System dynamics simulation modeling applied to western coal development environmental impact analysis

This report, which was originally prepared in 1977 as an administrative report, evaluates the Geological Survey's first attempt to use simulation modeling in the environmental impact statement (EIS) process. It discusses the background of the modeling project, evaluates the usefulness of that project to the Northern Powder River Basin regional EIS task force, and recommends procedures for implementing future modeling efforts in regional environmental impact analyses.