OSM informal conference update Kopper Glo Fuel Refuse Area #2

James Kane provided the following write up:::::::

Here's the link to the pictures.

http://s423.photobucket.com/albums/pp311/laserjuice/Kopper%20Glo%20Fuel%20Minesite/

The conference was totally sweet! It was Me, Jeff Coker with OSM, James from Kopper Glo, and a court reporter which cost OSM $40.

I put together a slide show and showed it to James and Jeff on my laptop, it took about 35 minutes. I recommended that Kopper Glo do several things:

1. Continuously monitor the discharge from the site, since state rules say that at no time can the quality standards be exceeded.

2. Kopper Glo, in the permit revision, suggested the outflow wasn't a big deal because, and I quote, "The flow is just a couple of gallons per minute". I corrected them and demanded that OSM/TN test or force testing of the effluent for a huge list of metals, and then add these metals (if they showed up) back into the permit, forcing the mine to test specifically for these toxins.

3. I suggested that they clean up the big piles of coal debris hanging out near the streams. I mentioned that they looked like the ash from Kingston.

4. I brought up something cool I found in the state rules- TDS, or the dissolved solids, cannot be filtered out, and probably impair waters of the state. Nobody balked at this, so basically they conceded that, yeah, the effluent should be tested, and they should be accountable for whatever they find.

5. I told Kopper Glo that they should look into the MMSD (Mining, Minerals, Sustainable Development) recommendations.

Finally, I ended with a nice picture of intact mountains. I think they got the irony.

Through the whole process, Jeff Coker was leaning in and was totally absorbed. Afterwards he was really positive, said the presentation brought up good points and was very thorough. He was really impressed and shot the breeze for about 15 minutes afterwards- we might have something here, guys! The Kopper Glo guy was scowling, and he didn't refute anything- and it's on the record!

We'll get something in about two weeks or so back from OSM. Hopefully the permit'll go through, but cost the mine a lot more in testing/monitoring, if they buy our arguments. Maybe next time they'll bring a lawyer or something.

Be excellent,

James

James Kane took UMD's new digital water monitor on this mine site visit. He found a pH of 3 in one of the holding ponds of the refuse area. Jeff Coker of OSM was so impressed by UMD's new equipment he posed for a photo with the device and commented about how it was nicer than any OSM equipment. Thanks NRDC for the water monitor!!!!

UMD volunteers and staff attend an ACE planning meeting

July 26- 27, 2008 UMD staff and volunteers attended a planning meeting for the Appalachian Community Economic Conference in Eagan, TN. Many loose ends were tied up during this planning meeting. The conference will be held in Abingdon, VA from Sept 19-21 at the 4-H center.
There is more info and online registration available at http://www.appalachiancommunityeconomics.org/

UMD files a Formal Administrative Hearing on Zeb Mountain Permit

July 25, 2008 United Mountain Defense requested a Formal Administrative Hearing from the Office of Surface Mining on their reasons for giving National Coal Corp a permit renewal for Zeb Mountain on June 26,2008. UMD is currently taking any offers of legal help in dealing with this hearing.

United Mountain Defense recieves $10,000 from Natural Resource Defense Council

UMD recieved $10,000 to help upgrade our chemical and biological water monitoring program. UMD plans to purchase a YSI digital water monitor and other tools as well. Thank you NRDC

UMD says good bye to its first summer 08 intern

July 22, 2008
After the weekly Tuesday night meeting UMD staff and volunteers enjoyed a Japanese Anime movie night at the UMD Volunteer House. It was a going away party/ event for our water monitoring intern, Topher. Thanks for your work Topher and good luck finishing school.

Zeb Mountain 4 released July 20.2008

After being arrested and taken to the Campbell County jail for processing the Zeb Mountain 4 were released that same day without a bail or bond by order of the Campbell County Sheriff. This may have been partly due to the fact that UMD volunteers and attorneys approached the sheriff's department more than a week prior to the action to alert them to its non violent intent. It is nice that our friends did not go to jail. While being processed the Zeb 4 shared their knowledge about the coal mining with local clerks, deputies, and other county personnel who seemed very supportive and commented on how much they despise the mining as well. Their next court appearance is Aug 8.

4 arrested at Zeb Mountain March, July 20, 2008

UMD volunteer staff and interns had the honor to march with those who were arrested during a protest against National Coal Corp, whose stock has dropped more than 40% over the last week. Take a deep breath and keep reading. Today at Zeb Mountain four protesters were arrested in solidarity with United Mountain Defense, Three River Earth First!, Mountain Justice and coal-impacted residents of Appalachia.These brave individuals gave speeches of hope for solidarity amongst minors, activists and entire communities that are affected by the devastations of surface mining for coal. Holding hands and singing Amazing Grace along with more than 50 protesters behind them, they crossed the line onto National Coal's property. Once across the line police calmly handcuffed and arrested them.Please support these individuals committed to protecting the mountains of Appalachia by sending jail support donations to the pay pal account at http://www.unitedmountaindefense.org/

You can also send checks to:P.O. Box 20363 Knoxville, TN 37920Please Mark Check: “For Jail Support”