Friday, December 03, 2010
Kentucky Energy Cabinet Sues ICG And Frasure Creek Mining
KENTUCKY....
The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet sued International Coal Group and Frasure Creek Mining Friday, challenging the validity of water quality reports filed with state regulators. The agency also filed a proposed settlement agreement under which International Coal would pay $350,000 in penalties and Frasure Creek Mining would pay an additional $310,000 in penalties. Both companies are based in West Virginia but have mining operations in Kentucky. At issue is the accuracy of wastewater discharge reports produced for the coal companies by independent laboratories working under contract.
Governor Steve Beshear, who blamed the problem on a lack of regulatory oversight of independent wastewater labs, says he called on the General Assembly to support this proposal, saying, "We must work cooperatively to bring about changes in statutes and regulations that help protect our environment while, at the same time, allowing our coal industry to continue its work in meeting the energy needs of the Commonwealth." He called on lawmakers to pass legislation that would require them to meet basic standards and be certified by the state.
The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet sued International Coal Group and Frasure Creek Mining Friday, challenging the validity of water quality reports filed with state regulators. The agency also filed a proposed settlement agreement under which International Coal would pay $350,000 in penalties and Frasure Creek Mining would pay an additional $310,000 in penalties. Both companies are based in West Virginia but have mining operations in Kentucky. At issue is the accuracy of wastewater discharge reports produced for the coal companies by independent laboratories working under contract.
Governor Steve Beshear, who blamed the problem on a lack of regulatory oversight of independent wastewater labs, says he called on the General Assembly to support this proposal, saying, "We must work cooperatively to bring about changes in statutes and regulations that help protect our environment while, at the same time, allowing our coal industry to continue its work in meeting the energy needs of the Commonwealth." He called on lawmakers to pass legislation that would require them to meet basic standards and be certified by the state.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:51 PM 
