Kentucky Mining Operation Halted After Blackwater Spills

A Virginia coal company has been ordered to close one of its mining operations after a series of blackwater spills fouled Kentucky streams.

Environmental regulators in Virginia issued a cessation order Friday against a Black Diamond Co. operation near Big Rock, Va., according to Mike Abbott, spokesman for the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.

State inspectors reportedly will monitor the mine site daily, and they will allow the company to resume its work when the environmental risks are alleviated.

Inspectors believe Black Diamond, a subsidiary of Rapoca Energy Co., is responsible for three of four blackwater spills into the headwaters of the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River and Fishtrap Lake.

The company disputes that claim. Clyde Stacy, owner of Rapoca Energy, told the Associated Press he believes the spills that reached Kentucky and blackened Fishtrap Lake came from a nearby mining operation, which he refused to identify.

"Up the river, continuously for the past two months, somebody has been letting out blackwater," he said. "We've reported it ourselves."

Rodney Holbrook, manager of Fishtrap Lake for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said no fishkills have been reported as a result of the spills. He said rocks and trees along the Levisa have been stained by the blackwater.

Kentucky Attorney General Greg Stumbo toured Fishtrap Lake on Monday to survey the situation. He said he did so to focus public attention on the need to clean up the environment.

Source: The Associated Press