EPA Vetoes Permit for Arch Coal's Spruce No 1 Mountaintop Removal Mine

"CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Federal regulators on Thursday vetoed Arch Coal Inc.'s proposal for the largest mountaintop removal permit in West Virginia history, saying the company had refused to adopt alternative mining plans that would do less environmental damage.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials said the 2,300-acre Spruce No. 1 Mine in Logan County would use 'destructive and unsustainable mining practices that jeopardize the health of Appalachian communities and the clean water on which they depend.'

'Coal and coal mining are part of our nation's energy future, and EPA has worked with companies to design mining operations that adequately protect our nation's waters,' said Peter Silva, EPA's assistant administrator for water. 'We have a responsibility to protect water quality and safeguard the people who rely on clean water.'"

Ken Ward Jr. reports for the Charleston Gazette January 13, 2011.

SEE ALSO:

"Agency Revokes Permit for Major Coal Mining Project" (New York Times)

"U.S. Axes Permit For Arch's Giant Mountain Coalmine" (Reuters)

"EPA Vetoes Mountaintop Coal Mine in West Virginia" (McClatchy)