This article originally provided by WV Metro News

August 16, 2006

No Go For Silo

Staff
Charleston

A Massey Energy subsidiary won't be allowed to construct a second coal silo at an operation next to Marsh Fork Elementary School in Raleigh County.

The state Department of Environmental Protection has rejected the permit request from Massey subsidiary Goals Coal.

DEP Director of Mining Reclamation Randy Huffman says the silo would be just 260 feet from the school, in violation of state law. Huffman says project would have been within the company's previously approved working area, but it's a substantial change in operations and not grandfathered in.

The DEP originally approved the permit, but media reports and community members discovered Massey's maps were wrong and the proposed silo would be much closer than the company originally said. Goals Coal then submitted a second application claiming the project would be on land already approved for mining operations.

The company can appeal the DEP's decision.

Vernon Haltom of Coal River Mountain Watch says the DEP ruling is a victory for the children of Marsh Fork Elementary and the community. "I think if we had not spoken up that second silo would be standing today. They would have gotten it last year."

Haltom says the silo is not the only problem at the Raleigh County operation. "If Massey engineers cannot submit a correct and accurate map I don't trust them to design, engineer and maintain a sludge dam 400 yards above elementary school children."

Huffman says the DEP checks the impoundment once a month and has found no major problems. "

Coal River Mountain Watch continues to push for a new school at Marsh Fork, but the state Department of Education and Raleigh County Board of Education have overseen a number of tests that have shown no major environmental problems inside the building.

[OVEC note: There has been no proper testing conducted by the state or county school board.]