The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), Division of Mining and Reclamation, has
developed this geologic handbook for the purpose of assuring consistency in the technical review of permit
applications. It is also intended to be used as a technical manual for industry representatives preparing a permit
application under the West Virginia Surface Mining Program. The document explains the types of information, which
may be required in a permit application, including procedures to sample and analyze geologic strata. The format of
this document is designed to follow a logical progression from the collection of existing data to the writing of a
geologic description. Because the West Virginia surface mining reclamation regulations and the permit application
form are subject to change, the handbook was intentionally written to exclude regulatory citations and application
cross-references. The checklist identifies the regulatory citation and appropriate handbook section for each item of
the current application form. The checklist will be revised and replaced as changes in the application or
regulations occur. Also, the handbook itself will be periodically reviewed and updated to accommodate changes in
technical procedures and requirements.
Handbook Contents