The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a path forward on two coal mining operations in West Virginia.
EPA is informing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that it supports issuing a Clean Water Act permit for the Hobet 45 mine in Lincoln County, operated by Hobet Mining, LLC. EPA made this decision after extensive discussions took place between EPA and the company, resulting in additional significant protections against environmental impacts.
In a second action, the Federal District Court in Southern West Virginia will extend the court-established deadline to respond to the company's earlier request to end the litigation on the proposed Spruce No. 1 mine in Logan County. EPA and the mining operator, Mingo Logan Mining Co., a subsidiary of Arch Coal, agreed to ask for the extension in order to continue discussions to determine if a revised mining plan can be developed that will comply with the Clean Water Act. After close study, EPA determined that the proposed mine raised significant environmental and water quality concerns.
“These are important examples of EPA’s work to bring clarity to this process,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Our role, along with the Army Corps of Engineers, is to ensure that mining companies avoid environmental degradation and protect water quality so that Appalachian communities don’t have to choose between jobs and their health. Working closely with mining companies, our federal and state partners, and the public, our goal is to ensure Americans living in coal country are protected from environmental, health and economic damage.”
In a letter, EPA advised the Army Corps of Engineers that, as a result of changes agreed to by Hobet Mining after discussions with EPA, the Hobet 45 mine now meets the requirements of the Clean Water Act, clearing the way for a final permit. EPA worked closely with Hobet Mining and the Corps to redesign the proposed Hobet 45 mine to eliminate nearly 50% of stream impacts, reduce anticipated stream contamination and protect public health. The Hobet 45 operation is expected to employ 460 United Mine Workers of America coal miners.
EPA’s request to extend the court deadline for the Spruce No. 1 mine will allow EPA, the mining company and the Corps to continue their coordination until early March 2010. In the meantime, no additional mining operations may occur at the site until EPA determines the project complies with the Clean Water Act. EPA initiated a process to restrict or prohibit mining activity based on its conclusion that Spruce No. 1 mine, one of the largest mountaintop removal mines proposed in the Appalachian coalfields, presents significant environmental and water quality concerns.
The agency made clear it is willing to continue communications with the Mingo Logan Co. to amend the project so that it may comply with the nation’s clean water laws. If an agreement with the company cannot be reached, EPA may take the next step in the process to prohibit or restrict mining activity under section 404(c) of the Clean Water Act.
Source: U.S. EPA
