Use of remote sensing and GIS in mapping the environmental sensitivity areas for desertification of Egyptian territory

Abstract

The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-87) authorized the Secretary of the Interior to implement a regulatory program to reduce the environmental impacts of coal mining operations. The Secretary of Interior administers this program through the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) with assistance from state and other federal agencies as specified in the law. All functions and responsibilities assigned to USDA by Public Law 95-87 were delegated by the Secretary of Agriculture to the Chief of USDA-NRCS, except those that relate to the National Forest Service System Lands and to the USDA-Agriculture Research Service. This paper briefly presents how the Land Capability Classification System can be used in the development of rules, regulations, and guidelines for evaluating the quality of soil reclamation after surface mining for coal. The Land Capability Classification System can provide for compliance with Public Law 95-87. The land capability of the reclaimed soils can be compared to the capability of the premined soils for producing crops.