Hearing digs deep into coal-mine issue
Dozens of concerned area residents gathered at Burr Oak State Park Lodge Thursday evening to comment on a draft permit that would allow a coal-mining company to dump chemical waste from its proposed strip and surface mine in Trimble Township into nearby Johnson Run.
Most of the comments opposed the mining plan, though some supported it.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held the public hearing to receive input on a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit application submitted by Oxford Mining Company of Coshocton.
If approved, the permit will allow the nearly 300-acre mine to discharge wastewater into Johnson Run from five sediment ponds, which collect runoff from the strip mine area, spoil piles, topsoil piles, haul road and non-paved parking area, according to a state EPA news release issued Feb. 1.
Read more: https://www.athensnews.com/news/local/hearing-digs-deep-into-coal-mine-issue/article_5f5de55a-14e6-11e8-bb9a-330476a8dd31.html
