This news story originally provided by The Register-Herald

July 8, 2005

Massey responds to Capitol meeting

By Amelia A. Pridemore/Register-Herald Reporter

CHARLESTON -- Although not in attendance Thursday at a state Capitol meeting in which Coal River Valley residents raised concerns about one of its facilities, Massey Energy released a statement stating individuals protesting its facility are spreading false fears.

Members of the local Coal River Mountain Watch, concerned residents and supporters of the national Mountain Justice Summer movement have conducted protests at Goals Coal Co. at Sundial where Massey operates a coal preparation plant, loading silo and 2.8 billion gallon sludge impoundment. The facility is adjacent to Marsh Fork Elementary School. Residents contend the facility is dangerous, and children at the school constantly come home sick.

Last week, the West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection approved Massey's application to construct a second loading silo near the school, and renewed its permit to operate the sludge dam, outraging the concerned residents.

In its release, Massey Energy stated it did not believe attending Thursday's meeting would benefit Marsh Fork Elementary. Also, it believes that many of the individuals who have described themselves as spokespeople for the community do not represent the teachers, parents and children at the school.

Instead, Massey Energy believes these individuals seek publicity for a radical anti-mining agenda. These individuals have not been hesitant to spread false fears to further their agenda, and Massey Energy's presence at the meeting would have simply given these individuals a platform to create more controversy and spread more misinformation," the release stated.

The truth, the release stated, is that the Goals facility has been inspected numerous times by environmental consultants and federal and state regulatory personnel whose findings have confirmed the safety of the facility. Massey also said it has greatly improved the surrounding environment as well.

Massey acquired the facility in 1994 from Peabody Coal. It was constructed in the mid-1970s by Armco. The company release stated it initiated such improvements as the elimination of a thermal dryer at the preparation plant, a source of air emissions, and installed haulage belts to remove the presence of trucks near the school. The installation of coal silos will also be beneficial, as the silos will encapsulate coal and control dust.

The release stated Massey wants to stress its ongoing commitment to legitimate concerns raised in the communities where it operates, and that it contributes substantial money to area schools. It also stated it is always willing to meet with government and school officials as well as parents and teachers to discuss any concerns in a constructive manner -- which it does not believe would have happened, had representatives from the company attended the meeting.