15 March 2012
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) Office of Mining and Reclamation recently recognized the environmental stewardship of two Pocahontas coal mines.
The Josephine Deep Mine won a WVDEP award for Contemporaneous Reclamation of an Active Deep Mine Operation. WVDEP Reclamation Inspector Jerry D. Quesenberry recommended Pocahontas Coal Company for this award.
Tommy Creek Highwall Miner No. 1 – Tommy Creek South, operated by North Star One, won an award for Exemplary Reclamation of Surface Mining Operations – South. WVDEP Reclamation Inspector Steve J. Sizemore recommended PCC for this award.
The awards for 2011 reclamation projects were presented at the 39th Annual Coal Mining Symposium in Charleston, W.Va., on Feb. 3, 2012.
The WVEDEP environmental awards recognize the accomplishments of state industries, municipalities, educators and community leaders who strive to protect the environment, work to be good corporate neighbors and educate the state’s citizens. Eligibility for the industrial awards includes exemplary environmental performance in the last two calendar years, a history that shows no outstanding violations and a record of compliance with regulatory authorities. Nominees are recommended by environmental inspectors who work to ensure their compliance with the law or by other DRP personnel.