Coal Clampdown

The EPA is cracking down on its position against toxic practices having to do with mountaintop removal mining. As of last week, the EPA also said that 79 valley fill permit applications be streamlined for approval. They also brought up the point that since that the mining removal process happens in large scales, it can possibly lead to unchangable changes in watersheds. It would effect it because it would add elevated levels of sulfae, magnesium, ions of calcium, iron, aluminum, zinc, and selenium to the streams. Back in May the EPA said yes to 42 out of 48 valley fill permits after reviews with individuals. The EPA, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of the Interior are currently dealing with an excess of permit applications because they have been put on hold by litigation. The decision to say no to all permits is not yet official, but it does give environmental groups a little hope. It also gives them some satisfaction after fighting mountaintop removal mining so much.

Personally, I agree with the environmental groups. If it is proven that the issue is harming the environment, then it must be stopped. The fills and mining are causing major problems such as pollution. Effecting the water supply is something that is not acceptable and must be fixed. It effects the wildlife and people both. You would figure that people would want to protect themselves from harmful toxins, but business often becomes priority over our earth. We need to take care of nature, so it can take care of us. Other alternatives need to be found besides mountaintop removals and fills.

http://www.emagazine.com/view/?4850