WASHINGTON - The E.P.A. today announced a path forward on 2 coal mining operations in West Virginia.
E.P.A. 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. E.P.A. made this decision after extensive discussions between E.P.A. and the company resulted in additional significant protections against environmental impacts.
In a 2nd 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 suggested Spruce No. one mine in Logan County. E.P.A. and the mining operator, Mingo Logan Mining Company, a subsidiary of Arch Coal, agreed to ask for the extension in order to continue discussions to determine if a revised mining project can be developed that will comply with the Clean Water Act. After close study, E.P.A. determined that the suggested mine raised significant environmental and water quality concerns.
"These are important examples of EPA's work to bring clarity to this process. 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," said E.P.A. Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "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 sent today, E.P.A. advised the Army Corps of Engineers that, as a result of changes agreed to by Hobet Mining LLC after discussions with EPA, the Hobet 45 mine now meets the requirements of the Clean Water Act, clearing the way for a final permit. E.P.A. worked closely with Hobet Mining LLC and the Corps to redesign the suggested Hobet 45 mine to eliminate nearly 50 percent 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. one 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 location until E.P.A. determines the plan complies with the Clean Water Act. E.P.A. initiated a process to restrict or prohibit mining activity based on its conclusion that Spruce No. one mine, one of the biggest mountaintop removal mines suggested 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 Company to amend the plan so that it may comply with the nation's clean water laws. If an arrangement with the company can not be reached, E.P.A. may take the next step in the process to prohibit or restrict mining activity under section 404(c) of the Clean Water Act.
Appalachian coal mining has buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams in states including West Virginia. Scientific studies have increasingly identified significant water quality problems below surface coal mining operations that can contaminate surface waters for hundreds of years. Data from coalfield communities also indicate that coal mining is responsible for causing fish kills and contaminating fish and wildlife. E.P.A. has committed to use its Clean Water Act regulatory authorities to reduce environmental and water quality impacts associated with surface coal mining.
More on the Hobet 45 Mine:
As originally proposed, the Hobet 45 mine would have buried nearly 6 miles of headwater streams and contaminated downstream waters that now support healthy streamlife and are used by local residents for fishing and swimming. E.P.A. recommended key changes to the mine project in consultation with Hobet Mining and the Corps that will:
Reduce stream impacts by in excess of 16,000 linear feet;
Require that contaminated mine drainage be directed away from surface waters;
Ensure more effective compensation for environmental losses;
Establish an adaptive management project to further protect water quality; and
Protect highly productive streams on the mine site.
The Hobet 45 mine is one of 79 plans identified by E.P.A. as raising environmental concerns under a special enhanced coordination process with the Corps to make decisions on a large group of permits that were delayed for several years because of litigation.
More on the Spruce No. one Mine:
The Spruce No. one mine is one of the biggest mountaintop removal mines ever suggested in the Appalachian coalfields and would clear in excess of 2,200 acres of forestlands, bury in excess of 7 miles of headwater streams, and further contaminate downstream waters already heavily impacted by previous mining activities. E.P.A. is concerned that the Spruce No. one mine may:
Bury 7.5 miles of healthy headwater streams under six valley fills;
Contaminate downstream surface waters with pollutants from the mine including selenium, conductivity, iron, and aluminum - pollutants that would continue to drain into streams long after the mine is closed;
Cause additional harm to the Little Coal River watershed already significantly impacted by previous mining activities - 73 percent of streams are already impaired by mining;
Deforest 2,200 acres of mature, productive forestlands; and
Impact human health by contributing to water quality degradation and contaminating fish and wildlife.
The Spruce No. one Mine has been delayed for in excess of ten years by citizen suits alleging the mine does not meet the requirements of federal laws. The current Clean Water Act permit for Spruce No. one has been held up in federal court since it was issued in 2007.
More information on the Hobet letter:
http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/pdf/Hobet_Jan_5_2010_letter.pdf
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