Three coal-related administrative rules were recently filed with the Legislature for consideration during the 2014 Regular Session. WV DEP filed its final Water Quality Standards Rule that includes revisions to the standards for beryllium (from .0077 ug/l to 4 ug/l) and aluminum (conversion to a hardness based standard with no special restrictions for trout streams). The changes to the water quality standards rule are currently operating as an emergency rule that was filed in March 2013.
Members of the West Virginia Coal Association re-elected MEPCO’s Jim Laurita as chairman of the board of directors at the Association’s annual meeting in White Sulphur Springs last week.
In comments to the organization, Laurita said “stiff challenges remain ahead for the industry, both in West Virginia and the nation”, but he remains confident that coal will continue to play the central role in meeting our nation’s energy needs.
Request for Information and Limited Reopening of the Record
On August 8, 2013, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) published two notices in the Federal Register on refuge alternatives in underground coal mines:
· A Request for Information (RFI) to request data, comment, and information on issues and options relevant to miners’ escape and refuge; and
· A Limited Reopening of the Record to request public comment on the appropriate frequency for motor task (hands-on), decision-making, and expectations training for miners on refuge alternatives.
Responses to these requests will help improve the overall strategy for miners’ survival in an underground coal mine emergency.
These notices are available for viewing at the Federal Register Public Inspection Desk: http://www.federalregister.gov/inspection.aspx. Comments are due by October 7th, 2013.
West Virginia’s political leadership offered their support for the mining industry during the West Virginia Coal Association’s summer meeting last week. Speaking to members of the Association, Congressman Nick Joe Rahall (D-3rd District), Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-2nd District) and Congressman David McKinley (R-1st District) offered their outlook for working with new EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and the many other issues enveloping the industry. They pledged to continue their efforts to defend the industry in Washington, DC.