The WV DEP has published a draft TMDL for select streams in the Big Sandy, Ohio River and Twelvepole Creek watersheds.  Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDLs) are plans to bring streams into compliance with state water quality standards and typically include load reductions that may result in lower NPDES permit limits for certain parameters / activities.  The proposed TMDL is for streams that are not meeting standards for fecal coliform, iron, selenium, pH, aluminum, beryllium and dissolved oxygen.  The comment period on the draft TMDL closes on January 12, 2021.  More details on the draft plan are available at: https://dep.wv.gov/WWE/watershed/TMDL/grpe/Pages/default.aspx

On Wednesday the Rulemaking Review Committee of the West Virginia Legislature advanced revisions to the state's water quality standards rule related to human health / consumption.  WV DEP has proposed revisions to 24 human health / exposure standards.  The revisions were supported by the West Virginia Coal Association and were developed by a working group that includes industry, environmental and community representatives.  The rule package will be considered by the full Legislature during the 2021 Regular Session.  More detail on the changes can be found at: https://dep.wv.gov/WWE/Programs/wqs/Pages/WQSpublicmeetings.aspx

Senior Vice President Chris Hamilton and Vice President Jason Bostic testified at DEP's public hearing on the Agency's proposed Partial State Plan for EPA's ACE Rule. For context, West Virginia is attempting to be the first state to have its plan approved by the current federal administration the application previously filed by Longview Power to begin immediate and full compliance with EPA's Affordable Clean Energy Rule. Both Hamilton and Bostic spoke in support of DEP's proposed plan which eventually will serve as host for applications form all 8 in state coal-fired plants.

Registration is officially open for the 48th Annual West Virginia Mining Symposium scheduled for one day -- January 12, 2021 at the newly renovated Embassy Suites in Charleston. The main speaker’s program will be in the morning of January 12th from 9:00 until noon featuring a lineup of excellent speakers and timely topics geared for mining professionals. Speakers are provided the option to present in-person or virtually. 

The 2020 mine safety and environmental award winners will be announced during the program, but the traditional awards presentation will be reserved for another event to be announced and held later in the year. The afternoon session will be comprised of a membership meeting and a legislative workshop. All COVID protocols and social distancing guidelines will be in effect. For more information or registration, please contact Christine Minardi at CMinardi@wvcoal.com or by calling WVCA at 304-342-4153. 

The West Virginia Board of Coal Mine Health & Safety is updating the body of administrative law governing underground, surface and surface areas of underground coal mining. The Board recently voted to propose the following sets of administrative rules for public comment.  

• Title 36, Series 1 "Shaft and Slope Operation"
• Title 36, Series 5 "Telephone Service or Communications Facility"
• Title 36, Series 14 "Electrical Equipment in Mines; Required Examinations"
• Title 36, Series 25 "Underground Equipment Requirements and Operation"
• Title 36, Series 26 "Construction and Rehabilitation Operations in Underground Mines"
• Title 48, Series 3 "Safety Training Programs for Perspective Surface Coal Miners"

The rules will be open for comment until January 31, 2021.  For more information, contact the Association office at 304-342-4153.