandoned mines and other pollution that hurts a watershed or river basin, including sediment from surface mining. Projects must prove the engineering and economic practicality of cleanup methods, including using sewage sludge and other municipal wastes, and should show how to restore land for forestry, farming, recreation, or other useful purposes. For projects in the Appalachian region, the Appalachian Regional Commission must first confirm the project fits the goals of subtitle IV of title 40. The Administrator must choose watersheds not likely to be harmed by pollution coming in from nearby sources. Federal help requires the State to obtain any land or land rights needed and to legally protect the area against future mine water pollution. Up to $30,000,000 is authorized and is available until spent.