Powellton Coal Company is currently in violation of the terms and conditions of their surface mining permit for polluting the headwaters of Rich Creek in West Virginia. Now they're trying to get their permit renewed. Make sure this doesn't happen! Sign this petition today.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Ed Wojtowicz DEP Regional Office 116 Industrial Drive Oak Hill, WV 25901

Re: Powellton Coal Company's Application to Renew Surface Mining Permit Number S300301

Dear Mr. Wojtowicz,

I urge you to deny Powellton Coal Company's application to renew the surface mining permit for its Bridge Fork West Surface Mine in Fayette County, West Virginia. The Bridge Fork mine is located between the New and Gauley Rivers--two of the premier whitewater rafting rivers in the United States and part of the reason why West Virginia is "Wild and Wonderful." This mine will fill the headwaters of Rich Creek of the Gauley River--a stream known for its trout population.

Large scale surface mines like the Bridge Fork West Surface Mine are environmentally devastating, resulting in wide-scale deforestation and water pollution. Although the surface mining laws and permits are supposed to minimize those effects, the laws can only work if the coal companies obey them. Powellton Coal Company is currently in violation of the terms and conditions of surface mining permit S300301 for polluting the headwaters of Rich Creek with aluminum, iron, manganese, and sediment. Federal and state laws rightfully require coal companies to obey the terms of their permits if they want to renew them. Because Powellton Coal Company cannot even obey its current permit, you should not reward it by renewing surface mining permit S300301.

Signed by:

Campaign Launched:
January 08, 2009