From official documents attached - by Diana Parker
An enhanced coordination process, announced in June 2009, between the Department of Army, Corp of Engineers, the Department of the Interior, and Environmental Protection Agency “was created to strengthen the environmental review of pending mining applications and to address the backlog of permit decisions that occurred as a result of various challenges, including litigation. This process is one element of the Obama Administration’s commitment to improve the environmental review of permits for surface coal mining projects in Appalachia and look for ways to reduce adverse environmental impacts. The process will also allow for greater public participation and transparency. Since June, 29 projects have been removed from the list for various reasons, including circumstances where permit applicants have requested that their applications be withdrawn.” See attached Memorandum of Understanding wherein an Interagency Action Plan elements are provided. “The Federal Agencies will work in coordination with appropriate regional, state, and local entities to help diversify and strengthen the Appalachian regional economy and promote the health and welfare of Appalachian communities.”
“The administration pledged earlier this year to improve review of mining projects that risked harming water quality. Release of this preliminary list is the first step in a process to assure that the environmental concerns raised by the 79 permit applications are addressed and that permits issued are protective of water quality and affected ecosystems,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “We look forward to working closely with the Army Corps of Engineers, with the involvement of the mining companies, to achieve a resolution of EPA’s concerns that avoids harmful environmental impacts and meets our energy and economic needs.”
The Wise Energy Coalition, Sierra Club and others were at the Nation Wide Permit (NWPermit 21) public hearing held at Big Stone Gap October 15. Larry Roussell and John Wade attended from our region as well as Director Glen Besa and Tyla Matteson. Over 400 pro-NWP21 were in attendance with about 100 attempting to stop MTR and Valley Fill. Wise Energy speakers were booed, but said that the moderators were fair to allow extra time when they were interrupted. Please review the attached documents from EPA/ACOE and be prepared to react to Action Alerts when requested. The Action Alert process is available for review by accessing the VA Chapter Web Site through our Home Page Top Button Links. Picture by Glen Besa.
PDF: ACOE News Release: Permit 21 in the Appalachian region
PDF: EPA letter to ACOE
PDF: Implementing The Interagency Action Plan On Appalachian Surface Coal Mining1
PDF: EPA Releases Preliminary Results for Surface Coal Mining Permit Reviews