A method for comparing the environmental sensitivity of candidate lease tracts is presented in this easy-to-use handbook. The method helps users analyze information on important aspects of tracts proposed for coal leasing in three ways. First, the method organizes information and analysis about individual tracts according to six critical environmental indicators. Second, the analytical results are used to compare and rank order the tracts from least environmentally affected to most severely affected by mining. Finally, the method incorporates the values of various interest groups into the rankings so that different perspectives on the desirability of mining the various tracts can be readily perceived. This method was specifically designed to evaluate surface-mineable coal lease tracts in the West. However, the concept is flexible and could be applied to almost any area after suitable modification of the indicators.

Prepared for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Energy Activites under contract 68-01-4691. "EPA 908-4-79-002." "March 1979." Cover title. SRI Project 6682. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 257-264).