The overall objective of this research program is to demonstrate methodologies for predicting, on the basis of characteristics of the site to be mined, the impact of strip mining on downstream biotic communities. To accomplish this objective and provide data for model verification, sampling programs were initated at contour- and area-type mining operations. These progams include streamflow and rainfall gaging at both types of mines and surveys of fisheries, periphyton, and macrobenthos surveys at area-mined sites. Several model components have been developed, including a water quality model for non-point sources, a continuous streamflow model, and a storm hydrograph model.