HUNTINGTON (AP) — Scientists say mountaintop removal mines are causing widespread water pollution across Appalachia, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers failed to consider the science when approving a West Virginia operation.
The Charleston Gazette says the testimony came during a trial under way this week in U.S. District Court in Huntington.
Environmentalists are challenging a Clean Water Act permit granted to Virginia-based Alpha Natural Resources for its Highland Reylas mine. It would bury 2 miles of Logan County streams.
They want Judge Robert Chambers to block the permit and require more environmental review.
A Duke University aquatic geologist says numerous studies have documented harm to headwater streams.
Alpha says it would employ 100 people for six years and leave a site that could be used during flooding and other emergencies.
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