Acid mine drainage (AMD), which is a by-product of many abandoned surface and under ground coal mines, is detrimental to the environment. The toxic runoff has destroyed thousands of miles of streams and adjacent areas. Though programs are in place to attempt to ameliorate the AMD concerns, AMD continues to pose a potential problem in many areas, despite regulations, improved prediction, and prevention techniques. On March 31, 1997, Kathrine L. Henry, Acting Director of OSM, issued a memorandum

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... A Message Concerning Acid Mine Drainage", stating, "The prevention of future acid and toxic discharges from coal mining operations into surface and ground waters and the remediation of mining-related pollutional discharges are high priorities of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM). To advance these priorities, OSM previously established the Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative (ACSI), with a primary focus on eliminating acid and toxic mine drainage from abandoned mines, and the Acid Drainage Technology Initiative, which concentrates on the prevention and remediation of AMD from modern coal mining."