EKB News

Senator Jay Rockefeller, Representative Nick J. Rahall and Senator Robert C. Byrd are calling on Massey Energy to help fund a new school to replace Marsh Fork Elementary which is located about 300 feet from a Massey coal silo and nearby a proposed second silo. Rockefeller says protecting children is the most fundamental obligation, and it is only right to expect Massey to help pay for a solution. The Marsh Fork school's location has been the subject of a four year battle, while being debated before state environmental boards and in the courts. The controversy increased in July 2005 after the Department of Environmental Protection approved permits for a new coal silo, although maps showed the silo off the legal mining boundary. This year state Supreme Court Justices ruled the map did not show the accurate permit boundary. Senator Byrd has accused Massey of disregarding human life and safety because of greed. And, a mining expert has said the idea of an impoundment with millions of gallons of slurry above a school is not a good idea. Massey says it has paid millions in taxes which should go toward education. Massey officials say they work every day to ensure safety for their miners and are committed to improve the quality of life for those in the communities. Massey says it has not been asked by the Raleigh County School Board to assist in funding a new school for the Marsh Fork students.