RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Relative source contributions of sediment in a surface coal mined basin of Maryland JF Journal of Soil and Water Conservation FD Soil and Water Conservation Society SP 609 OP 612 VO 44 IS 6 A1 F. D. Arnold A1 J. S. Angle YR 1989 UL http://www.jswconline.org/content/44/6/609.abstract AB Water quality problems associated with surface mining of coal are part of larger water quality management problems in western Maryland. Sediment originates from both point and nonpoint sources, including significant contributions from abandoned or pre-law surface mined areas. Using a consistent methodology and detailed site data, sediment contributions from pre-law federal and state regulations and more recent surface mined areas can be estimated. Given the uncertainties in characterizing abandoned mine land contributions, scenarios of low, medium, and high loads were calculated using various rainfall conditions. This analysis developed a sediment budget for all point, nonpoint, and mined sources for a 33,656-ha (83,148-acre) basin in western Maryland defined by U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Unit 0207002. Surface mining was a significant contributor of sediment relative to other point and nonpoint sources under all scenarios. During a low-rainfall year, surface mining of coal was projected to contribute 14% of the riverine sediment load. This value could reach 42% under high-rainfall conditions.