BECKLEY, W.Va. (AP) — A state board says it sympathizes with residents' concerns over a permit for a planned strip mine near the New River Gorge.
But the Surface Mine Board says there's no merit to these concerns.
The Register-Herald (https://bit.ly/wmqNS5) reports that the board voted this week to uphold a permit issued by the Department of Environmental Protection to Frasure Creek Mining for the 221-acre Open Fork No. 2 mine.
The board's decision came in an appeal of the permit by more than 90 Fayette County residents. They claimed the mine would hurt recreation and tourism. They also alleged that the permit's plans to protect water and address toxic materials are insufficient.
Frasure Creek is a subsidiary of India-based Essar. The company operates seven surface mines in West Virginia and Kentucky.
Information from: The Register-Herald, www.register-herald.com