It is important for all coal suppliers to keep up with their mineral rights and permits to mine coal. The following found in the Gleaner, in August, illustrates some of the consequences for not doing so.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky natural resources officials have fined a subsidiary of Alliance Coal $410,000 for mining land not covered by a permit issued last year.
The Courier-Journal in Louisville reported the fine against Warrior Coal LLC over an underground mine in Webster County.
Rusty Ashcraft, manager of environmental affairs and permitting for Alliance, said the company will appeal the fine to a cabinet hearing, as it has the citations.
Central to the issue is a state policy that allows mining where at least two-thirds of the property owners have given a coal operator legal authorization. The policy allows mining to begin, but only on land for which permission has been given.
This seems like a very large fine. However, as someone that knows very many people that work in the coal mines, $410,000 is less than most of them make in a day's time. This would be the equivalent of you or I getting a speeding ticket.
ReplyDeleteThis fine was just a slap on the wrist. You are exactly right it is equivalent to a speeding ticket. I work around coal companies as a living and this seems quite low they broke the law and intruded on the private property of others.
ReplyDelete