Look at this comment: "At issue is the accuracy of wastewater discharge reports produced for the coal companies by independent laboratories working under contract." I was told if the ban is lifted on uranium mining, the uranium companies will have "independent laboratories" to test the creeks and wells around the u mines! Well, my second thought, yeah, we can trust that, right....well here is the truth about any type of mining, they are not honest!
The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet sued two coal companies Friday, challenging the validity of water quality reports filed with state regulators, and the companies have agreed to settle the case.
Along with the lawsuit, the agency also filed a proposed settlement agreement under which International Coal Group 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.
Gov. Steve Beshear blamed the problem on a lack of regulatory oversight of independent wastewater labs, and he called on lawmakers to pass legislation that would require them to meet basic standards and be certified by the state.
"I ask the General Assembly to support this proposal ... ," Beshear said. "We must work cooperatively to bring about changes in statutes and regulations that help protect our environment.
Dick Brown, spokesman for the Energy and Environmental Cabinet, said even though many of the violations were found at independent laboratories, the mining companies are legally responsible under state law. He said the coal companies have agreed to the proposed settlement that specifies remedial measures they must take to assure that future reports are accurate and valid.
That agreement is subject to approval by a judge.
Kitts said his company will also support Beshear's call for certification of wastewater labs.
The Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection performed inspections Oct. 14 and 15, documenting 1,245 violations at 64 International Coal Group operations and 1,520 violations at 39 Frasure Creek Mining operations. The findings included poor record keeping, inadequate quality assurance and quality control and improper collection of water samples.
Kentucky Environmental Secretary Len Peters said in a statement the legal action is an effort to ensure that all coal companies comply with environmental laws and regulations.
"We have not only looked at the information regarding these two companies, but are also investigating other coal companies and their wastewater lab documents and discharge monitoring reports to determine if those reports and the discharges noted are in compliance with the Clean Water Act," Peters said.
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http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=12308994&page=2
