Flattening Mountains for Coal

JOIN THE PROTEST AGAINST FLATTENING MOUNTAINS FOR COAL

Mountain landscapes in West Virginia that took millions of years to shape are being turned into level plains by huge mechanized strip mines. This mining process is exempt from the requirement that operators restore landscapes to their "approximate original shape."

Operators flatten the mountaintops to expose coal seams, then deposit tons of earth in nearby valleys and streams. An estimated 148 miles of streams have been destroyed in the state, not including streams buried by fills covering less than 250 acres (which are exempt from regulation and go uncounted). The West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) allows mining companies to bury streams in exchange for payment of $200,000 per flowing acre per 5-year period. They may also "rent" streams for $20,00 per flowing acre if the impact is "temporary." Paying for the right to destroy streams is cheaper than effective protection.

The DEP is now being sued by citizen's groups for violating the Clean Water Act.

Groups that have been fighting for years against the destruction of their landscape have been joined by some religious groups. In the summer of 1998 the Commission on Religion in Appalachia (CORA) passed a resolution asking politicians to stop mountaintop removal strip mining until its effects have been studied.

Four church bodies passed similar resolutions: United Methodist WV Conference, Evangelical Lutheran (ELCA) Synod of West Virginia and Western Maryland, Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia, and the Presbytery of Shenandoah. These actions have prompted threats of withdrawal of church support by members of the WV Mining and Reclamation Association.

To request a copy of the report on Mountaintop Removal Mining, contact Kathy Karpan, Office of Surface Mining, Charleston Field Office, 1027 Virginia Street, East, Charleston WV 25301; 304/ 347-7158; chfo@osmre.gov.

To stand in solidarity with the beleaguered citizens of West Virginia, let the EPA know of your concern. Contact Michael McCabe, Regional Administrator, US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 3, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia PA 19103; 215/ 814-2900; mccabe.michael@epamail.epa.gov.

Information from CCC Reporter, Fall 1998 and Winter 1998; Citizens Coal Council, 1705 S. Pearl St., Denver CO 80210; 303/722-9119; ccc@netone.com.

And from Rev. John E. Harris, Shenandoah Presbytery, Division of Faith and Action, Rte. 1, Box 1024, Gerrardstown WV 25420; 304/229-9358; John_E._Harris@wvwise.org.

Call to Action:

JOIN THE PROTEST AGAINST FLATTENING MOUNTAINS FOR COAL