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

The 7th Annual Friends of Coal Auto Fair is set for July 16 – 18 at the YMCA Paul Cline Memorial Youth Sports Complex in Beckley, WV.  Friday, July 16 will begin the Fair with the Cruise-In to uptown Beckley for the Renaissance Car Show and live entertainment by former American Idol contestant and Beckley native, Robbie Carrico.  Saturday will have the Live in Concert by The Charlie Daniels Band and Taylor Made, with special appearances by The Gold Knights Army Parachute Team and FOC spokesmen Coach Nehlen, Coach Pruett and BassMaster Jeremy Starks.  Tickets ($15.00 advance & $20.00 day of show) for the Concert will go on sale May 1st at select WV & VA Marquee Cinemas and the Beckley-Raleigh County YMCA.

The 6th Edition of the Basic & Advanced Topics in Coal Mine Surveying & Mapping Seminar will be held April 22 & 23 at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center in Beckley, West Virginia.  The Seminars are sponsored by Alpha Engineering Services and will be using new, updated and requested topics from previous seminars, material on MSHA interpretations and recent court decisions.  For additional and/or registration information contact Ellen at Alpha Engineering: 304-255-4131 or Gary Hartsog at ehartsog@alphaengineer.com