July 28 Meeting Report: The Next Buffalo Creek?

(Staff Photo/JULIA GOAD) THE STORY OF A FAMILY – Standing next to a list of concerns voiced by residents, Freddy Runyon tells the history of his family in Dan's Branch. He feels the community is threatened by a mining operation proposed for the hollow.

Citizens voice concerns with proposed mining operation

By JULIA GOAD
Staff Writer

Published:

Saturday, August 2, 2008 1:39 AM CDT

CHATTAROY — Citizens concerned with a proposed mining and construction site met this week at the Chattaroy Gospel Revelation Church to discuss possible effects the project will have on their community.

About 20 people met with representatives from West Virginia Future, a grass roots organization which concerns itself with the mining industry’s impact on the environment and the families who live near mining operations.

The company which has obtained the permits to begin mining the Chattaroy/Miller’s Creek area is Consolidated Coal. The mining would be done in conjunction with construction of the King Coal Highway, part of which is now under construction near Red Jacket. Parts of the highway will be built on flat land created by mountain top removal mining.

Donna Branham was the unofficial spokesperson for the organization at the event. She said the community cannot depend on governing bodies to protect them and their property from the negative effects of coal mining. She said the organization has spoken many times with the Environmental Protection Agency, and that the agency itself says it is short staffed.

“They told us they were five years behind on following up inspections,” she said. “And that there are over 100 vacancies at EPA.”

Branham said citizens must work together to protect their rights.

Among the concerns aired by citizens were contamination of water, transporting the coal after it is mined, damage to homes from blasting and loss of property value. But the biggest concern voiced was that of flooding. Freddy Runyon lives at Dan’s Branch on land his family has owned for three generations. He said he never thought flooding was a concern to him and his family due to the higher elevation of the hollow...

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July 8 Meeting Report

Citizens Protest Buffalo Mountain Strip Job

Published:

Friday, July 25, 2008 6:16 AM CDT

Logan Banner Staff Report

VARNEY - More than 50 residents gathered at the old Varney Grade School recently to discuss their concerns for the 2,300-acre strip mine permit that will bring 12 valley fills to the area.

"We know coal mining is important to our state and we are proud of our heritage as West Virginians," said Donna Branham, a Lenore resident and one of the organizers of the meeting. "I am here because I want the companies and the government officials to obey the law, and I know we can hold them accountable if we all stick together."

Branham gave a welcoming presentation to start the meeting and then everyone took a turn to stand up and say what concerned them the most. Stated concerns included blasting damage to property, increased flooding, loss of protection from storms, dropped well water and contaminated water.

"I was a strip miner," said Rush Farley of Pigeon Roost Hollow, "and I can tell you that every one of those things has happened and will happen, especially rocks flying off the hill. Some will be accidents, but accidents happen all the time on strips."

"I am a member of the UMWA and of OVEC, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition. I am here because I believe that we need good jobs and we need more jobs in this county," said Terry Steele of Mate Creek. "I am here to support these people because I am against mountaintop removal, and I am for underground coal mining."

"What can we do about our water?" asked Christie Thompson of Delbarton. "I don't want my creek poisoned. We live on Hell Creek and my kids play in that water. We rely on it."

Branham explained that this permit, number S5018-07, is asking for seven different variances.

"A variance is when the Department of Environmental Protection allows a company to be exempt from the law," she said.

"Valley fills are against the law," said Jack Spadaro, former Mine Safety and Health Administration mine inspector, "they are in violation of the Clean Water Act."

"These fills could also affect Chattaroy and Millers Creek," said Shana Hughes of Delbarton, "and we need all the help we can get in letting people there know what is being proposed."

The creek that runs through Chattaroy is named Buffalo Creek, but it not the same Buffalo Creek as the one running through Logan County.

The permit can be viewed at the Mingo County Courthouse and the Logan DEP office. The deadline for commenting on the permit is August 8.

To contact other residents who are concerned, or to learn more about the permit, call 475-2529 and leave a message, or go to www.westvirginiafuture.org

Helpful Definitions

DIVISION OF MINING AND RECLAMATION
The Division of Mining and Reclamation oversees all mining activities. This includes reviewing permit applications for surface and underground coal mines, preparation plants, coal loading facilities, haulage ways and coal-related dams.
The purpose of a coal mining permit is to preserve the integrity of land and water resources that will be disturbed by mining operations and related activities.

NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM PERMIT-MINING
The purpose of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit is to ensure the integrity of the rivers, streams, and other surface water disturbed by discharges from coal, non-coal mining operations and related activities.

GROUND WATER PROTECTION PLAN
The purpose of the groundwater protection plan is to ensure the integrity of groundwater when it is disturbed by coal and non-coal mining operation.

STATE 401 CERTIFICATION
The State 401 Certification is to ensure that any proposed activity that will fill in West Virginia surface waters with dredge or fill material will comply with state water quality standards.