Working to Reduce Coal Prep Plant Air Pollution

Many people in the coalfields have serious problems with coal dust and other pollution from coal preparation plants. Some have had to leave the area to escape the resulting health problems, taking big financial losses from the devaluation of their property.

This summer, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed some emission control improvements at prep plants, but it is obvious that much more needs to be done to protect human health.

Were grateful to Sierra Club and Earthjustice attorneys who submitted 21 pages of comments to EPA on behalf of OVEC, the Appalachian Center for the Economy & the Environment, Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards (VA) and Appalachian Voices.

Our lawyers told the EPA that the agency should

revise its performance and work practice standards "to reflect the best technological systems of continuous emission reductions which have been adequately demonstrated." They also argued that there are economically feasible control options for fugitive dust from coal piles.

We argued that the owners and operators of coal prep plants must be held responsible for emissions that occur beyond the boundaries of the plant, and that the EPA must require continuous emissions monitoring.

Other needed improvements include tighter limits on emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds.

If youd like a copy of the entire document, call Dianne at (304) 360-2072.