EPA action is reckless and arbitrary, shows disregard of impact on people and the economy
 
CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Coal Association supports today’s decision by Mingo Logan Coal Company to file suit against the federal Environmental Protection Agency over its announcement of intent to revoke the permit for the company’s Spruce #1 surface mine in Logan County.
 
“This decision by EPA is reckless and arbitrary,” said West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney. “It establishes a very dangerous precedent in that it reneges on an already approved permit, something that has never been done previously. In doing so it brings into question the reliability of the entire permitting process and shows an arrogant disregard for the impacts this will have on the state’s economy and its people. We fully support Mingo Logan’s actions to compel EPA to respect the law and follow its own regulations.”

The Board of Directors at its last meeting approved the membership of the following Associate members:  BBU Services of WV with Darren Carnefix as their representative; Caudill Seed Company with Donnie Roe representing; Demand Response Partners (DRP) with Andy Dorn and Greg Stevens; and, Longview Power, LLC represented by Charlie Huguenard.  We welcome each of the new members and look forward to meeting each of the representatives and working with them in the future.

EPA today released a new plan (comprehensive guidance) regarding the review and approval of mining related permitting applications under Section 404 and 402 of the federal clean water act.  Attached below is the press release and link to relevant guidance documents from EPA.  The Association is working feverishly to understand the parameters and application ramifications of the new guidance documents.  We are also fully examining all possible legal and regulatory actions to address this new action from EPA.  Further information will be provided to the membership as it is developed.

The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine has reopened for the season.  Visitors listen to first-hand accounts from the veteran miners, and because each guide’s experience is different, each tour is different.  In addition to experiencing a bit of life underground, visitors can tour the historical coal camp above-ground, which features the Company Store, Coal Company House, Superintendent’s Home, Pemberton Coal Camp church and the Helen Coal Camp School.  The mine is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  For more information, call 304-256-1747 or visit www.beckleymine.com

The April Tug Valley Mining Institute meeting  will be held on April 29th in conjunction with CEDAR’s Southern West Virginia Regional Coal Fair.  A Safety Panel with Tony Bumbico, Arch VP of Safety, John M. Gallick, Alpha VP Safety & Health, Elizabeth Chamberlin, Massey VP of Safety & Training and Lou Barletta, Consol’s VP of Safety will be the program.  The meeting will be held at the Harless Center in Gilbert, WV