Judge OKs deal requiring Massey to pay $20 million fine

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A federal judge has signed off on a settlement requiring Massey Energy Co. to pay a record $20 million fine for alleged pollution violations.

The agreement approved Wednesday by U.S. District Judge John T. Copenhaver settles a complaint filed by the Environmental Protection Agency in May 2007. The EPA had alleged that Massey routinely polluted hundreds of streams and waterways in West Virginia and Kentucky with sediment-filled waste water and coal slurry.

Under the agreement, Massey will invest millions of dollars for pollution control improvements at its mines and coal facilities in the two states and in Virginia. The company also agreed to set aside 200 acres of riverfront land in West Virginia for conservation and protection against future mining.

Massey officials have said the settlement would allow the Richmond, Va.-based company to avoid costly litigation and resolve questions about its liability for the damage.

Charlotte Daily Mail