HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — Environmentalists are going after the owners of two more former mountaintop removal mines in West Virginia, hoping to hold them responsible for water pollution from the sites.

The Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, West Virginia Highlands Conservancy and Sierra Club sued Pocahontas Land Corp. and Hernshaw Partners LLC in U.S. District Court in Huntington Wednesday over alleged violations of the Clean Water Act.

The groups filed similar complaints over three other reclaimed mines last month.

The new complaints focus on two Mingo County operations, the former Southeast Ridge Mine and a former Chafin Branch Coal Co. site. The lawsuits say state and federal regulators are doing nothing to end water pollution from old surface mines after they’ve been cleaned up, graded and replanted with vegetation, so the landowners must be held accountable.

The litigation signals a new strategy from the environmental community, which has long sued coal companies over pollution but rarely sued after their operations are reclaimed and released from bonding and permit requirements

The groups say they’re trying to focus attention on the “full life cycle” of mines to dispel the myth that they no longer threaten the environment when they’re done producing coal.

Pocahontas Land Corp. of Bluefield is a subsidiary of Virginia-based Norfolk Southern Corp., which has said it won’t comment on pending litigation.

Directory assistance had no listing Wednesday for Hernshaw Partners, based in Gilbert.

The complaints ask a judge to stop the unpermitted discharges and to fine the defendants $37,500 per day for each violation.

They also demand monitoring and sampling programs to gauge the damage that’s been done, and restoration programs once that’s been determined.

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Wolfe Law Offices sponsors Oz performance

Staff Report

CHIEF LOGAN STATE PARK — The summer season is underway for The Aracoma Story, Inc. The Wizard of Oz opened up Tuesday with Dorothy taking the crowd “Over the Rainbow” and on a grandiose journey to meet the Wizard with her friends, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the loveable Cowardly Lion. A big part of the show’s successful run is due to the support of local businesses sponsoring a night of the show. Thursday’s performance of The Wizard of Oz is sponsored by Steven Wolfe of Wolfe Law Offices, PLLC. “I am proud to be able to underwrite tonight’s performance, and love knowing that my contribution helps continue the tradition of bringing quality entertainment to our area,” Steven Wolfe said.

Bringing quality theatre to the people of Southern West Virginia has been the mission of The Aracoma Story Inc. for more than 30 years.

“We have come so far since 1976, when The Aracoma Story became a permanent part of Logan County. The first production was actually put on in 1953, and then later revived for the Centennial Celebration of 1976. From that time, the people of this company have worked continually to improve our productions. We now also produce a musical every summer, often bringing in talent from as far as New York City to direct the show and build the sets,” President Jim Frye said. “But these lavish productions would not be possible without the aid of sponsors. We appreciate our sponsors so much. Without them, we would not be able to what we do.”

Wolfe understands how important The Aracoma Story and its productions are to the area.

“I think the Aracoma Story Inc. is a staple in our community. The play, The Aracoma Story, is such a huge part of our county’s identity — it’s a wonderful story and an annual event that allows our community to come together and celebrate our history. And with the musical, it’s nice to have be able to come out and enjoy the Arts in a family friendly environment,” Wolfe said.

Wolfe grew up in the hills of Logan County near Man. He graduated from Man High School, earned his bachelor’s degree from Marshall University, and then went on to West Virginia University to receive his Doctorate of Jurisprudence. Wolfe Law Offices PLLC provides legal representation in numerous areas including, Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Wrongful Death, Wills, and Deeds.

“We are committed to helping our area and the citizens of this community,” Wolfe said.

To contact Wolfe Law Offices please visit www.wolfelawwv.com or call 304-654-1382.

The Aracoma Story, Inc.’s production of the Wizard of Oz will run June 18-22, then June 25-29, and July 2-7. Show time is 8:30 p.m. at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater in Chief Logan State Park. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. For advance ticket purchases or for more information call The Aracoma Story Inc. office at 304-752-0253.