Feds Urge Closer Look at Selenium

by Ken Ward Jr.
Charleston Gazette, Jan. 20, 2004 (excerpts)

Federal government biologists have found troubling amounts of the toxic chemical selenium in fish downstream from mountaintop removal mine sites, according to a new report.

Late last week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service urged state regulators to closely examine selenium discharges from coal mining… During this year’s legislative session, coal industry lobbyists want to weaken West Virginia’s water quality rules for selenium…

Selenium is a naturally occurring mineral element that is found is many rocks and soils. In very tiny amounts, it is an antioxidant and is needed for good health. But in only slightly greater amounts, selenium is highly toxic. In humans, it can cause and neurological problems.