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Mountaintop Removal in West Virginia

Case Number # 3713

Mountaintop removal is one of the most environmentally destructive activities in the country. The Army Corps of Engineers has issued permits for four mines that will dump millions of tons of rock and debris into nearby streams and valleys, burying them forever. The permits were issued without the required environmental studies and impact statements. On March 23, 2007, a federal judge agreed and rescinded the permits.

In February 2008, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the ruling by the judge. Earthjustice requested a rehearing by the full court, which denied the petition. Earthjustice has asked the Supreme Court to review the case.

Coal River Mountain Watch
Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition
West Virgina Highlands Conservancy
Jennifer Chavez
Steve Roady

Press Releases

Mountaintop Removal Mining Permits Illegal
Monday, March 26, 2007
Corps of Engineers violated Clean Water Act by allowing West Virginia stream and river destruction
Earthjustice Statement on Mountaintop Removal Mining Court Decision
Friday, March 23, 2007
Challenge to West Virginia mines will affect dozens of pending mining permits in Appalachia
Army Corps of Engineers Suspends Mountaintop Removal Mining Permits
Thursday, June 8, 2006
Unprecedented announcement means King Coal to stop burying streams at four West Virginia mines
West Virginia Groups Move to Immediately Halt Destruction of Appalachia Streams
Wednesday, February 1, 2006
Corps of Engineers continues to break the law, give away public resources
West Virginia Groups Sue to Stop Mountaintop Removal Mining Permit
Wednesday, November 2, 2005
Black Castle Mine will destroy miles of streams, valleys
Illegal Mountaintop Removal Permits Expand Destruction of Central Appalachia
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Federal officials implementing new strategy to evade the law, allow extreme coal mining
Bush Administration Rule Change Would Bury Streams to Boost Coal Industry
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Groups call on Bush to stop destroying Appalachian communities, environment
Bush Administration Proposes Rewriting of Stream Protection Rule In Favor of Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining
Wednesday, January 7, 2004
Action shows disregard for environment and public concern about mountaintop removal
Citizens Challenge "Buffer Zone" for Mountaintop Removal Mine
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Lawsuit filed challenging the legality of mountaintop removal mining and ignored buffer-zone rules