RPF SERVES NOTICE ON DEP, OSM, AND COAL COMPANY.

On December 12, 2000, the Raymond Proffitt Foundation (RPF) notified the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the federal Office of Surface Mining (OSM) and Consol Pa. Coal Co. (Consol) that unless longwall mining under streams and other water resources was halted in 60 days then RPF would file citizen lawsuits under state and federal law. This Notice is based on studies done by various government agencies showing that longwall mining is impairing and eliminating aquatic life in the Commonwealth's streams. (Link to 60 Day Notice)

Consol's Enlow Fork Mine and its Bailey Mine have subsided portions of Enlow Fork and its tributaries by mining underneath these resources. Enlow Fork divides Washington and Greene Counties. Longwall mining causes sections of the stream to subside, creating ponds where there was once flowing water. This change in the stream adversely affects the aquatic life within by reducing populations and interfering with reproduction. Tributaries, seeps and springs that feed nutrients to Enlow Fork also have dried up from longwall mining underneath.

DEP and OSM have known about this problem for some time, but have failed to take any action. Permits and permit amendments are still being issued for longwall mining under streams. And the problem is occurring under other streams throughout the Commonwealth.

The law requires DEP and the mining companies to conduct pre-mining studies to determine probable cumulative impacts on the hydrologic balance. Yet, DEP routinely issues longwall permits without requiring or doing any studies of the effects of such mining underneath streams. This practice must stop.

The law requires OSM to stop this practice because it is causing significant harm to our water resources. OSM has done nothing.

RPF wants this practice halted, and before new permits are issued it wants thorough evaluations of the effects of such mining under our water resources.

The 60 Day Notice is a requirement before filing a lawsuit. Its purpose is to give those notified an opportunity to correct the problems. It is hoped that the parties will at least make a good faith effort by immediately ceasing mining under Enlow Fork and other streams.

"Coal mining must obey our stream laws." Joe Turner, RPF.

For further information, contact Joe Turner at 215-945-1329 

Link to 60 Day Notice

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