Caption title. At head of title: Project summary. Distributed to depository libraries in microfiche. "Nov. 1984." "EPA/600-S2-84-155."

"Two types of methods for revegetating strip-mined soils were compared with regard to cost, feasibility, and environmental impacts: the use of municipal sewage sludge and commercial methods. The in-depth investigation included visits to strip-mined sites being reclaimed with sewage sludge and a literature review to gather data on strip-mined land reclaimed with commercial methods. The literature review was necessary because adequate data were not available otherwise. Cost comparisons of the two reclamation methods were made using only those costs associated with renovation after the sludge or commercial materials were delivered to the site. This comparison indicated that reclamation of strip-mined land with sewage sludge costs roughly the same as commercial methods. The study also used available data to show that both commercial methods and sewage sludge application could be used successfully to reclaim strip-mined soils with no adverse environmental impacts. Selection of the reclamation practice should be based on site-specific evaluations of cost, social. political, and aesthetic factors."