COAL WASTE DAM Federal Regulators OK Coal Waste Dam Expansion
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Heath Harrison
Reported: Mar. 21, 2013 11:37 PM EDT
Updated: Mar. 22, 2013 9:10 PM EDT
EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO C L I C K T O P L A Y
Morgantown, Monongalia County
, West Virginia
Federal regulators have approved Alpha Natural Resources' plan to expand one of the nation's biggest coal slurry impoundments to a height taller than the Hoover Dam.
The plan will also increase the volume of waste it holds to 8.5 billion gallons.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration confirmed it's given Virginia-based Alpha permission to expand the Brushy Fork impoundment near Whitesville.
Alpha calls it an incremental development in what has long been part of the construction plan.
Brushy Fork now holds 6.5 billion gallons and hasn't failed, but some people worry it will.
They question whether it was properly built.
Activist Joe Stanley believes waste has never properly compacted and dried, meaning Alpha could be building on an unstable base.
Alpha said past state and federal reviews found no deficiencies.
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
MORE NEWS FROM EYEWITNESS NEWS
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS Scattered Storms Hit Region May. 22, 2013 11:35 PM EDT Heavy rains and winds ripped through the region Wednesday ...
Clark school board hears warning over facilities May 22, 2013 7:40 PM EDT Clark County school board Chairman Michael Kuduk says the board will probably have to comply with orders from Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday to start implementing a controversial facilities plan.
Ohio bill would extend Medicaid, add cost sharing May 22, 2013 6:32 PM EDT A Republican state lawmaker is proposing to link Medicaid expansion in Ohio to job training that could ultimately reduce the need for participation in the program.
Associated Press
