OSM FACT SHEET
U.S. Department of the Interior    
Office of Surface Mining
July 7, 1998

OSM AWARDS MARYLAND $25,000
FOR SMALL OPERATORS ASSISTANCE

     Maryland has received a $25,000 grant from the Interior
Department's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
(OSM) for the state's Small Coal Operator's Assistance Program 
(SOAP).

     SOAP helps coal operators producing less than 300,000 tons
annually with the costs of obtaining data for their mining permit
applications. The data include hydrological evaluations and the 
results of test borings or core sampling.

-DOI-

For additional information about the grant contact Ruth Booth 
(301) 689-6104.