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GeertAerts
                                                                                                           LeeAgee
          — Forwarded by David Ridcr/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 01:59 PM	

                       Gccrt Aerts
                                      cc:
                                      Subject:  RE: Draft niountMntop jernoval mining EIS.
                       01/02/2004 02:28
                       PM
          January 2, 2004

          Mr, John Fotreti
          U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
          1650 Arch Street
          Philadelphia, PA 19103

          Dear John Fotreti,

          i want fnoimtaintop removal mining limited,

          I want the EPA to consider alternatives that reduce the environmental
          impact of monntaintop removal.

          Sincerely,

          Geert Aerrs
          17635 Henderson Pass Apt 723
          San Antonio, TX
          USA
1-5
                                       Mr. Forrea,
January 12,2004
                                         I am writing to let you toow fhtt I am tmeqoivocaUy AGAINST mountaintop removal
                                       mining, the resulting valley fills, end my changes that would weaken the already minimal
                                       laws and regulations that protect dean water. Coal companies should not be allowed to
                                       dump milting waste into our streams and waterways, tie buffer zone of 100 feet jg a
                                       minimum distance to avoid negative impacts OB water quality in Kentucky. According to
                                       the feted government's (EPA) own Environmental Impact Statement many hundreds of
                                       miles of streams throughout Kentucky and central Appalaohi a have already been
                                       negatively impacted by such dumping. Please do not vote to continue or worsen this
                                       pracfica I do not mpport Alternatives #1,2 or 3 contained within the HS report None
                                       of these options will protect our water or our coi&Mtmities.  Instead of doing tilings the
                                       old, destructive way, why not aggressively pursue alternative, renewable sources of
                                       energy to ensure clean water, a healt&y enviro&meM asd safe communities for ibture
                                       generations.

                                       Sincerely,
                                       LeeAgee
                                       LoaisvlHe,Ky 40218
                1-9
                1-10
                                                                                                                                                                                        1-5
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                 A-848
      Section A - Citizens

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MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-849
                                                                                                        Section A - Citizens

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Julie Alaimo
                                                                 George & Frances Alderson
                                    .                           -~j^~.	•••• — - 	



                                            ^
                                                                                                                                George & Frances Alderson
                                                                                                                                           112 Hilton Avenue
                                                                                                                                              ft, Maryland 21228
                                                                                                                                          December 14, 2003
                                                                       «EC'D  DEC 1 7;
                                                                                                             Mr, Iota Barren
                                                                                                             US Environmental Prot«tfon Agency (3EA30)
                                                                                                              1650 Areh Street
                                                                                                             PMladelphkPA 19103

                                                                                                             Dear Mr. Fonw:

                                                                                                             Please include this letter as a comment on the draft EIS OB mountaintop removal coal
                We have seen tile impacts of surface coal mining in the mountains of western Maryland
                and southwestern Pennsylvania, and we are very concerned that those destructive projects
                may be allowed to multiply under current plans of the Bush Administration.

                We ask EPA to reject the "preferred alternative" that eliminates restrictions on the use of
                mountaintop removal as part of coal mining operations. We understand that the preferred
                alternative eliminates a role barring disturbance within 100 feet of streams, it places no
                limits on the size of valley fills nor on the acres afforests that can be disturbed, and it
                contains no measures to safeguard wildlife habitat.

                We ask EPA to develop instead a preferred alternative that has the following features:
                •  Measures to reduce the environmental impacts of mountaintop removal.
                *  Prohibit mountaintop removal where the impacts exceed a certain threshold.
                •  Restrict the size of valley fills to an appropriate numerical standard, so as to reduce the
                   loss of streams and forests and the wildlife found therein.
                «  Reqaireconsiderationof alternatives for individual mining projects, so their
                   environmental impacts can be considered on a she-specific basis, including the
                   cumulative impacts of mountaintop removal at different sites.

                Thank you for considering our views.
                                                                                                                                                                                           1-13
                                                                                                                                                                                           1-6
                                                                                                                                            George & Frances Alderson
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-850
Section A - Citizens

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Jonathan Alevy
                                                                                  Deborah C.Allen
                                                                                                                                                                             AUB
                                                                              Ky. 42431
   January 2, 2004

   Jonathan Atevy
   Hyattsvilte,.Mb 20782
   A while hack I had the opportunity to visit with farmers in all parts of the state of
   Maryland to discuss their managment of nutrients, which,
   as I am sure you are iware, can cause serious environmental harta if used inappropriately.
   After one visit near Cumberland in the center
   of the state a farmer asked me to join him in his vehicle to look at something he thought
   was a mote serious environmental concern.

   After driving up the road from his farm just a mile or so, we walked into the woods
   towards a stream, that was shockingly reddish in color,
   almost a bright "Hood red." The farmer attributed the problem to the mining taking place
   at the streams source at the mountain top. I
   believe this type of dramatic damagfc needs to be addressed in a responsibk way and urge
   you to take the necessary care to be sure that
   mountain top mining is restricted so that these severe environmental harms are avoided
   and where damage currently exists, that these
   sites are restored. Thank you for your consideration of this important issue.
5-5-2
                                                                                                          Qehotah C Allen,  149 E. Btoadwa^
                                                                                                          John Forren
                                                                                                          U.S. EPA (3ES30)
                                                                                                           1650 Arch Street
                                                                                                           Philadelphia, PA 19103

                                                                                                          August 13,  2003
                          Dear Mr. Forren,
I oppose mountaintop removal and valley fills and any change In the butter zone
rule. I'm disappointed and angry that the federal government ignored its own
studies when it proposed weakening, rather than strengthening, protections for
people and the environment We look to people we have put in charge to
protect this precious land we ate borrowing for our brief life from the greedy
who only see profit.
                                                          sincerely yours,
 1-9

1-10
                                                                                                                                           Deborah C. Allan
MTM/VF Draft PE1S Public Comment Compendium
        A-851
                                                      Section A ~ Citizens

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Christopher Ambrose
                                                                          Christopher Anderson
           Chrisamljr@aol.com
                                   To:    R3 Mouniatntop@KPA
                      08/15/03 10:10 AM    cc
                                   Subject: Re: EIS
           A CD is fine. My address is:

           Christopher Aisbrose
           7815 Lambkin Court
           Lorton, VA 22079

           1 lived ia West Virginia years ago »td, dating 
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                                                                                                                                                    Anonymous
                                                                                                                     ,:•' -A- MI

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                                                                                                                                                            1-9
MTMA/F Draft PE1S Public Comment Compendium
A-853
Section A - Citizens
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                                                                                                                             Anonymous
                                                              1-9
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                                                                                                                                    1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-854
Section A - Citizens
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Anonymous
                                                                                                                                                             Julie Arrington
    Date:
    City:
12/24/2003
Brighton
State:  Co    Zip:    80603-8705
    My review of the DEIS on rnountaintop removal coal mining revealed major conflicts
    with what is called for by the CEQ regs. These regs, as you well know, require that the
    preferred alternative be the one which has minimal environmental impact commensurate
    with project objectives. The regs also requite that the best science available be wed and
    off site impacts be fully evaluated. All feasible alternatives are to be considered. The
    tactic of presenting only far out alternatives atfd a preselected alternative so the
    preselected on. is the best choice 1$ forbidden. This DEIS falls short ort all of these
    requirements. While it does present elements- of good science, it ignores them when
    selecting a preferred alternative. The EPA should designate this DEIS as inadequate and
    require a revised version that fully recognizes all of the environmental and economic
    impacts OB the communities involved. The re.vised DEIS should present the best 4 at 5
    alternatives that takes into full account the results of the supporting studies concerning all
    impacts and project objectives. Most of all, a DEIS is no place to Biter existing
    regulations such a* the placement of fill near streams. As a past Region 6, FWS,
    Environmental Officer for 8 years. I have seen some real onee-over-lightly DEIS's and
    some right devious ones. This DEIS is oni of the worst I have seen.
                                                                         4-2
— Forwarded by David Rkfet/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/200401:59 PM	

             "araiigtj@casco.il
             ct" 
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Gordon Aubrecht, II
                                                                                                                                                                 Harvard Ayers
        Gordon J,
        Date:  1/05/2004
        City:   Delaware
Aubrecht, II

State: OH    7J,p   43015
        I am unhappy to.learn that the current (BushJ administration plans to continue to let coal
        companies destroy Appateehia with mining practices that level rttounMiiitops, wipe out f 01
        bury streams, and destroy communities despite the wishes of ffl&ay West VjrginiaiB aid 01
        affected by the probable decision to go ahead, J sgree. with msny of Julia Bonds' criticisms
        expressed at the EIS meeting in My, 2003.

        According to the administration's draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on mountai
        removal coa! mining, the environmental effects of mountaintop removal are widespread.
        devastating, and permanent. Yet, the draft EIS proposes no restrictions on the size of valk
        thai bury streams, no limits on the number of acres of forest that can be destroyed, no proti
        for imperiled wildlife, and no safeguards for the communities of people that depend on th.
        region's natural resources for themselves and future generations. As has been reported in s>
        places, many residents are afraid that there will be ' noise and dust from blasting, the loss
        steams buried by valley fills and the fear of flooding from overloaded sediment poads or i
        slurry impoundments."  The EIS states that the region has lost 6.S* of its forests to
        niountaitttoppmg, and 724 miles of its streams to valley fills, to the detriment of all Ameri>
        This adversely affects local water quality and alters runoff characteristics. Without new lir
        mountaintop removal, or a return to those measures proposed by the Clinton administratio
        large area of of mountains, streams, and forests will soon be destroyed by mountaintop pjr
        Many state studies have asserted that regulations in place are not being enforced, accordin
        the EIS.

        These state measures should be supported strongly by the federal govermriBflt, which acco.
        to my reading the EIS did not recommend. In light of these facts) I urge you to consider
        alternatives that reduce the. environmental impacts of n»untaintop:removal.

        Thank you for your consideration on this important issue.
                                                                  1-9
                                                                  1-5
	Forwarded by David Rider/RS/USEPA/US on 01/50/2004 11:21 AM	

             Harvard A yets
             p@KPA
                          t>              cc:
             Subject Mountsintop Removal EIS
             01/21/2004 11:31
             AM

Dear EPA person-

I haw taken many trips over the last 10 years fspm my home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of
North Carolina to the coalfields of West Virginia and Kentucky. I haw flown many times in
a small piste over the areas that have mcmtwaifttop removal mines. I am also conducting a
satellite analysis of how much expanse of the appabchian coalfields have been destroyed by
KTR.

My analysis indicates that about 1 million acres oi West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia and
Tenness.ee h$ve already fo?en leveled, with much more to come. If the current practice
continues at today's pK?e, it will truly go from "Almost Heaven, West Virginia,*' to "Almost
Level, West Virginia." I have sobbed with several other people at a time in the flights, Thest
people have included svetage people, national Congressional staff, ministers, media, pretty
much folks from all walks of life.

Also, I have talked to many folks in  the coalfields and spent the night on their floors to gain
a better understanding of the human tole of MTR. Along with a geologist colleague of mine
at Appalachian State University, I have investigated a huge mining crack on Kayford
Mountain, WV, which looms over the valley town of Dorothy. The investigation of the
geologist indicated that a potential landslide which he saw evidence of could cover the town
with 200 feet of rubble in seconds from the time it broke loose, killing ail the residents.

I have seen a lot of environmental threats over the country, and I hsve never seen anything
like the effects of Mountsifitop Removal. 1 therefore urge you to refect the devastation
currently being caused by this practice and I ask you to recommend restrictions that will stop
the devastation. 1 urge you not. to do »noth« sharn study that I have come to expect from
the Bush KPA. Ackeowledg; thut there is tremendous problem to people »nd the
environment and take the steps necessity to rein in the out-of-c.ont.rol  corporations (Arch,
A.T. Massey, etc.) and staod up for what's right!
                                                                                                                                                                           9-1-5
                                                                                                                                                                           10-4-2
 MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                                                         A-856
                                                                                                                                                                                      Section A - Citizens
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                                                                                                                                                           Janet Ayward
        Tf you haven't haA the opportunity HI be glad to ptovuk a flight fcr you, who ever yon ate
        sod mtijoae else in EPA A at nnij^it not hoe se«n «4i«t you ttt fegulaling front ti>tt
        Sincerely,
        Hftcvrctd Ayers
        Ptoicssot of Ar
        Appalachian State Univeisity
        Boooe, NC 2840? - 828-262-6381
                                                                                                                                'D AU6 2
                                                                                                - .
                                                                                               : 6 4
                                                                                                                                                                  1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-857
                                                                                                                                                     Section A - Citizens
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JimBaird
                                                                                 Ray & Arlene Baker
            T tug^s y'A fitWfr, aftiortjly to !;j« the EIJA ^KVlromssntai  a£#^.?-¥«i**!nt  to  mau;ntalntx-p
            J.'iHs«.A*3L 53 your cTuid*:? ia rul* msfcinvji.  It  la all  ^fc^Hi-  tr.e res-source,  Hew
            r.ai:> thsie be q^^t iou.3 of whether or  not  watet  quality is tMpaeteJ wh«R
            th-s at !:*:«;» Is* burled? I ws*s foutanatis  etiC-ajgh  to visit  t:*«? Cv:2>rle-3t-cri
            ar-a-a in £000 as pait ,->£ s delegation  •>£ th*a, Ks a result ^t ouj: investigatlori vm  d^vf*lcl,\^win^
            r•=••*'"-lut- ior.. hrtp: / ''vjww. i wla, oig/policies/
            S)          The piactic-t* knavjn a-s mountai;iti.p  i'daoval  arid  val 1^-y fi 11 Is
            -ji '^i n-j ^!ii xesal*.itiij in ;..<•*rmai*efif. -JamciOtf  f-v  yjvJ  lo <&, u£ fulfil a:nji
            hi~*civ«31«~r fftreaif.^, ^sp-scial J y in th*? Appal 'achian Mounts.j n«.  Hh© Lf s^gue
            strongly ;ircfe.» th<*t ac vafiances rr w.rtivers to exis-tiny stie-aia b(til:er
            ^rnne r^'^n t ^ment/? of H-^ Snrf~iw
            ara-itel by state a:;d facterai ssq&n*"i&$  for  vallc-y r'il3-s a^^ocl^t-?-:! with
            jj-t&'.atvji^rc'p r~'!aoval minirt-ci.
1-10
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MTMA/F Draft PEJS Public Comment Compendium
       A-858
                                     S&ctton A - Citizens
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Isabel Balboa
                                                                                      Jessie Ballowe
      Isabel Balboa
      4018 West 175St
      Tot-ranee, CA 90504
—- Forwarded by David Rider/RS/USEP A/US 01101/07/200403:32 PM	

              "is »bel_b alboa@ho
              tmail.com"          To:    R3 Mountaiatop@EPA
              
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Carl Banks
                                                                                                  Israel Baran
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                                                                                                                     1-10
MTMA/F Draft PE1S Public Comment Compendium
                                              A-860
                                     Sector) /4 - Citizens
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Richard Baskin
                                                                                         Susan Bechtholt
      — Forw&jrkd by David Rider/KS/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 01:52 PM —

                  RBaskin@aoi.com
                                To:     R3 Mountamtop@EPA
                  01/03/2004 09:44     cc:
                  AM             Subject Strengthen draft BIS on mountaintop re
      Mt. John Forren
      Project Managet
      U,S. Knvironrnentai Protection Agency (3KA30)
      1650 Acch Street
      Philadelphia, PA 19103
      Email : itiauntmntop«f 3@epa.gov

      Dear Me, Parren,
          ears, l&nd reclamation after strip mining has been & rc&ogttissed nee-d. Y^t die extent to
      which the land area is returned to it p re-mining state has been a subject, of great controversy.
      Obviously, the economics ot strip rnniing become that much less viable the more extensive
      thfi eeelaffittion.  Still, there must be a balance between die imitsedtate gains of sttip nikiing
      versus the d^gf&d&tion of th,e area once the strip mining is complete,

      Mountain top mmmg is pieticulatly trouhlmg given that it level mountain ft jps, wipes out
      tofvstSj buries stif mis and destroys communities  According to the dratt HIS, ihf
      environmf nta! eilt^ts ot mount sun top removal act widrspicadj devastating; and petmanent
      \Vt tht dt lit t* IS ptopost «* n< > restrictions on ihr stKe of vallf y fills that bitty stf^atns, no
      limits on thi* ttutnboc of K*re^ of fort^t that can b^ n die region's n-atutal leaoiirces
      for themselvf s ind ttituu generations lnst£*ad, the proposed "ptf ff tt-ed Atr-ernative" for
      urtdti ssmg tht1 enormous problems caused by mountamtop removal mining ignores the
      sf iiciu s th«it qu^nfit"). thc^c prcsblf ms Fufthrrmofe, if propo^t s weakening existing
      cnvttf mmtutat piolrs fions and allowing mountatntop ccitioval atjd as^^c^Xt d vallfy tiHs to
      eotitmue at an accelerated rate.

      I strongly urge you to amend the EPA's dtalt enTitonmentsl imp&ct staterr^nt  so as to limit
      the effects of h-armfui rnottritamtop £01110^!  mining; Aiternstives must be eon&icfeted that
      reduce the etivii\,>nniendd impacts ot nx>Ufitiiitttop ternoval ai'td tlien implement meas^iteg to
      protect natural resources and communities in Appal achi-% such as restrictions- on the size of
      valley fills to reduce the destruction of streams, forests, wildlife and communities. I utge you
      to immediately amend the draft EIS accorcimgly,,

      Since retv,
      Richard Baskin
      2 Roton Ave
                                                                                                                                          PiJ-r/I *'HSEFA/M3
                                                    '^ll^iS^  vf ^f-°pc          Tt
                            M suiit-s*' n1 f svfeP^
                                                   c-Qra>                       cc:
                                                                             Subject;
                            De-s t ixict: i on Cau sed  By  Mount & 1 n-t-op Eamoval Hi n i n g
                                                   01/12/2004 10:01
                                                   PM
                            Susan S^shtholt
                            S-29G Banner Rd -SS
                            Port OccJiard, UA
              1-9
1-5
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
      A-861
Section A  - Citizens
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Lawrence Beckerle
              Forwarded by Devid Rlder/R3/USEPMJS on 01/08/2004 09:59 AM —

                          Lawrence Becterte
                                 oc:
                                        Subject'  Additional comments on EIS
                          01/06/20041208
                          PM
               January S, 2004 comments on EIS
               By Lawrence T. Beckerle
               PO Box 118
               Craigsvilie, VW 26205

               Fatal flaws

               EPA did not make proper use of data gathered by US
               Forest Service from Appalachian and Cumber (and
               Mountain areas and formerly headquartered at Betes
               Kentuc! these
designs sflow dissolve sail* to be flushed out of
valley fills  Part of this flaw could be corrected
with organic fitter*, but the regulations require the
removal of tt«es and other surface organic* before
placement of ffll material, 0SM snuffed out the use
of trees and shrubs tor under drains. Now organic
filters ire not even allowed in ttw aerobic zones of a
valley fill.

Part of Ms is due to the fact that regulators do not
make a difference between consideration of the
stability of the tec® of the valley lilt ftom the
material behind the face While this may simplify
things for regulators, it also has tie effect of
outlawing innovative technologies for improving water
quality-.  It also outlaws fills that concentrate
stability features at the most vulnerable are*
(genwally trie face) and use the rest of the valley
ri to enhance other parameters.

By contrast to SO % durable rods fill* and chimney
core dram His, it has been shewn to bs possibteto
stow runoff in a valley fill and to increase the
                                                                As a tfiird option a vafcy fill could be used to
                                                                create cells or a Mnd of dam effect to improve water
                                                                quality parameters. However the Dam Control Act may
                                                                need some modtfiottion to allow use of designs that
                                                                might be currently subject to its restrictive
                                                                proviseng, but which Btould be exempt to encourage
                                                                new designs for improving water qualify

                                                                Among the concepts for which bureaucrat® rnight use the
                                                                Darn Control act as a roadblock are: Internal cells in
                                                                a valley fill and perched water tables.

                                                                PREVENTION OF AOD MINE DRAINAGE

                                                                Thtea ingredients are required for acid mine drainage
                                                                                                                    13-3-2
MTM/VF Draft PE1S Public Comment Compendium
                                        A-862
                                                               Section A -  Citizens
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              to be produced water, oxygen, and pyrite or similar
              material. Production of acid mine drainage is
              maximized when the pyretic material occurs in the
              water fluctuation zone  Thus there are two logical
              approaches to preventing production of acid mine
              drainage
              1 ) Keep the pyretic material high and dry to teep
              water from getting to it
              2} Put the pyretic material beiow the permanent water
              table to deny oxygen needed by the sulfur oxidizing
              bacteria
              Where states regulatory agencies allow only the first
              approach (West Virginia) tnfittratton of rainwater is
              discouraged.  Drainage structures resemble those used
              for highway construction and runoffs rates can be very
              high.
              Where state agencies (Illinois) have preferred the
              second fisted approach infiltration of rainwater is
              encouraged and drainage structures often resemble
              those used by farmers to reduce erosion and Increase
              the productivity of their land. Runoff rates are
              lowered by such structures It is possible to
              eliminate storm water runoff with such structures.
              The flood control benefits can be enormous   But
              where the emphasis is on the first approach such
              structures are not allowed.

              Less well-known to state officials is that such
              structures increase the productivity  of vegetation and
              the productivity of sulfur reducing bacteria, both of
              which help to reverse acid mine production However
              for those that have studied effects of rice paddies
              that formerly occurred in South Carolina and/or the
              earthen ceils used for commercially raising crayfish,
              this is old news

              For farmers interested in ground water recharge and
              otherwise retaining moisture to increase production of
              their land such structures are  old news. Most also
              realize that the increased moisture through the winter
              months helps increase the freexe-thaw actions that
              reduce compaction and are thus an aid to increasing
              rooting depths for plants
              APPROXIMATE ORIGINAL CONTOUR

              In my work to create topsail material for bond
              forfeited surface mined land, I have learned the hard
              way that a 15% slope is the maximum safety limit for
              trucks to dump sawdust and other materials that we
              used to make a fopsoil layer.  (15 feet vertical fall
              in 100 horizontal distance = 15% slope.)
              With my fanning cooperatefs {Davtd Wtiiams and James
              Briggs) we soon learned that 25% is the maximum safety
              limft to operate a farm tractor along the contour of
19-3-2
the land,
    28 % slope is the standard steepness for roofs
on the average home  (The same slope when used by
homebuflders to put a roof on a house is described as
a pitch of 3 inches vertical fall for every 12 inches
of horizontal distance, or as 3 in 12 or 3/12 s)

Being able to safely operate equipment should be a
concern of everyone who values the life of their
fellow Christisn  Out some are not satisfied to see
land put back as ste^p as the ro
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              Some say 8 picture is worth a thousand words. I wish
              I had pictures of trucks that rotted over when the
              operators tried to dump their ioadg on hills steeper
              than 15% I do have pictures of the land we were able
              to reclaim I'm including a mere two copies with this
              letter (I have many more I would like to show you.)

              The land shown in the pictures is more productive than
              what can be achieved by land with slopes over 15%. It
              is more resistant to erosion  It is mow resistant to
              flash flood type runoff*  The very rich two-foot
              deep layer of topsoil we created is something that
              future generation* wiH be able to use. The amount of
              carbon sequestration  that we achieve with this project
              is higjw (on a psr acre basis) than all other
              projects that I have heard about

              I am wmindad of the biblical exhortations to lower
              the mountains, raise the valleys, and praise the Lord.

              * On gentle sloping lands (be it mined land or other
              high and dry lands) it  is possible to build enough
              absorption terraces and similar structures that catch
              and hold flash flood style runoff so that flooding is
              prevented But it seems that none of the radicals are
              interested in such proposals.  It seems they'd rather
              see a continuation of flooding so they can exploit the
              misery of flood victims to advance their political
              agendas.

              For a long time the West Virginia Department of
              Environmental Protection (and its predecessors) used a
              fifty-foot rule to judge  the return to approximate
              original contour. This standard had the advantage of
              being simple and where the contour intervals on
              topographic maps of several counties is forty feet, a
              fifty foot rule was dose to the mappings standards
              used by the US Geological Survey.  However, one
              problem is that fifty feet can be a lot or a little
              depending on what context it is used in. Taten out of
              context, that rule caused plenty of confusion

              {Due to a number of problems the 50-foot rule was
              meant to be more of a guide. Since it wasn't always
              "strictly enforced', some thought that OEP had broken
              the law by not enforcing this rule.
              But height was not intended by Congress to be the
              measure of approximate original contour:  The concern
              voiced by Congressmen from farming states makes that
              clear. The emphasis from those Congressmen was to
              restore the agricultural productivity of the land  To
              do that the land must  be made at least as flat as It
              was before mining. Congress set 50% as the maximum
              slope for post mining land Since most of the land
              (8D to 90% in some) in many counties is in excess of
13-3-2
50%, it is not possible to return the land to its
original heights. Which further emphases that
Congress was mote interested in returning land to
usable Map&s, which generally should be at least as
flat a? what occurred before mining.)

The 50-foot standard was also wrong in that it could
result in land, that was much stepper than what
occurred before mining or it could result in land that
was much flatter.  What would have mad© more sense
are requirements based on percent slope such as:

0 to 15% should be at least as much of the land is in
this slope category as occurred before mining.
16 to 25 % should be approximately as much tend in
this slope category as occurred before mining.
25 to 36 % the amount of land in this category after
mining should not exceed what occurred before mining
37 to 50% the amount of land in this category after
mining should net exceed what occurred before mining.
The provisions enacted by the US Congress showed they
had a special concern about tend that might bs granted
to slopes greater than 37 %. J20 degrees is between
36 and 37%)
Over 50%. In general Congress prohibited a return of
land to slopes greater than 60%. even though a
significant amount of land in some steep mountainous
counties ranges from 80 to 80 %.

Other states  have been using percent stepe
classifications as a way to regulate their mining
industries since and soms even before ths passage of
SMCRA (the Surface Mining Conservation and R
act. It seems that What Virginia needs to adopt a
similar standard. A possible barrier in Wast
Virginia to passing such a standard is ths confusion
and legal mess caused by Judge Haden% daclsions.
Since he is a federal fudge, West Virginia is now in
some ways as restricted on passing laws with regards
to mining, as it is restricted on passing laws that
limit al3ortlon. The consent d&gree entered into by
those who file the lawsuit and OEP also restricts West
Virginia's ability to IK things In these cases,
consent degrees become just another way to deny our
right to vote on these issues.  Are you not concerned
about this injustice?

To arrive at some of Ms decisions judge Haden had  to
not only ignore the intent of the US Congress, he had
to change a few key definitions, fof example

Waste rock is a term normally used for rook left after
processing to extract a mineral  Its economic value
is gone  ft ean b® in a fairly dry form such as rock
that has been leached to extract gold  ft can be in
slurry form that is inherently unstable, such as
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              slurry from a coal preparation plant  Siurry material
              is inherently unstable  The materials dredged from
              rivers and canals are inherently unstable, so the US
              Congress included dredging material in its provisions
              on waste rock

              Fill rook is normally used tor rock that is used in a
              fill  People untrained in construction or mining will
              often make fiils on their properties  Many times they
              will copy what they have seen in construction or
              mining  Sometimes they take shortcuts and end up with
              problems   A common short cut is to skip doing a
              durability test on the rock they plan to use in a
              fill, so that it is no longer select fill as is used
              in the mining industry  It should also be noted that
              a valley does not contain the following materials:
              No acid producing material
              No gob
              no siurry
              no fly ash
              no mud is disposed of  in valley fill

              Judge Haden% decision on rmuntairtop mining attempted
              to put a number of untruths into court made teiw. How
              the decision of the Appeals Court affect {his I'm not
              entirely sure,  but I would ask that EPA make note of
              their decision so that those untruths are not further
              advanced.
              Comments on EIS (with additional pages since summer
              03 submission of first page)
                       Pagel
              By Lawrence T, Becterle
              PO Box 118,
              Craigsvitle, WV 26205

              Could better discern what the effects of valley fill
              were if one knew the percent slope of the land above
              it and could statistically separate out the effect of
              steep slopes from the size of valley fills.  The
              problems being attributed to valley Mis may tie due
              to the steep slopes above those valley fills. And it
              is very possible that larger valley fill that  make
              possible a reduction of steepness of slope on the land
              above the valtey fiii will have less runoff than  &
              small valley fill with steeper land above it However
              without information on the slope of the land, it will
              be hard for scientist to make these determinations.
              (The irony is that Illinois, which is much flatter
              than West Virginia keeps records on steepness of
              slopes, and West Virginia ignores the issue)

              Slope information needs to be cataloged here in the
              mountains Just as well
13-3-2
17-1-2
Regulations could be improved by » consideration for
steepness.  For example, to control erosion, one
needs to have more vegetation (or other erosion
control measures) on a 40% slope than a 4% slope
-------
              same size and shape with 80% durable rock will hive a
              tester discharge of water than a valley fill f the
              same size and shape with 60% durable rock
              If the percent of rack is trie same for two valley
              Tills, but one has all the durable rook at the toe of
              the fill instead of through out, it should be both
              more stable and have slower discharge.
              If rook and size are the same, but one has reversed
              slope terraces and the other doesn't, the first will
              have slower runoff than the second

              A common public need across the West Virginia it a
              need tor flood control,
              Yet the public use provision has never been used to
              address extra steps for reducing floods
              Taking steps to reduce flooding would have a
              beneficial economic Impact, yet the variance for
              economic use has never been approved tor steps to
              reduce flooding
              For example, the pure economics of crayfish farming
              and the economic need for a crayfish farm in Southern
              West Virginia would be hard to justify to the
              satisfaction of regulatory agencies so long as they
              only consider the price of crayfish in to their
              calculations. However tf they would also consider the
              benefits that such a fafrn would contribute to the
              reduction of losses due to flooding then their
              calculations would be more accurate and fair to all.

              In its interim regulations OSM had a rule against any
              depressions bigger than a square meter. Following
              that that time period, the Drainage Handbook became
              the standard in West Virginia. To this day the
              Drainage -handbook still has a rule against depressions
              deeper than two tens of a foot.  As  a consequence- of
              the earlier OSM rule and the currant rule there are
              very few wetlands on mined lands and those that do
              occur are of very poor quality. Another part of the
              reason that there are so few wetlands Is that: 1.)
              the overall emphasis of the Drainage Handbook is to
              channel water off the mined site and 2.) there has
              been a regulatory agency tendency to consider every
              water retaining structure to be an impoundment so that
              even sediment ditches are required to be removed after
              mining.   So the thought on the operational side has
              been why build something constructive,  if you're going
              to have  to destroy it later.

              As a consequence vernal pools and ephemeral pools are
              rare.
              Wet meadows sre rare.
              Wet forests are rare.
              Absorption terraces are rare.
              Zero runoff bench and berm systems are rare.
              And I do no know of any crayfish farms on mined land
              in West Virginia, (an important food for wild turkey)
17-1-2
                                                             All of tr*s* wouM result in mam "organic energy* for
                                                             aquatic organisms in tfie- sterns below the mining area.
Forest Ecology page 158 rainfall interception
Page 167 effect of wind
Page 260 Decreasing order of water oonsumpten are.
wet meadows, open water, grasslands, vegetable crops,
bare soil
"Thus in the Lake States, the presence of northern
white cedar in wet sites is indicative of seepage
conditions where the water table is moving rapidly and
relatively high in oxygen.  With completely stagnant
and oxygen-poor water, only black spruce and
associated encaceous species can grow"
Channels from decaying taproots page 269
Infiltration rates of 2SOmm per hour
293 In sand plains of Lake States, organic matter
provides the major source of colloids for soil
nutrition"
Look for page on alleJopathic effects on N-fixattan
and presence of legumes and rnycorrhizal fungi
1000mm per hour is that 50 Inches per hour?

SEVEN POINT PROGRAM TOR ENVIROMENTAL PROTECTION AND
MORE JOBS IN WEST VIRGINIA
Eliminating unnecessary roadblocks and sowing the
seeds for a more vibrant economy that  will benefit
everyone

By Lawrence T Seckerle
LEGALIZE creating more types of WETLANDS, for example;

1) Loggers are fold by t>@ Department of Forestry
(DOFj that In order to comply with BMPs (Best
Management Practices) tray must out slops all their
skid roads, so as to eliminate pools  of water  These
pools are needed by frogs and salamanders to produce
offspring. Their young come off a spring or other
early spring wet area, so they truly are offspring.
Turkey hem lead their baby chicks to these pools to
drink and feed on insects  So even though these pools
dry up in summer, they are important to wlloWe
Pools and wetlands help water to soak  into the land,
which aids the growth of trees and other plants in the             17-1-2
area Productive lands generate more jobs than                  ' "
poverty lands.
2.) While cattail wetlands sre allowed on strip mines,
most of the other types are not allowed. Foi example'
 In the Drainage Handbook for Surface  Mining
depressions deeper than two tenths of a foot (2 4
inches) are prohibited for diversions and constructed
drainways.  Legalizing all types of wetlands from
accidentally created tadpole pools, crayfish flats, to
wild rice paddies would increase wildlife diversity
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              Water caught tit these wetlands would help reduce
              flooding.

              LEGALIZE more FLOOD CONTROL
              There are number of ways to configure mine land to
              reduce the severity of flooding during heavy rains,
              but West Virginia only allows rnounteintop removal
              mining and approximate original contour
              configurations.  Other concepts are not allowed.
              There are a number of structures that have been proven
              to reduce flooding, but it is not legal to build them
              on mined land in Wast Virginia.  (For ©cample:
              Absorption terraces, zero runoff bench and barn
17-1-2
              LEGALIZE the use of NATIVE PLANTS
              1) The West Virginia Department of Highways (DOH)
              Itsts only non-native  plants for stabilizing cut
              slopes and fill areas  on road right-of-ways
              Wildflowers plantings you sometimes see are an
              exception to rules to use only non-native plants.
              2) West Virginia Black Cherry trees are valuable for
              songbjrds and game animals  Black Cherry lumber
              currently brings more money than Black Walnut  If a
              coal operator or the landowner plants Black Cherry on
              mined land without the approval of The West Virginia
              Department of the Environmental Protection (DGP), it
              is considered a violation of the law  it should NEVER
              be a violation of the law to plant naSve wildflowere,
              shrubs and trees

              LEGALIZE more FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT, tor example:
              1.) Coal operators are not currently permitted to
              build raceways for trout and other fish, because these
              structures are not on OEP's list of approved
              structures. Operators are not allowed to create brush
              piles tor rabbits to hide or birds to nest
              2.} Loggers are not allowed to put trattops or other
              wood pfeees into streams to create pools favorable to
              trout and other animals. Regulators do not recognize
              that the reduction of the movement of wood from the
              forest to the sea is having an adverse effect on
              aquatic life forms that are nacessary to the survival
              of freshwater ftsh and ocean fish such as tuna fish.

              BIRD FRIENDLY LAND USES

              Some Land Uses Helpful to f» Re-estabtlshment of
              Morning Dove, Botewhtte Quail, Prairie Chicken, Ruffed
              Grouse, Turkey
              by Lawrence T. Bsckerle
              Copyright 2001, 2002
              Adjunct Professor, Nicholas County Campus of Glenville
              State College
   19-3-2
Why should you care about these bin*? Because as
nature's hydroseecters they are more effective in
establishing most fruit tearing type herbs, forbs,
woody shrubs and trees than any mechanical
hydroseeder. These plantings ateo benefit songbird*.

BQBWHITE QUAIL AND ASSOCIATED SONGBIRD HABITAT
RESTORATION (A land use category for promoting native
wildlife plants that nave been reduced by urban sprawl
and invasive non-native plants.

NATIVE MEADOW NURSERY FARMS tor plants of economic or
restoration value (especially WV ecotypes)
    a.) Native grass propagation and/or seed
harvesting fields
    b.) Native nitrogen fixing plant propagation
and seed harvesting fields
    c.) Native fort), herb, or other wildflower
plant propagation and seed harvesting fields

NATURAL HABITAT BERRY FIELDS >»»»».   go back to
native trees, shrubs and vines for rural America for
notes
     a.)  Silver Buffatobefty, Blackberry,
Blackhaw Viburnum or perhaps bayberry
     b.)  Huckleberry andfor blueberry, plus
strawberry
     c.)   Aronia (Choteterry), elderberry,
aralia spp., ned mulberry, or perhaps spteebush and/or
American mountain ash

NATURAL. HABITAT TREE/SHRUB nut/fruit ORCHARD
     Hazeinut nut pine, persimmon walnut  or
butternut., with low ground cover to aid harvesting

     Plum, cratepple
NATURAL HABITAT MEDICINAL SAVANNA
     RED ELM, plus Black Cherry Cucumbertree,
Elderberry, Blackhaw VibumumSW31828: Use ground
cover that aids beiieflcial insects
      For neutral to alkaline soils. RED ELM,
Bur oak, (Hackberry, Persimmon, Yellowwood),
butternut, yellow chestnut oak
      Native medicinal herbs or wild native
foods
NATURALIZING ORCHARDS FOR UNCOMMON TO RARE NATIVE
PLANTS
Especially those that can survive a hydroseeder and
thus be ui«J in future land reclamation projects
Uncommon to rare native West Virginia plants
(varieties, ecotypes and species (use crayfish pools
to grow wet meadow plants
Nutrush (Selena triglomerata) and four sided
spikerush (Eteeocharus quadrangulata) would need a
crawdad (crayfish) type pool to produce seed
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              ABSORPTION FIELDS for
                    Enhancing ground water recharge
                    To reduce need for sediment ponds and/or
              increase their efficiency.
                    To create moist pockets on slopes with less
              than 2% grade to favor plants tike Pennsylvania
              snwtweed, which is a highly preferred winter food for
              Bobwhite Quail Several hollies, dogwoods, nutsedge,
              and even chufa, sunroot
                   To create the kind of wetlands being missed
              by upland birds, especially
                    Vernal and Sphemtraf pools that favor
              grasses and forts with grain type seed for a true
              wetland meadow effect. For mote design information on
              absorption. s«e original 8-113-86 permit.

              Valley Fill STREAM ELEVATION PROJECTS
              A.)     To mate possible above land uses n well as other
              productive use? of disturbed land. As steepness of
              land increases, erosion control must take precedence
              over all other environmental and management concerns.
              It is hopsd that these few examples will help
              interested .parties to see the advantages to our
              state's future in reducing the overall steepness of
              mining land in West Virginia.
              B.)     Elevated streams can help create oxygen rich water
              to counteract the adverse effects of drainage from
              septic tanks and sewsge treatment plants.  Even
              without increased oxygen, mine water can act as a
              counter balance to sewage type effluents, thus making
              the fish that live in tho«e stroams safer to sat.

              -Get bigger plants by reducing amounts of seed used in
              sowing.  Bigger plants result in stronger, deeper
              taproots, and more seed tor birds.
              SOME SLOPE LIMITATIONS FOR HABITAT RESTORATION
              PROJECTS
              for Morning Dove, Bobwhite Quail, Ruffed Grouse,
              Prairie Chicken, and Turkey
              by Lawrence T, Beckerle
              Copyright 2001
              Adjunct Professor, Sumrnersvilte Campus of Glenvllte
              Slate College

              0-2% Slopes are great for vegetative water filters,
              weds, sedges, sunroot, duck potato, and other
              moitture loving plants. Can lead to mud flats, soils
              that are easily probed for food. Nitrogen fixing
              plants favor earthworms.  Both conditions favor
              American Woodcock.
              5% is a steep grade for a highway.  DOH posts
              warnings, constructs escape ramps, reduces speed
              limits, especially tor trucks
19-3-5
10% (+/-2%)  Limit for leaving open tare ground for
dove feeding and toaflr^, and volunteering of early
succession*! annuals.
   limit for most productive farmland
   cover crop and/or past crop residue left on
surface to retard erosion until next crop planted,

15% maximum safety limit tor trucks to dump topsoil,
topsoil substitutes, and soil amendments.
   The "sawdust protect" and tire stocking ofBobwhite Quail would never have taken place if the
mined land ted been steeper than 18 percent
   Limit for most productive types 0f cover that
will altow batiy chicks to feed on the ground and to
catch insects
    Limit tor the type of plant cover that will
best encourage the growth of trees and shrubs

25% maximum safety limit for harrowing, disking,
planting, drilling along the contour to retard
erosion
mechanical planting of trees must be done aiong
contour to retard erosion
   limit for band fertilizer placement along the
contour
   limit for most grain harvesting combines and
most other sesd harvesting equipment.

36% (plus a fraction) equals 20 degrees, the legal
definition of steep slope mining.
   limit for most tree shsarers and whole tree
harvesters
   limit tor revegrtatlng land without use of some
kind of artificial nonliving mulch:  hay,  draw, paper
or wood fiber

40% approximate safety limit tor "bush hogging" (up
and down his) tor specially equipped tractors. So
the only way to control nonnatlve invasive plants Is
through control btrns andtor use of herbicides

Slopes «t 40% and stave almost the exclusive domain of
hydroseeding, which excludes plants whose s®ed cant
survive a hydVoswd©r.  tony rrore plants can*t
survive the Intenst grass eompetljon  necessary at
these steep slopes.

50% maximum safety Imft for dozer to grade most
flll materials.
70-80%  approximate original contour in much, even
most of th& mining areas in Boon®, Logan, &nd otf^r
counties in Southern West Virginia,
                                             SUMMARY OF SOME MEEOED CHANGES IN PRIORITIES on slope
                                             Issuas TO FAVOR NATIVE FLORA AND FAUNA
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              0-2%   just a few plants needed to act as starters
              2-7%   handle like row crop agriculture
              allow bare ground if disked along contour so ridges
              formed by disk catch water, preventing runoff

              Under 15% slope;  Percent cover should be limited to
              less than 30% and perennial grasses & forage legumes
              should not be planted, so as to encourage native
              forbs,  herbs and other wildftowers.  in general only
              annuats with at least one reseedlng annual should be
              required for bond release.  Areas with non-natives too
              aggressive to allow native forbs and/or herbs to
              prosper should be herbicide or opened up with a disc
              before a bond request Is granted.

              15 to 25% slope:   Percent cover requirements should
              be from 30 to 50%. A perennial forb shoyld be
              included., but one that is short enough or low enough
              on aggression to allow plants such as rye to reseed
              from one year to the next.  Grain type foods provide
              essential winter feeding areas tor Bobwhite Quail,
              Ruffed Grouse, Prairie Chicken, and Turkey.

              Over 25% slope;  Though it becomes necessary to
              include a perennial grass for erosion control, such
              grasses in total should not exceed 50% of tti« stand,
              An exception might be made when the average slope of
              the land exceeds 40%, but even then forbs should he at
              least 25% of the stand. Because of the compaction
              that occurs with "tracking in" this practice should
              limited to slopes in excess of 36%.  Ground oovar
              should be from SO to 75% for erosion control and still
              allow the growth of Solomon seal and False Solomon
              Seal
              Over 40% slope   90% ground coves should be
              reserved for slopes over 40%

              WILDLIFE NEED A MOSAIC OF HABITAT TYPES TO PROSPER

              The following excerpts from several of my papers help
              to illustrate ways to create tie needed habitat
              diversity  Current regulations for the mining
              industry effectively prohibit most of these techniques
              hindering effects to restore butterflies, songbirds,
              game birds,  and native plants.

                   Native Wildlife Seed Mixes (a few non-native
              nurse/cover crops) for Road Cuts, Fill*, and
              Right-of-way Construction (for electricity, gas,
              water)by Lawrence T. Beckerle
                            Copyrights 2000, 2001, 2002.
              2003
              Introduction;
              The primary advantage of disturbed land in an
              ecosystem is to allow pioneering plants to provide
              more nutritious forage, seed and/or fruit for animals.
19-3-5
7-2-5
VWtere plants provide nutritious food that supports an
abundance of insect life, and also enable young birds
(chicks & young poults) to feed on those- insects, it
«referred to as brood habitat.  Brood habitat is
essential for young birds to become adults  For
example; Bobwhite quatl chicks live almost exclusively
on insects (Beetles make up almost 50% of their diet,
particularly ground beetles, leaf beetles and
weevils ..}  Turkey chicks depend more on
grasshoppers  Good brood habitat will have lots of
beetles,  grasshoppers, crickets; plus a tad gram,
bramble, or other vertical cover that interferes with
the ability of avian predators to swoop down for  a
kill  Some grasses inhibit birds from feoSng on
insects by hindering their ability to walk, run. &
hide,  Z' tall ehteks of Bobwhite quail (which weight
less than ounce) need these break* to survive  The
chicks of Ruffed Grouse are about twice the size of a
bumblebee with long lags.  So as a rule of thumb  If
a horse won't eat it and a bumblebee cant walk around
or fly though it,  it's not suitable tot brood habitat
 And if the plant* you use are too aggressive  for
asparagus, strawberries, rhubarb, sunflowers  and/or
turnips to grow  in the first years after planting,
it's not good brood habitat

Nurs© crops prevent germination of those weeds that
require full sunlight and retard the growth of those
weeds that prefer full sunlight  They protect slow
growing, often-delicate seedlings of perennials from
drying winds and other environmental stresses  Black
Locust B used as a nyrse crop for Black Walnut and
other hardwoods  Young locust helps to protect other
seedlings from deer  It produces light shade that
thins out even more as insects eat the leaves. It
plays host to bacteria that fix nitrogen in its roots.
 Its leaves readily decay, making nitrogen plus otter
nutrients available to microorganisms and plants
Sowing red clover in a wheat field in February is both
an example of frost seeding and using fall sown wheat
as a nurse crop. For a mid March sowing there may not
be enough freeze-thaw action left to adequately bury
seed, so farmers use livestock to walk in tie seed
Sowing rye In a standing crop of soybeans near harvest
time flust before 50% of the leaves fall) is an
example of relay cropping. As leaves of the soybeans
fall, the surface of the soil retains more moisture
and the seed of rye begin to germinate  By th® time
the soybeans are harvested, the rye is fairly well
established, so there is less chance of erosion with
relay cropping  As a relay race can Involve more than
two runners, so relay cropping can  involve the
successor) of more than two crops  When the  same
crops used for nurse cropping and/or relay cropping
are mainly used to increase organic material,
particutarty if they are plowed down prior to the next
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              crop, they are- referred to as green manure crops  A
              cover crop Is any crop used to hold the soit In place
              between other uses  For example'  White clover sown
              in an apple orchard is a cover crop. As is rye sown
              on a topsoil stockpile Fall sown rye that is later
              killed  by herbicide just prior to the no-till planting
              of corn (in the following spring) is a cover crop.

              It s far cheaper to sow grasses such as Indian grass
              into an appropriate nurse crop species at the
              appropriate time, for example' mid May into a pure
              stand of Crimson clover that was established the
              previous August or September Since several warm
              season natives do not germinate until soil
              temperatures reach 70 degrees,  it maybe more practical
              to sow those seeds earlier into a Crimson clover
              stand. Dwarf Essex rape makes a showy yellow in
              April  Since it gets to much taller, a top sowing of
              a warm season  species must be done in about February.
              This would work for Switchgrass and others with
              semi-dormant late spring germinating seeds (requiring
              soil temperatures above 70 degrees). Cool season
              natives can be established along with Crimson in
              Aug-Sept, such as Mountain ricegrass (Oryzopsis
              species)
              Some seeds are intermediate in size and free flowing
              and so mix in well with clover seed for broadcast
              sowing and use in a typical no-till dnll Sometimes
              called pasture renovation drills, they are  available
              from the WV Soil Conservation districts for S25 per
              day rental (plus a few dollars per acre).  At least 60
              of ths grasses native to WV fit this category
              Deertongue, Switchgrass, prairie dropseed (officially
              native to Ohio and Pennsylvania, but not WV), mountain
              rice	     	
                                Some seeds are so
              large that they are easier to plant using a small
              grain type drill, such as Eastern gumagrass,  American
              Beakgrain, Paspalum species, and peanut grass.
              The hydroseeding fad has precluded the use of irony
              native plants, especially seeds that split easily
              after they have been wet for awhile, such as the wild
              beans that are related to our garden beans
               cannot tolerate the salt of fertilizer and otter
               conditions of the hydroseeder Seeds that evolved to
               pass through the digestive system of animals generally
               do well being passed through a hydroseeder  Other
               seeds have evolved to be wind blown, to float on
               rainwater (or to be carried off by heavy rains), to
               twist themselves Into the ground, to be carried off by
               ants, andter to be stored by rodents  Some seeds that
               rely on water for transport will survive a
               hydroseeder Most of the rest will not
               This is only one of the several reasons hydroaeeders
               are less than adequate for establishing most plants.
19-3-5
Another problem with hydrosesders is that they kill
much (often all of) the inocutert needed by nitrogen
fixing plants  These plants help to cut out the
application of nitrogen fertilizer, which encourages
weeds and pollutes streams  Adding gypsum loosens
soils and aids nitrogen-fixing plants. A sulfur,
potassium, magnesium fertilizer (suifo-po-mag)
(0-0-22-11-22) is also useful.
Ornamental native grasses: "Yellow" and Scrlbner's
Panic grass, prairie dropseed yellow striped Crinkled
Hairgrass, Plurnegrass (Erianthus) and wedge grass
(Sphenophofisj have also been used ornamentally. Holy
grass has been collected to the point of eliminating
wild populations of this species. Beard grass has
some potential as an ornamental.
Members of the Sedge family are often called grasses.
Some of the more interesting species in this family
include Pennsylvania sedge (sold and planted by plugs)
for cut slopes areS other dry barren area* {maximum
height is 4 to 6 inches). Cotton grass. Wool Grass,
are used ornamentally on moist to wet soils  Nutrush
(annual or perennial) will grow on dry or wet
soils.2-3 rnm-bony sesd
A number of native wildflowers are often used like
grasses, such as' Blue-eyed grass (4-20*), Yellow
stargrass (8-12"), spring beauty (4-12"), Miami Mist,
Virginia Meadowbeauty (12-18*). On dryer sites you
can find' Early spid@iwortt violets, violet wood
sorrel (4-8*),  pussytoes, star chiokweed, slender
dayflower, and geranium mseutaturn   On the driest of
mowed areas you can find orange-grass, orange puoooon
(2-20") and Birdsfoot wotet '(2-6").  Prairie zinnra
6" is native to the Great Plains & is used in lawns
Please remember that some grasses (Tall Fescue and
Smooth Broma) are highly invasive and put alleiopathte
compounds in rtie-soil, so these can interfere with the
best laid plans Often have to establish a resistant
annual until those ch©micals dissipate.
Lawrence T  Beokerle
                                                           26205
                                                                         PC Box 118 Gr»tg»vi(le, WV
                                                           Many of the sites I reclaim are small (less than 2
                                                           acres) and in rather inaccessible locations, as a
                                                           result I often use my Bronco N both as a four whester
                                                           and farm tractor.  However on those occasions when I
                                                           can bring in a limestone spreading truck the following
                                                           procedure is used.
                                                           Limestone trucks are generally limited to spreading
                                                           lime whan the land is fairly dry, which in West
                                                           Virginia occurs through the summer months into fall
                                                           Limestone trucks are also used to spread fertilizer
                                                           when the rate of fertilizer used Is around  300 pounds
                                                           per acre or above  At limestone plants and fertilizer
                                                           plant* the operators are able to mix In seed when they
19-3-5
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                  A-870
                                                                                                                                                                                                       Section A - Citizens
-------
               toad the trucks. Rye wheat, oats, buckwheat,
               petrlmillet, Dove proso millet, German mlfct,
               browntop millet are among the seeds that are commonly
               mixed in this way. The cost is minimal tor adding
               seed at this time.  For example:  a fifteen-ten load
               of dolomite lime at $40 per ton would cost $600. If
               100 pound* of rye is mixed in, t»y would charge $22
               for the rye.  If spreading at the common rate of 3
               tons of lime per acre, rye is sown at the rate of 20
               pounds per acre, which is enough in most cases as a
               quick cover and as a nurse crop

                                If the lime arid/or
               fertilizer are to be disked In (as they should be for
               maximum effectiveness), 8 higher rate of seed is used.
               It's cheaper to increase the amount of these rather
               inexpensive seed, then to have to follow up with
               applying these seeds at a later time
               The same technique can be used with the (three point
               hitch) bulk fertilizer spreaders that farmers u*e on
               their farm tractors, if one has the set up (or the
               hand labor) to get an even mix of seed and lime- or
               fertilizer. If the farmer has either a row crop
               planter or a small o/ain drill, he will us© these on
               newly plowed ground to plant seed and apply
               fertilizer. If he is planting into a field that isn't
               plowed, he will use a pasture renovation drill
               (no-till drill) to plant ths  seed. (Or he  could top
               sow the seed by grazing down trie field, sowing seed
               and then lightly dtoking, Gr he could sow in February
               for some small seeds, which freezing and thawing will
               then work into the soil.) If he were trying to
               establish a fluffy seeded species, he would generally
               try to rent a "warm season gras&tand  drill"
               Gtiod used row crop planters are! small grain drills can
               often be purchased at term auctions for less than
               $1,000.  Sometimes they only Bring $100 at sale.
               Pasture renovation drills can be rented from district
               headquarters of the he West Virginia Conservation
               Agency for $25 per day and a few dollars per acre. A
               few have grassland drills for r*rt. $5.000 to $20,000
               is tie typical purchase price range for "warm season
               grassland drills".
               To someone not familiar with cost effective grassland
               farming the above may  seen rather confusing, so here's
               an example that might help:
                 A contractor is due to finish a job by August 1 st,
               so the lime truck arrives on that day to spread
               agricultural limestone,  A week later the inspector
               mates the contractor regrade some of the area because
               the finish grade isn't up to specifications.
               Meanwhile someone forgot to schedule the no-till
               drill, and so area farmers have it tied up for the
               next two weeks.   Plus the DEP inspector just stowed
               up to complain about the regarded ares that hasn't
               been sowed with seed.  So Johnny on the spot brings
19-3-5
out his special broadcast seeder, H© sows seed larger
than 2mm (taking about one hour to sow tovo acres).
Then uses a flexi-tine (drag) harrow to cover the
seed  (Four wheelers, small tractors, cars trucks.
dozers, and so on can pull these harrows.)  After
tins he sows seed that is smaller than 1,5mm on top of
the freshly loosen soil,
   A week later someone realizes that the contract
also called for 500 pounds of gypsum per acre and 100
pounds of 6-24-24 per acre  So a farm tractor or
four-wheeler is brought to the site to spread these.
But the soil is very dry and no one has told him if
anything was sown besides the rye  So to be on the
safe side he mixes in Crimson clovsr (that has freshly
attached rhizoblum tnocukant) and acme turnip se«d or
rapeseed.  He hooks the drag harrow to the hiteh on
the fertilizer spreader.  As he spreads the gypsum and
other fertilizer, the seed is also sown and covered In
the same trip.  A pick up truck with an electric
fertilizer spreader can also spread seed and
fertilizer and cover in one pass by pulling a drag
harrow,
   Everything is fine until someone notices that one
of the wildflowers used isn't supposed to be sown in
August or September  It happens to be one of those
species that does best when sown in iate winter or
early spring. Since its seed is no bigger than the
seed of red clover (and since Crimson clover and the
other species eown in August permit the introduction
of other plants), a decision is made to sow this
native wildflower in mid to labs February and let
Mother Nature work #1® seed into the soil (by way of
freeze thaw action) as it has done for thousands of
years  But  it's hard for many folks to understand
•frost seeding1 or why it s far better to sow some
wildflower seeds on snow (preferably melting snow) in
February  than to wait until spring.
Partridge pea is an example of a seed that is too big
to work into  the soil by Freeze thaw alone  So it
should be planted, preferably in March for maximum
growth and flowering. (Note: this annual makes
acceptable growth if planted as late as June 30th).
To save money end time on seeds that prefer to
germinate during the February-March thaws, farmers
will sow them in Mancri andthen use cattle to walk the
seeds into the soil. This process can be simulated by
a number of other techniquss
Crimson clover is at the size (about 2mm long) where
it can benefit from covering by a drag harrow.
instead of using a ffexi-tine drag harrow, some people
prefer to use a spike tooth harrow (that attaches to
the three point hiteh an a farm tractor). They are
convenient and cost only about $300.  However on
soils where they would cover Crimson clover too
deeply, seed the size of Crimson clover should be sown
on top after  harrowing is finished.
19-3-5
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                A-871
                                                                Section A - Citizens
-------
              The above examples for establishing wildflowers also
              help to illustrate the convenience of other seed
              establishment times Many warm season perennials that
              are adapted to very droughty soils prefer the
              February-March sowing and planting period  The late
              summer and early fall planting period is preferred by
              winter annuals many biennials, &t& plants whose seeds
              are very susceptible to drying out and/or have a
              rather exact cold dormancy  For seeds that are best
              sown as soon as they are collected and for species
              that need to germinate around the end of summer in
              order to make enough growth before winter sets in, the
              time period of August 1 st to October 15th must be
              considered.

                                          The
              name generally used for this time period Is 'the fall
              planting season', even though part of this time period
              is officially late summer and part is early fall
              Crimson clover is normally sown during this time. It
              is easy to establish, relatively cheap,
              non-aggressive, can be used as a nurse crop, and so
              success and failures with it can help growers
              understand what they need to do to establish plants
              with somewhat similar sowing requirements  I
              generally sow Crimson clover at the rate of ten to
              fifteen pounds per acre with four ounces of turnip
              seed (or rapeseed) for a bright yellow contrast to the
              crimson color  But as can be saen in the below list,
              there are native dowers that can create this color
              combination
              West Virginia ecotypes should be used when ever
              possible, so information on collection is provided.
              Seed from initial wildflower plantings can then be
              harvested, increasing the efficiency of future
              wildflower plantings  While generally emphasizing the
              showiest of wildfiowers, It is also possible to use
              plantings to propagate natives especially useful for
              stabilization of road cuts,  banks, and fills. For
              example   The ground hugging Trailing bushelover ((,
              prooumbens) and Creeping bushctover (l_ repensj could
              be a part of plantings on dry soil Their seeds are
              about 2mm long. Capsules ar& about 3 mm long In
              October the area could be harvested with a wild seed
              harvester or the area could be mowed and the seed
              screened out from the cuftings Screening for seed
              from lawnrnower type cuttings works best for the
              heavier seeds that are generally free flowing

              Note- Some comments may seem to be redundant, for
              example   Slope limitations are described in a number
              of ways to help explain the concept and to help
              explain how it migtit be applied. The comments dated
              January 5, 2004 put the essential slope
              classifications in what is probably the simplest form
              for most people
19-3-5
For BoOwWte quail:  saads need to fall on bare ground
for these and several other ground feeding birds to be
able to find enough food-  Blackberry thickets
(where old canes cover the ground instead of grass)
are needed to provide these birds with adequate
protection from nighttime predators.

Note of request for help with WV DEP on this issue
If OEP were to 'strongly recommend" native ground
covers, a number of benefits could result. For
example: The native Paspalurn grasses can grow in any
disturbed soil that the non-native ryegassss can grow
in. These grasses grow in many lawns across the state
of West Virginia, Several of the native Paspalums
make good lawn grasses, produce palatabte forage and
produce nutrttiout seeds (that are nearly a*
nutritious as oats)
    If WV native Paspalurn grasses were 'strongly
recommended" by pfep, then homeowners would have an
incentive to screen their fall lawn cuttings for
Ptspaiurn seed and sell it to the coal companies
While supplies of native PaepaJum seed would initially
be limited (OEP would have to make allowances for
that), the long-term result would be to help create a
new industry in West Virginia.
   Northern dropseed, sand dropseed, and tall
dropseed art also valuable for wildlife, are very
compatible with the growing of trees, and are quite
drought tofemnt DEP should encourage use of these
grasses as well.
   Among the nitrogen fixing ground covers, DEP
should also encourage the us© of Butterfly pea,
Spurred butterfly pea, bundleftewer, milk pea
partridge pea, praif le acacia  (the only thorn less
acacia native to tie United Sates), sensitive-briar,
small wild bean, trailing wild bean, and other useful
native nitrogen fixing plants
   Among the quick cover plants dove weed (Croton
species) and similar natives should be ''strongly
recommended"

    Snce DEP rules and recommendations often sets
standards In the market place as to what is produced
and sold, it«imperative that OEP be more
responsible in what it demands in the way of
revegetatten plans.
    For example: By creating a market demand for
European bteck afcter, DEP helps to insure that
European black alder will be planted on other  lands in
West Virginia The West Virginia state tree nursery
produces only what it knows it can sell Since mining
companies eanrrt readily use the vast majority of
native trees and shrubs, the  state tree nursery cannot
justify producing seedlings of most native trees and
shrubs. Thus to a large extent DEP determines what
                                                                                                                  7-2-5
                                                                                                                      19-3-5
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                              A-872
                                                                Section A - Citizens
-------
                 tr*e« and shrubs are planted across the state of West
                 Virginia.
19-3-5
^Comments ®& HIS
 B^ t&weaee T. Bcaterlo
 PG BoxltS,
                                                                                                                                            CosM better discern what the effects of vaKey fill were if oua knew tha pereeaf slope of the land abeve it and coald statistically
                                                                                                                                            separate cat the elifect of steep slopes from the size of valley f!l!s. "Hie probl-sms being aitribitted to valley fills stay be due to the
                                                                                                                                            step slopes above those valley fllte. Antl H is wy possible that forger vaHey fill that make possible ft reduction of steepness of
                                                                                                                                            slope on the tel above the valley fill will have tess runoff than a small vsl ley fill with steeper ted above it However without
                                                                                                                                            informatics m f he slope of the land, ft will be hard for scisntisi to maks these determinations.  (The irony is feat Illinois, which
                                                                                                                                            ie much flatter than West Virginia beeps records <#j steepness of slopes, and West Virginia JgBoiw the isto6.)

                                                                                                                                            Slope Information needs to bo cataloged here in the mountains just as well
                                                                                                                                                     s could be improved by a consideration for gtoeptttm. For exam$>!e; to control erosioa, on« needs to toe more
                                                                                                                                            vegetation (or other eroskm control jue&sures) on a 40H slope thaa a 4% slope (grade). But for ravcgeiatloa purposes DEP
                                                                                                                                            treats all land the same, even ihst ^idi is tisi tim&# && steep as the land ptfdbrtfid by ftefiefs a»id most homeowners.  If Dfii*
                                                                                                                                            had logical v^etatjon requirements for different grades of land tHSs im«iW help quail, which prefer a patchwork pattern of
                                                                                                                                            vej$staliioit  (Since plant species vary in their sensitivity t& oorapeHUonj a gmater diversity of plaflt life will be permitted by this
                                                                                                                                            ehauge.)
                                                                                                                                              For example:           ....„„.   ......    „ ..... „                  .          .„„__,,
                                                                                                                                            Hie typioai gmds of a wet meatiow (and some forest wettmds) k 1%,  Anytti jpg 0V6f 2% gsttemlly incomes 3 ittound or
                                                                                                                                            re I alive ly dry ishiiid, Tliere ccntil bo e culegory for hind w;th 30 o vcmH grude undi;r 2%, so the pblic cou Id knew whether
                                                                                                                                            eoouglj wet we^lier pools, wet meadows and wet fofesls ar« being created to stffilaifi wlidlife timt depend on (IsosB habits.
                                                                                                                                            The typical gmde for a hlgliway is 4% or less, (Hole that DOH ptiis up signs wiring of a steep grade aficad for highways that
                                                                                                                                            have a 5% or greater grade,) Tfesre could be a category f^r land na atesger than the typicai Mgliway,
                                                                                                                                            Tlic safely limit fbr d«m|>i«g a load ftom it fpic& is I S%.  There could be a category tttf regs-ded twifisd land that is safe enough
                                                                                                                                            to operate a du&ip track.  16 J$i used to be the staadnrd for tlie pitch of a roof on laobtle hojn«s fsfso described as 2" fsH per
                                                                                                                                            The safely limit for opcOTfiug a ferm tractor along the cofifoHr Is 25%.  Tfeero coyfd be a category for Sand safe enough to opei-ate
                                                                                                                                            a fson it actor (aksng the eontotir andflrasaid^i6^8ofaol!ooii5ervstlo&priieikies). (25% is the staiidatrf pitch for a roof OR a
                                                                                                                                            house, {wfafoh a (xmtractor would mfe* to as 3/12 or 3** fall per 12").
                                                                                                                                            Finally there could be $ category for Mud too steep to operate to operate a ferat tractor atoag die oonKmr and is stepra- than the
                                                                                                                                            roof on ttis average American's ho«se

                                                                                                                                            However rather ihsft tnateh cover type with the steepness as one would do fee a play ground or roof on & house, DBF hwsts m
                                                                                                                                            tlio same fciiid of vegetative cewr fer all sbpm. By enforcing a uniformly (mfoiaginsittve cover types, DEP Ibrti^r impoverish^
                                                                                                                                            the bmdseaps of West Virgltiis, limits game biptfe, and m^liteos the variety of songbird and htitWflies,

                                                                                                                                            Another wriabic is that vaHey fi% of df|!N»itt d&slfRS wiH have different maoff rates.
                                                                                                                                            The simplest example being the 3 valley fill of the same sis® &nd $K$pe with 80% durable rock wfll have a faster dischm^e of
                                                                                                                                            wafer &m s vafjoy fit! f the same s&e aitd ^e wtlh 60% durable rack.
                                                                                                                                            If the psspcem of rock is the same -for two valley fills, bat mo bas aft the diiraMe rook at tiptoe of the fiHiiisteirf of thmu^i out,
                                                                                                                                            it should be both imife stable and have slower disctoge.
                                                                                                                                            If rock atid sia» sns the same, b«t one has reversed slope terraces anil the other doesn't, the first wilt have slower runoff tban the
                                                                                                                                            A common public need across the West VirgitHa is e iiesd for flood control,
                                                                                                                                            Yet rhe public .use provision 1:^ never been used to address extra '.l^ps for reducing Hoods
                                                                                                                                            Taking steps to reduce flooding wsakf have a beneficial ecofitmie impact, yet the variance for ecmoniic use has never been
                                                                                                                                            approved for steps to redoes ftoodiag
                                                                                                                                            For cxwtpto; as Uw pwre eeosomi^ ^ayflsh ftoiisg smi tbe (^onomie awrf for » emy 8$h ton ta $oy^em We« Virginia
                                                                                                                                            would be hard to jtistiQ' to the satisfaction of teptatory agencies ss teg as they oa!y cratsid^ the pfee of crayfish In to Ossir
                                                                                                                                            saleulatfofis. Howevw if they would a^o consider the bettefits ftat saoh a fem wo«W eoaftibute to fee reduction of ibtws duo
                                                                                                                                            to fifxxiifjg then their oafculatfoas would be more accumie and felr to all
                                                                                                                                                                      17-1-2
MTM/VF  Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                         A-873
                                                                                           Section A  - Citizens
-------
                                                                                                                                                                                                     Barbara Beer
 ' In ifei feterim regulations QSM Imd a ml* agaiast a«y d&pressio&j btgfpr fte & squint mete*. Following that thai time period,
  fho Drainage Handbook became the standard in West Virginia, To this d&y tins Drainage handbook stilf has a rule against
  depressions deeper than two tens of a foot. As a cotsseefuenee of th® earlier GSM mle and thfi eumait mle tbere are veiy f&w
  weHands on miaed tends and tltoss (hat do occur am of very poor quality, ^mt of the reasmi that tiisa-e am so Ibw w«Uands Is
  th&t: I ,) the overall empiw&is of th& Dminags Handbook is to ebajiiw^ wa^r ofiTthc mined sits a»«J 2.) tee has &e&5 a
  rs^ulatory ageaey tendeaoy to eonsidfflr every w&fer ratattrfBg stn^are to be an ImpouadmBnt so feat even ggdliawt ^itehss am
  reqiiiited to be rmioved after mining.  So th6 tttought oil the ^rattoaal siije llw keen why bmfel K»n<^liiiig eossnu know of my erayfistj Stmis on mined tod la W^ Vlrgiak.
Ali of these would result in iii«e "otganfe «
                                    H for apalic organtos lit the steams feelow ttie uifeing area,
                                                                                         6-6-5
                                                                                     14-3-5
  Page 2 of eommentt on BIS by Lawnmee T. Beota-fe
Skifab a@aol.com
                              To:    113 Mounlaintop@F.PA
              08/17/0311:15 AM     cc:
                              Subject  Mfc of the mountain
  Dearest those who care fot HS, please take tine to tliiak of the long term
vision of the effects of tnounuinlop removal: wildlife habital clwiitucrioti \\ith
tcstiltiii^ extinction of flora att
-------
                                                                                                                                                                 Trick Behle
                                                       C-X
                 «/
                                                                n,*-
                                                                             1-9
                                                                                              — Fom*rdfed by David Ritfer/R3/USEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:32 PM -----

                                                                                                         "tacbce@yahoo.co
                                                                                                         m" 
-------
Bob Bell
                                                                                                                                  Gordon Bell
                                           1*. JohttForren
                                              U.S. EPA
                                             1650 An* St
                                         Philadelphia, PA 19103
                                     Email- inoiiiitsiiit5pif3@si3a.goy
REC'D  3EC.22;
                 I oppose the practice of raotsitaiatop removal rnrflitjg. This mining is destroying our
                coBHBonitjes, homes and lives. We are constantly flooded, in homes that we Saw spent
                  oar lives in. We are being pushed oat of our homes by flie destruction caused by
                 mountaintop removal mining. Chir roads are being shut down ever time it wins this
                 makes oar rescue personal useless to us. Oar tax dollars are what fixes all the mess
                 caused by the mining going on around us. No wonder mining is so profitable we as
                citizens pick up the fell on the devastation caused by the mine companies. Please stop
                this insanity is killing out entire communities. Not to mention the effects it's having on
                our environment Th« habitats of our atttraals are destroyed, running th« wfldlife sway.
               Our streams are filled with rode that the mine companies pile into these valley fills.  The
                  waters get ap aad have no where to go bat into peoples homes. Our mountains ax
               exploding with water. Hess outbreaks come out into people's yard and underneath their
               homes. Our homes are literally being blasted off their foundations or the earth is opening
                up and swallowing them. Please stop the practice of moantaiBtop removal coal mining
                     and save our homeland, our children's future and very possibly our lives
                                 Name
                                 Bmaii
                         1-9
                                                                                                                                            1-10
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                    A-876
Section A - Citizens
-------
Vaughn Bell
                                                                             Joe Bergeron
December 17,2003                                        *3|?

Mr. John Fouen BPA
U.S.EPA(3EA30)
1650 Arch St
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Dear Mr. John Forsten EPA,

I am writing in regards to the Bush admaiisteaon'! plans to centime to let coal
companies destroy Appalacbla with mining practices that level moanfaintopg, wipe out
forests and bury streams in the valleys below. This type of miamg is immensely
abstractive to the natural environment and «lso exacerbates health and environmental
problems for an already straggling population. Moontaintop removal mining and valley
fills should not be allowed and the laws and regulations that protect clean water must not
be weakened. In particular, I oppose (he proposal to change fhe stream buffer zone rule
that prohibits mining activity within 100 feet of sn-eams. This rule should be strictly
enforced for valley fills and in all other cases.

I'm disappointed and angry that the federal government ignored its own studies when it
proposed weakening, rather than strengthening, protections far people and the
environment. I do not support any of to tee alternatives eostained within the
Environmental Impact Statement Report All three options will make it easier for
companies to destroy streams, endangering wildlife and nearby communities.
            Sincerely,
                                                                            1-9

                                                                            1-10


                                                                            1-5
            Vaugte Bell
            lOVintonStApt 1
            Boston, MA 02127-3S27
           DeliveredDate: 01/07/2004 08:10:51 PM

           I feel I should pinch myself to make sure that the practice of
           "mountaintop mining" isn't the product of some nightmare I'm having.

           Let me see if I've got this straight. Mining companies hire a few
           people to pilot gigantic machines over rural West Virginia,
           obliterating the tops of mountains and destroying the intervening
           valleys with waste, clogging streams and creating conditions for future
           flooding and erosion. In return for the paychecks offered to the few
           humans involved in this process, the people of West Virginia "benefit"
           by having the very landscape they inhabit trashed and denuded for
           centuries at least,

          Iregard this kind of policy as being nothing better than utterly
          foolish, sh<5rt-sighteddesffticti'oninflicted byalew |*reedy men with-.
          no;reg»d for generations ta-eoiMe,. I abhor it absolutely,

           Joe Bergeron
          2732 King St,
          Indwell, Kt "13760:
                  1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEtS Public Comment Compendium
A-877
Section A - Citizens
-------
David Berkland
                                                                        Michael Bialas
                                                   1-10
                Mr. David J. Berkland
                  302 Mansfield St
                Sharon MA 02067-3129
                    y ,1; eiiA/ia.*iJm?irr*t-
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                    ?,F .£Jt.tt&£(&^.,'rt3j&.£&>J&{~(ttJt!i£(J--E&irt-J:-
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-878
Section A - Citizens
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                                                                                                                                                                  Bonnie Biddison
                                                                             1-10

                                     ^
                                                                                                          - Forwarded by David tidei/RMJSEPAAJS on 01/07/2004 03:42 PM -
                                                                                                                   m            To:    83 Mountaintop^EPA
                                                                                                                               cc:
                                                                                                                   01/04^00403:24     Subjwt: mounUintop mining
                                                                                                                   PM
                 To Whom It May Concern, Plssse 4o 0ot allow raount^iirtop mining to occur
                 unless strict limits are placed upon it$ contiisied usss. The prospect of
                 350 nws
                 squwte miles of Appalaehia laid waste by this pillage of (be environment
                 is
                 raaeeeptsfcle! Let's be "stewards of the Earth'', not desttoyers of it -
                 it's the
                 only Eaitfc we have. Thank you!

                 Boinie BWdisoB, 653 (Me Run Ttail,
                 #209,
                 Oak Park, CA 91377
                                                                                                                                                                         1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
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Section A - Citizens
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Charles Biggs
                                                                                                                              Cathie Bird
     (304) KS-S47T
                                       CHARLES K. BIOGS
                                          P.O. Box 127
                                     Btrlitlty Spring*. WV15411
A'JQ
     2  1
                                                            August 19, 2003
                                                     .„.. Forwarded by John Ferren/R3AJSEPAflJS on 01/0*04 02:36 PM -

                                                                 Cat* Bird
                                To:    John Fofren/R3AJSEPA/US@EPA
           h.net»         oc:
                        Subject: mtr and vf els comments
           CHffl*0401:56PM
     Mr. John Forren, US EPA (3ES30)
     1650 A«h Street
     PMladrfpHi, PA 19103
     Subject: Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Mountain top Removal

     Dear Mr. Forren;

            I find it difScult to believe that despite having accumulated 5,000 pages of study
     documenting the damages which the existing practices of mountain top removal strip mining have
     caused to water quality, air quality, and quality of fife to neighbors the Draft EIS makes no
     recommendations regarding proposing alternates or even forbidding the practice completely.

            Also as a civil engineer who has spent more than forty years in the practice of designing
     am) constructing foundations for buildings and highways I can not believe that the loose
     uneonsolkkted fills produced by the manner in which tile valtey fiBs are placed will result in a
     9uitaHe medium for tlie foundations of roads, buildings or even park land structures. This type of
     a ffil in my experience, would never be suitable for supporting any structures.
                  1-5
                  13-2-2
     Veryt
             i yours.
     ce;  WVHightends Conservancy
Thanks for the opportunity to comment on the findings and
recommendation? of the mountain top removal and vafley fills EIS. After
reading through this very large and challenging document, I do not feel
that I can endorse any of the options presented.

I live in the Elk Valtey area of Campbell County, Tennessee, just south
of the Kentucky border During the past year my neighbors and I have
been concerned about the 2100-acre Zeb Mountain project which features
cross-ridge mining—a form of mountain top removal. Many citizens and
groups in Tennessee are concerned with mountain top mining and valley
fills, and I am disappointed that Tennessee's issues and history with
MTR had such minimal attention in the EIS and that opportunities for
public meetings were virtually non-existent

I am further concerned that the nature and consequences of cross- ridge
mining were not adequately addressed In Tsnnsss©® there have been few
if any permits for Mountartop Removal  Instead OSM's Knoxville Field
Office has been Issuing permits for other types of Mauntemtop Mining
Over the past 10 years OSM's Knoxville Field Office has issued five
permits for "Cross Ridge Mining."  I view Cross Ridge Mining as a type
of Mountaintop Removal and am opposed to this practice. The use of a
different nsme for what amounts to basically the same practice is a
cynical attempt by the industry and regulatory agencies to avoid the
scrutiny that hae been focused on Mountaintop Removal

My main concern is that valley fills and tie 100' stream buffer zone are
not adequately addressed by any of the alternative actions  The EIS
appears to substantiate scientific studies, as wed as common sense and
local experience, that mountain top mining and valtey fills impact
headwater streams as well as downstream conditions. In Section III-D the
EIS summarizes eight potential Impacts such as toss of upstream energy
from buried stream reaches and changes in chemistry, flow and
sedimentation downstream. That's why I'm really confused  about why we're
still talking about messing with the 100 stream buffer zone rule or
allowing any valley fills at all

As I read the alternatives proposed in this EIS, our only choice
regarding valtey fills is how much damage to the watershed we're going
to say is okay. If declaring the 10ff stream buffer zone inapplicable to
valley fills is what you mean by rewriting and clarification, then we're
headed in the wrong direction  We need to teep that buffer tor all
streams and every project, period  If "science-based methods" can't tell
us what the size limit of a valley fill should be. then let's not do any
                                                                                                                       1-5
                                                                                                                       3-4
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 MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                             A-880
                                                                                                                                                                                                 Section A  -  Citizens
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                                                                                                                                                                                  Stephanie Blessing
               mow until we figure it out.

               Some of us feel that the Zeb Mountain permits were issued before all of
               our concerns were adequately addressed Now, several months after mining
               began on Zeb Mountain, we are seeing substantial sedimentation in one of
               the waterways that drains that area. The sad truth is that current
               surface mining and water pollution laws and attempts to enforce them do
               not prevent damage to the environment. I'm very concerned that
               alternatives offered in this EIS not only weaken these laws further but
               also fail to improve enforcement As I  see it, the only thing that's
               being streamlined here Is the destruction of tie waters and mountains of
               Tennessee and the other Appalachian states

               Cathie Bird
               PO Box 154
               Pioneer, TN 37847
1-5
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                   A-881
Section A - Citizens
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                                                                                                                        RuthBleuni


                                                        1-10
                                                                            'RBO'D SIP 0 4,
                                                                                            -Me
                                                                                          '
                                                                                                             t-#A_
                                                                                                                      17-22
MTM/VF Draft PE1S Public Comment Compendium
A-882
Section A - Citizens
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                                                  10-2-2
                                                                                                     x/ 
-------
                                                                                                                                   PLEASE POST
                               93 AM ^UEea '»"¥i<pai)H US
                                     '
                                 S8 AM 'i»*H *W»W ' S Bit «SQ Qsi
                                  Eaa-eea^we'«^i3W( we -BBS
                                   (QUO) pucofl [wog «o«!^
                                       -''
    Act of Cod" No! Act of Coal!
    predict thai m two
   dficades half the peaks
    of southern WV's
   US New i H'oHrf Report

     "God put the
   tKHmtains and the trees
   hem, to protect thss«
    who iiva In these
   ^allays. Now, they've
   taken tie tops eft ttie
   mouriteis. They've
   taken tfietre«$ away.
   They'?s taken fro?!}
    God's ereation.
   Tficre's nothing to
   protect us anymore,"
   hfly eaffla fti H«B Mid s^eour^d,
   killed s tiundred ihouss^xl talnsrs,
   oar strssms, grotaid m? roads Into du«t wWt
eir coal (mcks.s^dtficrntfieyna'.'clfe nerve to tail us
that thfe^ sheuK fee aljls t& destroy aur m
   because tfiey have cnxfei jofsa,...
 - Dense Gterefiffa, App&iachwft Author S AcS

    "Tfe rtchfJt are all taken &ut hut
 people siiilfettf indmbttd so the c»al imAts
       thts Is insart /rv ' "
 and p»f«»ftfei streams tftay dessimy those stfs^n
        e are flsfi, ihsy caurtot mlgreto,
   Eteep in o rubble piie. it is crIirrina'.KJ..
No effsst en related efivh&ftftt&ntaf values ia marc
     advWiethsrt obliteration, r
   yiOO-actrSai^rt \trn
   in Kentucfa has fata
   aged or efetiPoyfd the
   wetter sitppiies for ait
   estimated "/QQfami-
      hcn "
   ~ Kwefkfafc For Tk*
'Ti.iss hi! SoulJj&T! W*S' V«g«mfr #•«! ia jMKJpie
djod I Ins fwuse, :n Buignj Hollow #i Rstegb
CoiiiHy. w -we of ihe l,*flt)hMi»s3ES»oj'«l in


Fedefat said&ts sup]X)fl the Rfoii vScums

awayf and ihe mioiRg i*asw *^ tfes^wJ into

sliHoatt Note the size of Stc KjutproiBt Wng
uW T^o I00-(oatr«cks*('IBM wflierof
(ihotft According to the NaUuMi Mtfijng As-
aociauffli ihew hove been 6WO vailev Bfls ca
Kestfuci.1 ?nd Hesi Vijgltfia m ihe past 75
           WMptrsw fastest os wsr^t
           gave ftay to pawling
           brown ulcers !{f jails fult of h^If frowai
           "Statrji a thickest of
           wstaf, c*«ti dssst, metctiry,
                                                                                      Mountaintop Removal
                                                                                   Destroys Our Homeplaee!
 STOP THE DEVASTATION
For assistance see list of organizations on ether side of this poster.
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                           A-884
                                               Section A - Citizens
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Margaret Block
                                                                                      KathrynBlume
     — Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:32 PM	

                  "carzy_qiieen@hotoi
                  ail.cotn"          To;    R3 Mountaintop@EPA
                  
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Julia Bonds
                                                               AUS 1 4 2
My 24,2003

Written statements to EIS study: STOP THE ASSUALT ON THE
PEOPLE AND THE UCvTMONMlNT IN APPALACHIA, STOP
MOUNTAINTOP K1MOVAL!!!!!!!

Thk draft EIS study takes science and twists it into lies—this study lacks
common sense and humanity. This study is tin-American, unchristian, plain
evil and is environmentally insane. This study was commissioned to evaluate
ways to protect the people, streams, endangered species and the environment
of Appalachia, but this study contains evidence of the exact opposite. The
recommendations in this study are designed to DESTROY that which it
was bound to protect This study lacks humanity and common sense.
For 9 generation my family has lived in the Coal River Valley, Southern
West Virginia, and Central Appalachia in the heart of the coalfields. I am the
daughter, sister, granddaughter and great granddaughter of coal miners.
During my lifetime I have NEVER seen or experienced a more devastatingly
evil, catastrophic form of mining than MoiHtfaintop Removal. This type of
mining is also paramount of environmental and social injustice as is this EIS
statement that supports this mining. The authors and supporters of this
statement have belittled the impacts on communities, culture and humans of
our very ethnic, oppressed and poor part of Appalaehia. Not ONE official of
this study has been to the coalfield study area to investigate the effects
on low income and minority people, NOT ONE official has investigated
the impacts to the people and properly in this study area. Instead the
time and money for this study was spent trying to accommodate the coal
industry, corporations and wealthy executives of these companies. This
part of the study and the recommendations MUST be done again!!!!!!

As the Community Outreach Coordinator for a nonprofit graisroots
organization I submit the following impacts—personal, observed and
compiled from residents Mving in tihe effected areas. Yoar study M0 MOT
study the impacts to the residents and the people of the study  area. Your
study instead spent ALL the money paid by taxpayers to find wap to
allow this evil mining method to continue.

 1. Destruction of streams and waterways; Well over 700 miles of
   streams nave been destroyed—I beleve this estimate to be LOW.
   Mountalntop Removal/Valley fill mining destroys, eliminates and
   contaminates the MOST important requirement of sustaining LIFE-
                                                                          1-9
                                                                       10-2-2
                                                                       10-2-2
                                                                      5-7-2
   CLEAN WATER!!!!! Furthermore our culture relies on and low
   income residents use Appalachian streams for food, recreation, baptisms,
   spiritual and cultural events and drinking water. Only an idiot would
   destroy water—the essence of life. This study team has NOT done as
   requested—drill into a number of valley fills and monitor to see what the
   water is doing.
2. Destruction of Forests; YOU CAN'T PUT IT BACK!!!!! These
   forests sustain the low-income people and indigenous people in
   central Appalachia. Nuts, berries, feed the people and animals, which
   the people hunt for food. Ginseng is a commodity for our health and
   brings income to the low-income people. The loss of forest and natural
   habitat is bringing the wildlife in the human communities-—poisonous
   snakes, bears, squirrels, raccoons etc.. .sometimes with rabies. This is
   happening at an alarming rate. The wildlife is invading human areas.
   This study does NOT include the loss of the medicinal herbs and
   roots found in the study area. We are poor, lack medical care and
   we use the medicinal herbs found in the study area. A new study on
   these herbs and trees is being conducted at West Virginia University for
   probable/possible cures for deadly diseases. This under story Is also
   part of our heritage and culture. Ramp festivals held every year and
   ramps have great medicinal value...residents swear by "the potent plant
   for many ailments including male vMBty and overall health. Others are
   bloodroot; yellow root, goldenseal, blackberry root...how long before
   these will grow and regenerate on sites? Where is your report OB this?
   All this sustains our health, lives, food, income, culture, heritage and our
   children's future. This fells under the executive order for environmental
  justice. The loss of the FULL NATIVE forests also is a loss for future
   incomes in our area.. .there is no viable study on the cumulative loss of
   forests—West Virginia employs almost 30,000 people in hardwood
   timber., .with the loss of our forests...mere goes loss of taxes and jobs
   lost for die next 300 yean and sends the timber industry to the scenic
   area of our states, and mere again loss of fiiture income. What tourist
  wants to see clear cuts? The local residents has also noticed weather
  pattern changes with loss of forests.. .the forested mountains used to
  protect us from high winds.. .the loss of the mountains height and forests
  has allowed more wind into the valleys and damaged their property.
  Where is the study on this? This affects ALL of West Virginia, not just
  the study area. In essence by allowing Mounlaintop Removal to
  continue to destroy these mountains and forests, you are destroying
  the sustainability of the mountain culture and the lives of
                                                                                                                                                               11-5-2
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MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
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                                                        Section A - Citizens
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      Appalachian Americans. We are poor and cannot live without these
      m ountains, the ecosystem and culture that depend upon these
      mountains. Our mountain culture is one of the very last of Ms kind in
      America.
   3.
      THIS! Again (iris falls under the executive order on environmental
      justice and socio-economic impacts. People's homes are their life
      investments sad a large number of retired people live in the study area,
      Blast damage and emotional stress from blasting and the damage from
      blasting occur frequently in the study arm and sojaeftnes oocw up to 12
      miles from the mining site. The West Virginia DBP has records on the
      large number of blast compiaiiits. Blast, according to your stody, emits
      air pollutants, which your study says rarely goes beyond WOOft. TMi is
      an outright LIE! I have seen it with mine own eyes and the proof exists
      that the fumes goes much further and invades communities. When your
      community to surrounded by Mountaintop Removal sites that blasts
      364 days a year, that is cumulative impact and your study BID NOT
      address  this. Perhaps because it is HOT your child that is subjected
      these war crimes. Your EK5 study says that adequate laws are in place—-
      that people can seek redress in courts systems—Another BLATANT
      LIB!!!! These laws do NOT protect the residents... they protect the coal
      companies. In other extractive industries the liability is assumed on the
      company, but to the coal Jndastry,.The burden of proof is on the poor
      people. The poorest people, in the poorest state, live in the coal rich
      counties of West Virginia, we rank test in income. How can they
      afford lawyers for justice in the court system? Again this goes to the
      executive order for environmental justice and low-income people.
      Your own study states that the people living in the study area are
      30% above the national average in poverty levels. Your study facts
      contradict your conclusion on this issue—AGAIN!! This study
      constantly defies the executive order on environmental impacts of
      low income and minority people. Perhaps the authors of this BIS study
      feels this way because it is NOT THEIR HOMES THAT IS BLASTED
      and your children are NOT subjected to these crimes.
   4. FLOODING OF DOWNSTREAM COMMBMTHS... How dare
      your study dismiss and belittle this impact!!!! AS in the impacts of
      blasting,  and adding insult to injury, people's homes and lives are lost ia
      the downstream flooding that this mining creates. Evidence proves that
16-3-2
10-7-2
17-2-2
                   5.
Mountaintop Removal greatly contributes to flooding during rain events,
O«r people living in these effected communities suffer from Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder from blasting and flooding. This has
purposely gone ovetboksd by Ms EIS statement Many children and
people after flooding episode go to bed fully dressed and packed ready
to evacuate when a rain event decors. The taxpayers of America pays for
these disasters and there are many, many more to come. The PTSD must
be addressed and the people ajfifected by this should be given treatment. I
guess none of the authors of this so-called impact statement has ever
stood and watched their lives and their children's future float down the
river because ofMan's ORBED!!!!! No awn's, CEO'S, or stoeteolder's
paycheck is worth my child's life. With the steep terrain in Central
Appalachia, we expect some small amounts of flooding in our streams
but this flooding was like nothing we have ever seen. People saw 1 Oft.
tall walk of mod coming down on their homes. GOD should have hung
a "DO NOT DISTURB" siga on these ancient, beaatiftil mountains but
HE never thought MIAN would commit such an horrible deed against
HIS creation. How very upset HE mast be wMt HIS chiMrea STOP
DESTROYING THESE MOIMTAMS!!!! STOP FLOODING MY
PEOPLE!!!!! Again this is out of compliance with the Executive
Order on Environmental Justice in iow income and minority people.
ECONOMICS... Mountaintop Removal destroys more jobs than it
creates. The tax  base from people's jobs is missing and that is a great
loss to our state in revenue. This TWISTED study iiife Jo address
economics issues—cumulative as well as present and future— from the
residents and taxpayers view point. A. Why are the people living in the
coalfields poof? One answer is because the coal companies with aid
from corrupt elected officials created a colony and a mono-economy
dependent upon one  evil industry—COAL and conspires to keep diverse
economic development out of the  coal fields.  B. Coal says it supports
schools—While the National tend is to move away from consolidated
schools—the politicians ia West Virginia are closings schools and
busing students up to 4 hours. At least 2 schools ill the coalfields that sit
beside Maasey operations have been closed this year atone. Put this in
your study,..why is this happetfflg? More coal is mined than ever
before. C, Ta^ayeisofWestVirgiaiatndAjnericaae*'fi)Otlngl;he
bill" for Appalachian disasters caused by greedy irresponsible mining.
FEMA doesn't grow money on trees—tins is America's Tax Doflara at
work. Many more mining disasters will be in the near future if
Mowntaintop Removal is continued, STOP it NOW! D, Many people in
                                                                                      17-2-2
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                                                                                      11-9-2
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
        A-887
                                                    Section A - Citizens
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       your study area are low income and without health insurance—sediment
       ponds cause higher levels of disease carrying mosquitoes and the people
       living in tt» study aiea ate being affected by this situation more and
       more as each new permit and pond is allowed. The taxpayers of the
       study area states and the teqsayers of America will pay the bill for the
       health effects of this type mining.
    6. ENVmONMEIWALJUSWCE—lXIC'roiVl ORDER....    As
       your study says * unemployment, poverty and out-migration is well
       above tfce national average". This socially evU EIS draft defies the
       Executive Order W2898. Again coalfield residents are of low income
       and ate definitely an invisible minority and ethnic class—labeled by
       media, movies, and television as "inbred, ignorant hillbillies—so much
       so that the city of Cincinnati included a human rights clause against
       discriminating against Appalachians during the out-migration in die
       years of the up-down cycle of coal mining. The authors of this EIS
       statement most think we are "ignorant MllbilHes". Many people think a
       conspiracy exists to depopulate the rural coalfields—An Appalachian
       Trial of Tears. I flunk this conspiracy exists and this EIS statement
       encourages thai conspiracy and may be part of that conspiracy, either
       knowingly or unknowingly. Your study in fiict promote genocide of
       the people living in this study area, your study promotes the crimes
       against the people and children of this area that the coal Industry is
       committing against my people, in effect your study promotes and
       protects those that commit these crimes.
    7. CULTURAL IMPACTS AND LANDSCAPES—this section is the
       BIGGEST JOKE in the statement!!!!! Contrary to your report,
       regulatory agencies do NOT possess the knowledge to address current
       cultural landscapes and have admitted this. Please contact Dr. Mary
       Hufford at the University of Pennsylvania for a report and study she has
       concluded Regulatory agencies merely rubberstamp permits. We have a
       distinct and unique culture here in central Appalacbia and HOW
       DARE YOUR STUDY IGNORE AND DISMISS OCR CULTURE
       AND OUR PEOPLE. We have the right to pass on to our children this
       culture and heritage and we cannot do this without these mountains.. .the
       mountains are a central and very important part of this culture. Again
       these mountains and the surrounding ecosystem give life and
       susteiaabMity to ow cuture and our children. Again this goes directly to
       the heart of the executive order on environmental justice for low income
       and minority people. Revise and include this in this EIS statement!
10-7-2
10-2-2
8. IOTANGEHI»SPI£iraANDWnjJLDm—The habitat of
  endangered species is not only sacrificed but ALL wildlife in the
  study area is being destroyed, as is their habitat. The wild life is
  invading human habitats at an alarming rate and posing a threat to
  humans and our children. All ray life I knew wildlife existed in the wild
  area of our mountains, but unless I invaded their habitat, I never crossed
  their paths, now it is the norm to see wildlife in our yards and homes.
  The corrupt officiate in the WV Division of Natural Resources says that
  it is over breeding.... but I am not stupid...if wildlife habitats exists of
  10,000 acres and the greedy coal companies destroy 9,000 acres and the
  wild Hfe breeds, that leaves less acres for wildlife to live. That scenario
  can be twisted to ft the corrupt and evil agencies agendas...much the
  way the authors of this EIS has twisted the facts. On Indiana bats and
  birds, as I said not only endangered species is at risk, but all wildlife and
  humans are at risk from Mountaintop Removal. Valley fill mining
  creates manmade sediment ponds and false wetlands.. .these ponds pose
  life threatening health impacts to humans and particularly their children.
  and the Mountaintop Removal mining has already destroyed the
  mosquitoes natural enemy that keeps these mosquitoes in check., .the
  habitat for the Indiana bat and all other bats and some birds has been
  destroyed, thereby stopping and destroying GOD'S own natural check
  and balance system here in Appalachia. BOW VERY
  DANGEROUSLY ARROGANT OF MAN TO CHANGE GOD'S
  ORDER AND ALL FOR GREED!!!!!! Very lew natural ponds and
  lakes exists in the coal fields of West Virginia, GOD put flee flowing
  water and steams here for a reason. AGAIN THIS EIS STATEMENT
  DOES NOT ADRRESS THE CUMULATIVE IMPACTS TO THE
  PEOPLE IN THE AREA AND TO THE PEOPLE OF THE
  STATE. THE HEALTH, CULTURAL, EMOTIONAL, SOCIO-
  ECONOMIC, ECONOMIC, SPIRITUAL AND
  ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IMPACTS ARE ENORMOUS. WE
  CHALLENGE PRESIDENT BUSH, AS ONI CHRISTIAN TO
  ANOTHER TO COME TO THE HOLLOWS AND VISIT WITH
  THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN FLOODED, BLASTED AND
  IMPACTED BY MOUNTAINTOP REMOVAL MINING AND TO
  INVESTIGATE THE PRESIDENTS ADMINISTRATORS OF
  THE AGENCIES THAT ALLOWS AND ENCOURAGES THIS
  ASSAULT ON THE PEOPLE OF APPALACHIA TO CONTINUE.
  I AM SURE ONCE THE PRESIDENT HAS DISCOVERED
                                                                                 J-l-2
                                                                                9-4-2
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
        A-888
                                                    Section A - Citizens
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          THESE CRIMES AGAINST THE OTKENS, HE WILL NOT
          ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN, AND HE WILL STOP                              *-*>-—--/-   —                    ^Bse.u'0 OK 2* »»,
          MOTOTTAINTOPRlMOVAL.NOTRimGOBra^yMVGMAN                      ^     ,*»/*-.                            «w
          WOULD ALLOW THESE THINGS TO HAPPEN TO INNOCENT
          PEOPLE AND CHILDREN FOR CORPORATE GAIN.


          Julia Bonds
          Coal River Mountain Watch
          P.O. Box 651
          WMtesvUte, West Vkginia 25209 304-854-2182
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium                      A-889                                              Section A - Citizens
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               July 24,2003
                My family and I have been here many years and for many
               generations. I am the sister, daughter, granddaughter and great
               granddaughter of coal miners. My home is in the heart of your
               study area and in the belly of the beast-fhe beast is me greedy,
               irresponsible coal barons and the corrupt regulatory agencies and
               politicians mat serves as the minions of this beast.

               This draft BBS is a blueprint for continued assault upon the people
               of Appalacbia, a declaration of war upon our children, their
               children and GOD'S creation. Enough, STOP Mountatatop
               Removal, NOWHU1

               This EG encourages the coal industry to continue to use—to rape
               and take—AppalacMa and her people—as a national sacrifice
               zone.

               This BIS did NOT study the cumulative effects of emdronmental,
               community, human, cultural; health and socio-economic impacts
               of post, present and future Valley fill mining. How did you study
               the environmental justice impacts in this draft? You did not study
               the cultural, community, people and property being destroyed by
               this mining method, you dismissed it
               I demand a revised BIS that includes cumulative impacts of
               cultural, social, emotional, and spiritual and health problems of
               communities affected by Mountaintop Removal.

               A partial cultural study already exists, this study by Dr. Mary
               Hufford is available on the Library of Congress website and Dr.
               Hufford—Dr. of Ethnography can be reached at the University of
 1-9
10-7-2
9-4-2
                             Perm. Our mountain culture has been her long before the white
                             settlers came and before
                             commercial coal mining began. Our culture will be here long after
                             the coal is gonel
K is believed that many people in Mountamtop Removal
effected coramunities suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder—
-from blasting and flooding. How dare you. dismiss the suffering of
low income aad the invisible minority people of central
Appalachian How dare you dismiss and defy the Executive Order
dealing with environmental justice, the low income and minority
people.

Your own study says that this ma, is well above the average in
poverty and unemployment Where is the study on socio-economic
problems of the area? Why are me people in the coal rich counties
the poorest? "What are the ACTUAL costs to the communities and
people that suffer the effects of Mountatoop Removal? This
mining effects the very poor, me powerless and oppressed people.
Economic Development of these artificial sites? Only $ % of these
destroyed mountains are ever given any economic development for
the affected communities. Where is the study on this?—I want to
see the figures and a study on how much "prosperity" goes back to
Buglar Hollow or Bob White or Montcoal, or any small mining
community.

to Itoe last 6 months, 2 schools in the Coal River Valley,
Both surrounded by many Massey mining permits, was closed.
Sending our children on very, very long bus rides. One was at
Monteoal—Marsh Fork EBf$i School——where is the support—
where's the money? The Raleigh County Board of Educations said
it does NOT receive a red cent from coal tax for education—coal
says it gives—who is lying? I want to see a report on that
                                                                                           10-7-2
                                                                                           10-2-2
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
          A-890
                                                 Section A - Citizens
-------
                                                                                                                                                                    Douglas Boucher
                the scientific evidence of Ms study shows thrt Mountaiatop
                Removal is environmentally insane, tat the recommendations by
                the administration is to make it easier for fhe greedy coal
                companies to destroy everything, which ietds me to believe that
                even worse scientific evidence was omitted ftaa this study. Even
                so, your report makes an airtight case against your conclusions.
                Your report and your conclusions strongly contradict Did a
                complete idiot write the conclusions?

                AS a fellow Christian I challenge President Bush to come to the
                coalfield hollows in cental Appalachk and toft; with the blasted,
                flooded, poor and the oppressed people impacted by Monntaintop
                Removal. I ask President Bush to investigate Ms agencies, No true
                Christian would allow these evil abuses to continue. I am sure once
                the President discovers these crimes against the citizens of
                Appalachia, he will stop Mountatetop Removal. NO true  GQD-
                fearing man woaM allow these crimes to continue.

                People should NOT have to make a choice between a job now and
                destroying their children's future, making tiaeir neighbors suffer
                and selling their eternal souls in the bargain.
                Revelation 11:18
                Thy wrath is come, that they should foe judged, and that thou
                shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets and to
                the saints and them that fear Ay mine, small and great; and
                shouldest destroy them which destroy the Earth.

                HOW VERY, VERY ARROGANT OF MAN TO THINK HE
                CAN DESTROY GOB'S CREATION.

                Julia Bonds
                P.O. Box 135
                Rock Creek, Wat Virginia 25174
           ~- Forwarded by Dswid Ridci/IB/USEPA/US on 01 /30/2004 11:21 AM	


                      Douglas Boucher
                              cc:
                                    Subject  Saw: Streams £rom Moufitjtintop Mining
                      01/22/2004 09:02 AM

           January 22,2004

           John Forren, Environmental Protection Agency
           U.S. EPA (3EA30)
           1650 Arch Street
           Philadelphia, PA 19103
0ear Mr. Ferrer^

'llhe mere thought that a cml&£d nation that was already cxtfisumiog for too much energy
from fossil fusts would resoft to the incredibly high environmental itnpaot method of
moimttintop mining is disgusting. This is obviously only a way to g$att short teem profits $t
the expanse of fang^tetni d-affi^e to all ecosystems irorn the mountain all the way
downstream to the oceans, not including the added ca-ri>ons and heavy metals to the waters
and acmospheisg.

Hie sdministcation and the departments invoivcd should be exceptionally ashamed
of any actions condoning mountain top riHtHfjg;.  I &tt\ opposed to  any changes that "would
weaken- the laws and regulations that protect our timers ai^d streams trom the effects of
motmtaintop mining and valley fills.  As a result, I am opposed to each ot tlie alternatives
evaluated in your May 29,2003 draft Environmental Impact Statemeat (EIS).

Your draft ES contains indi^utable evidence of Ae dev^$tetjfs.g and iciwtrsibk
enviconmenftal harm caused by imowt&mtop mining.  Othec g^ency studies also show that
motmtaintop .mining contributes to flooding disastets in mountain communities.
Ufifoctuna&ty* each of the iltemattyes- in the drift "BIS ignores the findings of these studies
and the ve«y putpose  of the KTS- to ftnd ways to mininiiKe, to the maximum extent practical,
the environmental conse-quances of niounteintap mining. The draft EIS does not examine a
single alternative that would reduce those impacts.
                                                                                      1-10
                                                                                                    Worse, your "preferred altsfnative*' would clearly increase the damage from jnountaintop
                                                                                                    mining by eliminating the Surfsre Mining Control and Reclamation Act's butler xonc- ruk
                                                                                                    that prohibits mining activities that disturb any are* within 100 feet of larger streams,
                                                                                                    eliminating the current limit on using nationwide permits to approve valley fills in West
                                                                                                    Virginia that ire larger than 250 acres, and giving the Office of Surface Mining a significant
                                                                                       1-5
MTM/VF Draft PEiS Public Comment Compendium
A-891
                                                              Section A - Citizens
-------
                                                                                                                                                                                Brian Bowen
  new role in Clean Water Art permitting for mountaintop mining (a tote it does not have
  under current law).


  Out environmental laws require, and the citizens of the recoil deserve, a fuil evaluation of
  ways to reduce the unacceptable impacts of mountatntop mining, I utgc you to abandon
  your "preferred alternative" and to Devaluate a full range of options that will minimize the
  enormous environmental and economic damage caused by mountaintop mining and valley
  fills.


  Thank you for your cooperation.


  Sincerely,


  Douglas Boucher
  3824 Suffolk Ln
  Piano, TX 75023-1051
  USA
  dougjasboucher@eatthlink.net
1-5
Forwarded by David RirJer/R3AJSEPAAJS on 01/08/2)04 01:58 PM

          Biff Bowen
                   oc'
                      Subject:
          Q1CS/2004 04-66
          PM
                               Degr iPA,
                               Reowt articteg about mountain removal ars disturbing. Please do not
                               allow
                               further destruction of the beautiful mountains of SW Virginia and West
                               Virginia.
                               Brian Bswert, Jr.
                               161 Stapp Creak Road
                               Amhefst, Va. 24521
                                                         1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
          A-892
                                                       Section A - Citizens
-------
Deborah Bowles
                                                                                        Gayle Brabec
         — Forwarded by Dirvid Ridet/R3/US£PA/US on Oi/08/2004 01:59 PM	


                     Boi.vles922@aol.com

                                   To:    R3 MountaiiHop@EPA
                     01/05/200408:51     cc:

                     AM              Subject: Re: JOHN FORREN
         Mt. FORREK,


         I am opposed to Mountaintop Removal Mining and Valley Fills	PLEASE
         stop this


         "ENVIRONMENTAL NIGHTMARE"	


         Deborah F. Bowles
1-9
                          JchnForren
                          US. B>A(38S38)
                          1650Arch Street
                          Philadelphia, PA 19103
                                                                                                         1 oppose mountairtop removal and valley flit; and any change in the buffer zone rule. lam      I 1_Q
                                                                                                         disappointed arri angry trrat the federal govemrnerit ignored its own studies when it proposed    I
                                                                                                         nwstefUng, ratter than strengthening, pwteBaj for people and 8w environment Setenpc
                                                                                                         srxidies document the widespread and irreversible damage the coal industry is doing to our siate  | 1-10
                                                                                                         and region. Mountain top removal ignores the public's demand for ctean water, healthy         I
                          «sase accept tfte wlsfem of those who ft* to fhese anas and ttte K3««Bfc studte that support
                          these correct insights. How many coal company CEO's l!ve in Harlan (iiunty, Kentucky?

                          Thank you for considering the good of the peopte in the coal areas
                          1707 New Orleans Q.
                          Lexington, KY 405405

                          Cc: President Bush
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
         A-893
Section A - Citizens
-------
Mary Beth Bradley
                                                                                                                                         Mia Brady
  Mary Beth    Bradley
  Letter Date:   1/1#2Q04
  City: Chattanooga   State:
TN   Zip: 37401
  Please don't backtrack on legislation that would leave our precious mountains, open to
  being taped again. The "Sleeping Lad)?" in Anderson County, Tennessee is just beginning
  to heal from, befog marred by the coal company's. We need «r mountains jftst to. breathe.
  I went to Horidft to'visit my sister'when her husband was in the Coastguard. I spent/a
  month with her during/the summer, 1 thought} was going to die without ray mountains.
  Those.of us who were born here and want toad She still
  been alive, to see what the coal comptuties did to her. Please don't make the same mistake
  twice. We are supposed to learn from our mistakes, not make them again.

  Thank You,
  Mary B'^th. Bradley
                                                     1-9
— Forwarded by David Rjdet/RS/USEPA/US on 01/08/200401:59 PM	

            julia_bradf@yahoo
            .com           To:    R3 Moimtaitrtop@EPA
                          cc:
            01/02/200406:16     Subject: Gimmeots on dfrft ptogratnmatic
EIS on motmtaintop removal coal mining
            PM
Mr. John Fotren
U.S. EPA (3EA30)
1650 Aicli Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Dear Mr. Forren,
                                                                          1 object to the Bush administration plaas to continue to let
                                                                          coal companies destwy AppalacHa wifli motmtaintop zetoovtl
                                                                          milling practices that level moiattaintops, w^je out forests, bury
                                                                          streams, and destroy communities.

                                                                          I caa't believe that the Busli administration would address die
                                                                          problems caused by rooutitamtop removal coal mining tfarou^i
                                                                          weakening existing wviraamentd protections.
                                                                                                                                                                 1-9
                                                                                                      Smcerely,

                                                                                                      Julia Br»dy
                                                                                                      Rt 3 Box 274B
                                                                                                               tt, West Vitginia 26201
                                                                                                      Senator John RockefeSer
                                                                                                      Representative Shcllej' Capita
                                                                                                      Senator Robert
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                                          A-894
                                                      Section A - Citizens
-------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Sandra Brady
        JotaFertw
        UAEnvtajfliBentalPtoteoaonA^ieyCaEASO)                      REC'D  148V  1
        1650 Arch St Philadelphia, PA 19103

        Julia B«%
        Rt3Box274B
        Bnckhannon, WV 26201

        Dear Mr. Fatten;
 I am writing to voice my opposition to taoax&fatQp removal of coal.  While I uiKtetetd fee
 importance of domestic energy production, nJoantaiiHQp removal is not a viable alternative for
 stippiy of fossil fuels.  I hear ti$ people of my state when they express iear that their homes,
 businesses, evea whole eossmiaities may be devastated by the lou^term results of valley fills.
 Please consider our needs and the weliare of our environment when making fedem! policy
 regarding mountain-top lemovaL

^Sincerely;
                                                                                                             1-9
        Jwlia Brady
                           August 12,2803

                           Mr. John Farrem, US SPA
                           16SO Arch stmel
                           Phtadtfphta, Pk 19136
                                                                                         AU5 18
Ttiis letter is ecsneemiag ffie devastation frnpaetlffa on Wsst Virginia by iriaoonSnuwiee of mcHJtnfeEdni<_,  _
and th* 'sham' of how In® study to review said impact (Environmental impact Statement) is being misused. This
letter is a statement afeout stopping mountain top removal.

I am a native of West Virginia. 1 have lived all but one of my years in the s&te, a Naif-century of loving the
mountains, river, and v^dlife &&t abide frera, Mountain top removal is not surface mining, or sfcove $fwttd
jEJftje&sses, it Is a piuada$iQ of all the* makes thts stais ih& Mountain State or Aimost Heaven. Mountain top
removal fs devastators that strips away «S that Is usefof end leaves a wast® tartd that Is ugly and uasiasa to
meaningful purposes. It is a devastation that sftaets all that iay down stream from the ruined buried streams
that feed our rivers and lakes,

t have seen in person the destroyed mountaintops arid (streams- that ar® aff«cted.  I h@ve watched as spill after
split foula our streams and rivers wliHe th^ aRiirt ef the @g$ncy of protection, works to take aim of those
removing mountains instead of taking care ef th^ envirorsmont.

The rivers and Istes am the source of water that has sustained us in the past hut wMor* is IncrsasJrrgfy tifcerj- to
feB to do so in «i6 fulu^ oitea raspontf&ffi^ fix our fatura is acc^ted. RttpentMMy must be aoceptKJ by the
very sa«ficy that is supposed to protect but trsstesd has teeen Msd with th© likes of Norton and Qrifes who have
worked fer coal t'n previous jobs and frave shown no baiance of judgmfent In peiformtn^ their duties now.

Whet amazes me most te that anyone can ignore the obvbus real value of West Virginia's future and then tset
about to destroy ffi  WATEI^Ei WsterSsnotjusta West Virginia issue! Evsryorws ahouid care.

When Vtv& mountsino are destroyed the water tatotss are dlrectfy destroyad by bfastSng and th» fe«d of smsil
streams to iargsr steams ends wh&n the smaS! ones are btiriad. Ona does not need an «n@ifiesring degree to
see what happens to those steams.

It makes no sfnca to destroy vshat Is veiuabiB for the long time, for the short-term profit to those who seem
uns&te to mason.

Many who have had a chance to do rsssarch on the report beJtev^ the report supports ending mountain top
removal but those who sit In the Com of Engineers arts $ie SwEronmenta! Proteetfort Agency are pusNrtg for &
fester permitting process for tha eeel industry.

Remove tftose mountains as fest 33 you can! And than wM? Nothing, that la wha* exists, no more coai Jobs,
no fife sustaining waier or forest, no sou! sustaining bsstity, no more profits. Nothing!

Excessive tima *id montrw of ©xtensiorss passsd before th® thousands of pages of the ElS wor4 mad»
avattabie for review. Mora time should be allowed for comment by tha pub&i and mountain top removal must b®
stoppad, Now!

It is not th& job of the EPA to be a poiitori tool of any sitting administration of Site country. Hnd mountain top
r«nov^ and save tie (Uture of West Virginians and the fMas of rtmny oth«ffs vrfio w«HJid benefit from the lumber,
water, and beauty of this state,

Wake up!
                                                                                                                                                 sandal,. Brady
                                                                                                                                                 PO Box 833
                                                                                                                                                         . WV 28832
                                                                                                                   4-2


                                                                                                                    1-9
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5-4-2
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3-5

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-895
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Section A  - Citizens
-------
Matthew Branch
                                                                                                             Lee Bridges
              — Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPMJS an 01)06/2004 03:55 PM —

                         Matthew Branch
                                   cc:
                                     Subject mountatntop removal is not good
                         11/06/200306:39
                         PM
                                       -— Forwarded by D«'id Rkfet/RS/USEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:42 PM -—
                                                     .com" 
-------
Dede Brown
                                              LeeAnn, George, Emily & Sarah Brown
                                                                                             DeliveredDate; 01/09/2004 10:40:37 PM

                                                                                             I am writing to express out view that Okie effect of mountain removal on the
                                                                                             comfflBttitieSj-famflieSi and environment is
                                                                                             destructive and unethical The eommuaittes of W«st.Virginia  and Kentucky need the
                                                                                             Voice of.nsason. and justice to prevail in
                                                                                             this historical m& contt-oyesial: issue. The negative cost to the people of the coalfields
                                                                                             cannot be justifi«d for thg sake of
                                                                                             cheap and accessible coal.
                                                                                             Lei our comments join with ttose of similar opinions.., cuirent mountairitop removal
                                                                                             coal naniiig must be stopped and regulated
                                                                                             With fairness.and with a vision, of the future for the generations who will follow.

                                                                                             Sincerely,.
                                                                                             •LeeAnn,. George, Emily'and Sarah Brown
                                                                                             15 Orchard Dr..
                                                                                             Buekhaiinon,WV,26201
                                                                                   10-2-2
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-897
Section A - Citizens
-------
Shale Browmtein
                                                                                        Mike Brumbaugh
                              MOV 2
      John Forren
      U.S. EJ?.A. (3EA10)
      1650 Arch Street
      Philadelphia, Pa. 19103
      Dear Mr, Porrefi:
                                                November24,2003.,,,,,,„	
                                                • • •     Shale Brownsteia
                                                       Conservation Chair
                                                       Ltaraean Society, of New York
                                                       15 W 77 Street.
                                                       New York, N.Y.-10024
                                        re: mountain top mining/ valley fill DEIS
             We ate a group of interested naturalists with more than 500 active members.
      The habitat destruction wrought by the proposed mountain top coal mining under 1000's
      of tores of mature hardwood forest in OMo Pennsylvania Virginia and Tennessee will
      certainly cause immense damage to the Cerulean Warbler population,

             Awesome scenes of mountiiii top removal involve more than the disappearance
      of the headwaters of mountain streww arid the filing in of an adjacent valley. Many
      species are severely disrupted and the ecological damages will of necessity extend to a
      considerable distance from the mining operations.         ; '".

              This Appalachian region of the system. United. States wjtl sufl|r ugly pockets of
      noise, dust, and disfigurement. The extensive losses already suffered wiH be grertty
      extended in ways that wil even more permanently alter the land. We think thtt the current
      drift environmental statement has fsited to property assess the impact of the future
      changes, which are already being actively implemented The immense area to be muted in
      this fashion is going forward without .sustained serious consideration to the social and
      eoologicaljosws that follow in the w|ke,of this one tone, removal of ayailabje coal.

             We plead for a moratorium.

      We hope that reflection will give time for us all to study the conflicting cUms of
      residents, viators, and environmental lopes tor the future of these irreplaceable mature
      hardwood forests.

             Only the imposition of a moratorium on the mining can offer the chance to
      seriously modify the proposed coal extraction, which  will change everything forever.

                                 Sincerely
8-2-2
9-2-2
9-4-2
1-9
                                         D»wd Rkte/R3/USBPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:32 PM -
             "iBountiwnike@liotm
             Acorn"          To:    R3 Mountaiiitop@EPA
             
-------
Mark Brans
                •L.
            ay
       /n fn ,-«
                           *~    r
               '    <*OM "ffff/f  /« (I

                            .     A t.
                                                     1-9
               fA^ **J   ;W   
-------
Stephen Bull
                                                                                                                                                                     DougBurge
    -— Forwarded by David Rider/RMJSEPA/US on 01/08/2004 01:58 PM	


                                    R3 Mountaintop@EPA
                            cc:
               01/06/200401:00     8
    Milling
"9teve@etl.ss.com"
-------
Mark Burger
                                                                                                     Gail Burgess
          	Forwarded by David Rider/R3/l!SEl>A/US on 01/07/2004 03:42 PM —

                     "burgeonkopfjgfflsu.c
                     om" 
-------
Moss Burgess
                 Moss Burgess, flood Chairperson
                 Box 66
                 Wilkinson, W.Vs 25653
                 304-752-1596
                 Thank you for an opportunity to express our views,
                 1.  We live on Main Island Creek in Logan County and to 1996
                    we were flooded by a four men rainfall ftat fell in the
                    Comity, The water level was the highest since I moved there
                    back in flte early 195Q,s.
                 2.  At permit hearings a couple of years ago people who lived at
                    the foot of the Mountain Top Removal sites told how the
                    water came off the mountain and washed block walls down
                    with gullies of mud and debris.
                 3.  We are not against mining because we believe the coal can
                    and should be mined using auger or contour methods,
                    creating more jobs. Many of us come from mining families.
                    Mountain Top Removal and 
-------
Linda Burkhart
                                                     Judy Bums
                                                 top
                                                 1-9
                                                                                                                    1-10
                                                                   fa.  J0H$&}#&£ ^  ^f' f!
                                                                   **'•-•    .   $% 1* ^
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-S03
                                                                                                         Section A - Citizens
-------
                                                                                                                                                           Rick Cameron
              — Forwarded by David Ridei/RS/USEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:32 PM	

                          Rick Ctroeron,
                                               To:    R3 Mountaintop@EPA

                                             Sxtbject: Maybe we should just fevel all the
              mountains
                                                                                                                         cc:
                                                                                                             12/30/200306:11

                                                                                                             PM
                                                                                                 Sir
                                                                                                 I hufflbhr submit that, in "\*iew of Ae liPA's obvious ruhber-stampittg of every
                                                                                                 destructive order from the Bush gang, the agency should be redubbed the "EDA", the
                                                                                                 Environmental Destruction Agency. Since you are personally presiding ovei tile
                                                                                                 dismantling of a century of efforts to protect our natural heritage, you can rest assured
                                                                                                 of your pkce in history. Yon won't be forgotten, I promise yoti.

                                                                                                 With all due respect,

                                                                                                 Rick Cameron
                                                                                                 Woodstock, NY
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-904
                                                                                                                                                      Section A - Citizens
-------
Beth Campbell
                                                                                                                 Ruth Campbell
                       AAA-C-^O

                      r

           REC'D JAN 0 2 2tM
                                            1-10
Seo»<»zi Greetings
                                                    	Porwuded by David RidarfRJ/USBPA/US on 01/08/2004 01 ;5S PM	

                                                              Ruth Campbell
                                                              
-------
Pauline Canterberry
                                                                                                                          Nancy Carbonara
Pauline
f 0  Box 30k
Whit98vill«,
Ph:
                                                                REC'D we 20
                                               W, V. 25509
          Mr.  John Forren, trs  SPA
         16^0  Arch St.
         Philadelphia,  Pa, 19130

         Re: Opposing Mountain-top Removal Mining

         Mr. Porren,

               Mount aititop Removal Mining has proven itself to  be
         an irresponsible method of removing eeal tram  the
         Appalachian  Mountains of "est  Virginia leaving far to
         much  destruction, destitute  ant1 destroyed "land polluted
         «ith  "Valley  Pills and Slurry Impoundments.

               It has  destroyed our Hardwood Forest *nd  Wildlife
         habitats, it is destroying Appalachian Culture and Heritage
         its irresponsible method has ravished  the Hollows and
         Vallsys leaving them  in ruin,  It has devastet}  the
         Cltiz«ns «fho dwell in these "Valleys destroying their
         TTnmes and Property, it eo&ttudufctag the Streams and
         Bivers, it pollutes the Air, it causes flooding, it <3a«troya
         and kills the  innocent, it is  a high-risk health hazard,
         it is no longer «n asset to  the State  of '.feat
                    Nancy T. Carbonara, Ph, D.
                         Licensed Psychologist
                      Child Development Specialist

           61S Washington Road, Satin 3(B.«Pitts!mfih, PA !522S-I909
                          (4I2)343-8«S3
                                      January 4,2004
                                                                                                                             AS Jl
              The reee emendations in  the BIS  statement  is just
         another FIX  for th» Coal Corporate to continue their
         devastation  in  the West Virgin!* Mountains that will.
         Swell  the tsreed of a  few and  supnort  Coal Corporate  gain,
         while  the State of West Virginia sinks lower still into
         total  despair,

              Coras into  the Southern Coal Fields of Wast "Virginia
         and see the  trus story of Mountaintop  Reraoiral Mining,
         then you will vote to  and this  injustice.
                                                SincereIT,
                                               1-9
                                                                   Mr, John Forren
                                                                   U.S. Envtenmentql Protector* Agsnoy
                                                                   18SO An* Street
                                                                           a, PA  18103
DaarMr. Foiron:

     I am ¥«y coneorned to h»ar that the Bush Administration plans to continue to t»t
coal companies use mining practices that level mountain tops, wipe out forests and
streams, and davastote both wSdltfe and human communlte In tti« Appalachian
ragksn.

     I find that very puzzling, since ft Is my understanding that, according to the
administrations' draft Environmental Impact Statement on mountain top removal coal
mining, that type of mining has devastating, widespread, permanent and Irrever^ltite
effects on the environment.

     Agafn, It is my understanding that the Bush administration's "preferred
alternative" for addressing the protelems of mountain-top-removal  mining Is to weaken
existing environmental protecttons...thus ignoring the results of the administration's own
studies detailing the damage caused by thai type of mining.

     Ptease consider what you may be able to do to persuade the administration to
re-think their position, and consider alternatives that at toast reduce the dreadful,
negative effects on the environment and on the people of Appslachia of weakening
environmental protections.  I come from a coal mining family and i know that that
region, and those people, have suffered enough.

     Thank you for your attention to these heartfelt concerns.
                                                                                                                                       1-9
                                                                                                                                       1-10
                                                Pauline Canterberry
                                                                                                                            Sincerely yours,
                                                                                                                            Nancy T. Carbonara, Ph.D.
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                                    A-906
                                                                                                                                                          Section A - Citizens
-------
Enid Cardinal
      Jariuaiy 2,  20C4
Dsa r .John For r^sn,

Although not i?urptised,  I am upset to lea.cn that ths Bysh

plans to continue to let CQ-&I companies destroy Ap|>alachia v?ith mining
piauticeK that level mountalntops/ wipe oyt fcrests-, bury  sure^ss,  an1 1 tffi  ^ It
                                                          *" i   iv  i-   ^*-
                                                        1 a  t    i  tt *•  n ftv f
                                                         ti     riirp   1
                                                       f *—  i    th  t  J j,-ni
      env i rori&ai"; ta! ly h-en i.cn ^ 1 t^mativ^s to propose projects.  Tt i ^ not the
      intent, to rarely K^as't^ financial rssouross in the compilation a piece
      OJE
      liturature that will foe ignored.  X do not believe that no viable
                                                                                   4-2
                                                                                                                alternative  exists,  as the current course of action suggests.
                                                                                                                                                 lternative" for addre&sir*g  the
                                                                                                                                                  coal mlTiing  is to weak-an
                                                                                                                The  Bush  administration's ^prefer
                                                                                                                pji^blsrfts  ca^s@4 by iijcjuntalriwop re
                                                                                                                €EJii sting
                                                                                                                <£nv,i rnpffiftnt.* 1  pro'-'-Kofci ons .  Thia "prefer red a I t.«rrn.at i vew  1 sjrtor ^3  the
                                                                                                                admin:! st rat ion' s own studies detailing the devastation caused by
                                                                                                                Hj.oi4ntsint.op rsnov^l co-si M-inin^^  including :
                                                                                                                 -  ever  1200 miles of streams
                                                                                                                 rcis3U3itai ntA'jp rsrsova 1 ;
                                                                                                                                                                or destroyed by
                                                                                                           -  KIthj>ut fi«w limits on Basuntaifttop ^eiiioval, an ad-tiitiouSl  350  scrj
                                                                                                           miles of is*>-un tains*  streaffi-s, and forests will be flattened  and
                                                                                                           destroyed
                                                                                                           by mounta.intcp rsff.cr/al irdning,

                                                                                                           In light of the.se facts, I urge you -to consider alternatives  rhat
                                                                                                                 Enid Cardinal
                                                                                                                 2234 Mercer St.
                                                                                                                 Baldwir^vllle,  MY 13027
                                                                                                                 USA
                                                                                                                                                                                         4-2
                                                                                                                                                                                         1-5
 MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                                                                        A-907
                                                                                                                                                                          Section A  - Citizens
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Mary Lou Carswell
                                                                                                                                                               Jenny Casey
          Mining
ptvrarded by David Rider/RMJSEPA/US on 01/12/2004 02r49 PM	

     "mlearewel@aol.eo
     m" 
-------
Sidni Cassel
        Mr. Joltt foam, "US EPA
        1650 Arch Street
                                                                    18
        August 12, 2003

        RE: Mountaintop Removal in WV
         majsstic mountains of WV being slaughtered one by one so the coal companies
         could get to a few tons of coal It was a disgusting sight then and ft is a
          Now I'm in the west where I only see it when I fly home to my beloved WV.
         What a sight to see as you fly over what otice was a lush green forest that has
         r>e«n transformed into a rroonaspe on top of the mountain.

          ladmirethecitizensof WV who stffl think they can fight against the coal
         industry in VA'". Maybe I'm getting old or just pkin tired from all the efforts I put
         in to make my self aiid others heard. God bless them and give them strength
         l^cause we all know that tlie coal industry in bed with the powers tliat be...can't
         name names anymore because I'm not around to see first baud.

          I can say that I pray (and I'm not too much given to prayer) that the "powers that.
         he" wake up one day to find their ftont yard turned into a slag pile or that their
         family cemetery is bombarded by flying rocks from a "surface operation". Here's
         an idea. How about you fellers change places whh the people who are forced to
         live in the middle of four mess and see how yon like it. Let's we how long yon
         are willing to  stand by while your well dries up and your children can't play in
         the yard without safety gear!!!

          Sure, it's a free country aj;d I'm sure the coal companies would (and are) more
         else...but a free country also is supposed to guarantee the fteedom of those same
         individuals who want to live in their homes undisturbed or without fear that a
         boulder is going to crash thni their roof as they and their children sleep.

         Cons on, guys, Isn't it time that you realize that you can't imdo what has been
         done but you have the power to cliangc the future?

         Let's leave what mountains that ate left in WV. Once they are gone, there h no
                               Respectfully,
                               Sidni S. Cassel

                               3419 W. Cinaatar Avetw

                               Pk>eniit,AZ8S03l
1-9
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
          A-909
Section A - Citizens
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 Don Cassidy
                                                                                                               Philip Castevens
                61 Josepl.Rd.
                FKBfam, KY4tt45-»024
                1650 Arch StrtM
                PhiMdpbiia, PA 19103
REC'D RC 2 S;
                             owl even wilhin EPA some
                                             cooperation of the V>%iK House,

                                            olTicialibavs advised tto EPA tulssslwuld be
                                                                              1-10
                                                                                                       REMO¥AL I
Pfeilip Ca^tewns
            cc;
            Subject: 1 AM.AGAINST MOUNTAIN TOP MINING

01/20/200404:16
PM
                                                      Please protect our AppaJachan fnoufitaios,

                                                      Thflnk you,

                                                      Philip Ca$trveffis
                                                            -SaJem, NC 27103
                                                                                                                                                                           1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                     A-910
                                            Section A - Ctflzens
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Billy Caudill
                                                              Herman Caudill
                                                                 10-2-2
                                                                                     •*•. i
                                                                                                                          fij^^


                                                                                                                  jH***C_d£B**{_rfiuSiGa.eM^jOZAf&efeass'
                                                                                                                    lMait---*&^ity3L^»jLr-~
                                                                                                                     JyLtA*nuis
                                                                                                                                                  1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-911
Section A - Citizens
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ThermaCaudill
                                                                                                                                               Dan Chandler
                      HEC'D  M 05
                                          ^zdL^dL^jd&atjty^jsjij^&jL
                           Jh^li—'&aiL-J^^
-^_A«df_y**««_jfelfcfc_<ear Mr, John Forren, Project Manager,

                                                                                                     II is no longer acceptable to trade <*nvtjfmntetitfti degradation for
                                                                                                     non-renewable energy, I strongly urge you to amend the EPA's draft
                                                                                                     environmental impact statement so as to limit the effects of harmful
                                                                                                     mounteintop removal mining,
                                                                                                                                           1-9
                                                                                                     Daniel Chandler
                                                                                                     Dan Chandler
                                                                                                     436 Old Wagon Road
                                                                                                     Trinidad, CA 95570
                                                                                                     (Iwchandlfti.'humboldt I .com
 MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                                                    A-912
Section A - Citizens
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Dorsey Channel
                                                                                                  John Chase
       1 was borr- and raised 1ft >test Virginia,  As -rs native of  W,  T  am fully
      aviate of the wiorm cli^t was clone  to uur  mount-aitis  and sLieai&s.  All  you
      have to do i-s look around to the different areas- ana you will  find zh&
      ®r.&r.9, t.o out land arid pollntir^ r.rj our slear water  mountain  streams
      that
      still remains att«r years o.t h©a.iir,g.
          Agsf.r, we rare faced with nhor^aightad government offieials,  so
      ©acf-jr
      to pleas® big business with quick and easy access to cur natural
      reacurces raat they will soil out our state and its people.
          The cuullwued dfc«txuction o£ our state RtusL stop.  Houiit^in  Top
      feKic-val Mining must be halted and laws enacted to ban all such
      procedurps iBSiffidiof.f;] y, Cart^i r.ly, th«rs  Is no Ktje-d tn cofvduct a
      thris??-Vfj«ir study for the "r-aping of our l-andJ* by Officials from  ether
      states.
         My !?ad spent hio lifetime n,lniD4nie-sM that weir® sanction by pv-o£ Isws
      e-n-aetsd for "s^-^cial, ititerest" by local cjovermifseiit •
         It is time for All governfi^at officials that are associated with  any
      entity of the EPA, to live up to their name-"-"£riyironm^nta3 Protection
      he&Yicy, L*t* k«ep fessst Virginia beautiful and do v/aat is right for the
      p-eqple cf West Virginia,
1-9
                                                                                                                         /Mr.
                                               ,   21
                                                             .   r /
                                                                                                           I-9
 MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
             A-913
Section A - Citizens
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T.J. Chase
                                                                                   Louise Chawla
              '}  .REG'D JAN2S;

                                                              416 Logan Street
                                                              Frankfort, KY 40601
                                                              August 23,2003

              John Forren
              U.S.EPA(3BS30)
              1650 Arch Street
              Philadelphia, PA 19103

              Dear Mr. Forren:

              1 *m writing tgainst the reconwietKlations in (he U.S. government's EtS report on mountaintop
              removal for the mining of coal. The report itself documents the great desttuetiveness of this
              practice for water quality and forest ecosystems, but none of the three alternatives that it proposes
              will reverse this destruction. Instead, they weaken existing regulations, including the important
              stream buffer zone. The recomniendrfiOBS can only serve the sSiort-tann interest of (he eoal
              industry: not ttie taaedJate and long-term needs of the people of Appalachia for clean water,
              sustainable jobs, sustainable development asA secure homes.

              For administrators &r removed from the mining, this issue may appear abstract I live a few
              blocks from tint Kentucky River, which flows brown from erosion from destructive mining
              practices at its headwaters, while the people of Appaiaehia see their tend literally blasted away
              beneath them. AppakeWa has the potential for becomteg a national center for Kmrten and
              wilderness recreation, but this possibility » being stolen ftom us and all fijture generations.

              I urge the E.P.A. to reject the EIS recommendations as a contradiction to the evidence gathered
              by its own reports.

              Sincerely,
                                                                                                            Louise Chawla
                                                                                                                                                                                              1-5
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MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-914
Section A - Citizens
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              Lexington Herald Leader
              I was appalled to read that the environmental agency is now considering mountain top
              removal (strip mining) for coaL
              Our country is coining apart at the seams now. Why add insult to injury!
              Do those in power realize what (he consequences are, not only now bat also for years to
              come to our mountains and the folks that live in those areas.
              Homes are destroyed by mud slides and flooding time after time. Nature took care of the
              problems of erosion and disasters until the strip mining was done several years ago. It is
              taking years to recover and repair what was lost then.
              It will not help the economy for the ones that need the help but only line fee pockets of
              the big corporations.
              Our roads, railroads, education and energy are being neglected, as is everything else in
              our own country. We know where the fiinds are going but isn't it lane we took care of
              our own?
              I am disappointed in our representatives for not making our state a priory and put party
              lines on tie b«
-------
Robert Cherry
                                                                                         Arthur Childers
   Robert. Cherry

   City:  Boone
   State: NC

   Letter Date:   1/11/2004
   Zip:   28607-5313
   I am writing to you to express my opposition to any changes in regulations that would
   weaken environmental protection front monntaintop mining. I reviewed the DEIS on your
   website and find that none of the Alternatives provide adequate protection to the people
   who live nearby  who would be affected by these activities and no alternative would
   provide sufficient protection to the impacted biological resources. I am concerned that the
   emphasis of the DEIS appears to be to continue mountaintop removals without seriously
   considering its impacts. Filling valleys will alter streamflows and wjij endanger those
   who live downstream with increased risk of flooding. Ground water is likely to be
   contaminated from mining activities and water sources ar* less secure. People who live in
   the area need better protection than is provided by the alternatives in this DEIS. As an
   aquatic biologist this DEIS glosses over problems to our aquatic resources that result
   from spoils being dumped into and filling entire watersheds. The nature of the soils cause
   long-term and long-distant negative impacts on aquatic fauna. 1 don't feel that your DEIS
   adequately considers endangered species.  References that minimize impacts to wildlife
   do not adequately differentiate bet-ween common fauna and T&E species. While some
   animals may benefit from conversion of forested mountaintops to level grasslands these
   species typically are not species that are rare and in need of protection. I am concerned
   about the lack of buffer strips from the preferred alternative. Many studies have shown
   that loss of streamside buffers have significant environmental impacts. These impacts
   include increased sedimentation, increased water temperatures, altered stream flows and
   IOK of wildlife habitat. Please add an alternative that adequately addresses the biological
   impacts of mountaintop removal. No'ne of the alternatives that are presented in the DEIS
   does this and are therefore inadequate. Thank you for your attention to this matter..
1-5
6-6-2
                                                                                                                  7/1 «^M-«OCa-*>*0&0.ia dZtsiyky **m^L**& .?
                                                                                                      1-9
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MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
         A-916
Section A - Citizens
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Susan Cho
                                                                 Martin Christ
                                                                                                      Mania Christ
                                                                                                      •3nchri3f.tflob3.net      To:
                                                                 1-5
                                                                                       flt" ci r;t- "i y «?ji.f orc^d for vs 11 ^y f i 11^ and in all ofi
                                                                                                                                                 1-10
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Pubtic Comment Compendium
A-917
Section A - Citizens
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Jerry Ciolino
                                                                                    Matthew Cleveland
                      l.com"
          — - Forwarded by Dmid Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 01:59 PM -----
                                       To;   RJ Mountaintop@EPA
                                    Subject: Please Stop Destructive Mountaintop
          Removal Mining
                      01/06/200408:21
                      PM
                                                                                                            — Forwarded by David K«fer/R3/USBPA/US en 01/07/2004 03:42 PM - —
                                                                                                                     s.com" 
-------
John & Tammy Cline
                                                                        Sister Mary Brigid Clingman
    DeliveredDate:  01/04/2004 03:41:04 PM

    We are opposed to mountaintop removal. The short-term gain is not worth, the certain
    and potential environmental consequences.
    John & Tammy Cline
1-9
                                                                                                            - Forwnded by David Ridei/R-t/USEPA/liS on 01/08/2(104 01:58 PM	

                                                                                                                     "mbcliagman@grdomi
                                                                                                                     nica»s,orgfr       To:    R3 Moyntaistop^BPA
                                                                                                                     •^tnbclingman       cc:
                                                                                                                                   Subject: Mease Stop Destructive Mountaintop Removal Mining
                                                                                                                     01/06/200404:24
                                                                                                                     PM
Dear Mr, Joha Forr^a, Project Manager,

1 am the Councilor for Mission and Advocacy of OK Grand Rjpids Dominican Sisters, Wo hav
-------
                                                                                                                                                                                                          Jerry Coalgate
           In addition, since the world belongs to all, decisions about the world's use must be determined
           by a concern for the common good of the whole human family. Pope Mm Paul II joining his
           voice with & growing chorus of ethical people throughout the world proclaims fhc right to a safe
           environment must eventually be included in an updated U.N. Chatter of Human Rights. That
           your "Prayer on » Mountain" takes place on December
           10, International Human Rights Day, symbolically connects the respect for the earth with the
           protection of our human community.

           We pray that society will produce its twcesstry goods and services without destroying God's gift
           of creation. Unfortunately, the practice of economics frequently exploits both the land and the
           workers in ft nigh for quick profits. Society must reject the false dichotomy of jobs versus the
           environment and creatively find ways allowing workers to earn their Irwiihoods white respecting
           creation. May God shed blessings on you as you pray for the restoration of creation and tbs tiplifl
           of your communities.

           Yours in Christ Jesus,
           Thomas C. Kelly, O.P., Archbishop of Louisville
           John J. McRaith, Bisthop of Owensboro
           Roger J. Foys, Bishop of Covington
           Reverend Robert J, Nieberding, Lexington Administrator

           Joining my brothers I would urge you to drop plans to make it easier for mining companies to
           engage in mountaintop removal and to instead limit the harmftil effects of this devastating
           practice.

           Sincerely,
           Sister Mary Brigid Clingitwn OP
           Dominican Sisters, Grand Rapids MI
           Sister M»ry Brigid Clingman OP
           2025 E. Fulton
           Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3895
           mbclingmatt@grdorninicans.org
            f
            i
                                                                      REC'D  KG 23:
                     December 13, 2003

                     Mr. John Forren
                     Region 3
                     U. S, Environmental Protection Agency
                     16SO Arch Street
                     Philadelphia, PA 1 91 03-2029

                     R£F: Draft Mourttatntop Mining Environmental Impact Statement
                     I'm writing as a professional environmental scientist, who grew up In West Vifflnla, and a former
                     employee of tfie U. S, Bureau flf Mines (now defunct) "Who has seen moimtatntop mining first hand
                     and therefore knows the devastation of the environment they represent. As a result, I am deeply
                     concerned regarding Bush administration plans to continue to let coal companies negatively impact
                     and possibly destroy Appaladrfa with mining practices that level mountaintops, wtp* out forests
                     and bury streams In the vaBeys below.

                     As I understand It, the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EiS) dearly Indicates the
                     environments! effects of mountslfitop removal coal tnlntng are devastating and permanent. Yet the
                     draft EIS proposes no restrictions on the st» of valley flits that bury streams; no limits MI the
                     number of acres ®f forest that can b® destroyed; no safeguards f or ir&perfted wUdllf e; and nd
                     saf«guards 'Sir the'oHfiniunKtes lhat *p«d on the region's natural wsources.

                     RemaHtabty, 1t appears the draft EIS states preferred alternative for addressing the enormous
                     problems caused by mountalntop removal coal mining Is to weaken existing environmental
                     protections. The draft CIS proposes streamlining the permitting process, allowing mountaintop
                     removal and associated valley fills to continue at an accelerated rate. The draft EIS also suggests
                     doing away with a surface mining role that makes it illegal for mining activities to disturb areas
                     within  100 feet of streams unless It can be proven that streams will not be harmed.

                     Instead of allowing  mountaintop removal to continue unabated and even get worse, I strongly urge
                     you to  finalize the BS by sateetlng atterativefs) which dearly and effectively reduces the
                     environmental impacts of mountaintop removal and which requires Irnplementatlort of those
                     measures needed to protect natural resources and communities in Appatachia. In particular, I urge
                     you to  select an atternatlve{s) which provide for restrictions on the size of valley fiils In order to
                     reduce stream and  forast loss. These alternatives must be evaluated far individual projects as well
                     as regionally so that the cumulative Impact of the destruction caused by mountaintop removal Is
                1-5
                1-10
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1-7
                                                                                                                                      .Coal?
                                                                                                                                6588 Medinah I
                                                                                                                                Alexandria, Viroinia 21311
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-920
Section A - Citizens
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Marlene Cole
   	Forwarded by David Rider/R.VUSEPAAJS on 01/09/2004 03:54 PM	
                                      R3 MountaiBtop@EPA

                                   Subject:  Mountaintop Coal Mining - Drat BIS
            rnbco]e@crs«L nrtg
            ers.edu          To:
                          ec:
            01/06/200404:0?
            PM

Project Manager John Forren
U.S. EPA (3EA30)
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Dear Project Manager Forren,

I have t master's degree in Forest Science from Yale University and a PhD in Ecology from
Rutgers University. For many reasons, 1 find mountaintop coal mining objectionable. The
method destroys the local, native, endemic habitat of the actual inountaintep. This loss alone
deprives us forever of the high elevation, and often relict ecological community. But, as there
is no place to go from a mountain but downhill, it also has devastating effects far downstream oa
water quality, habitat quality, and quality of life for the people living in the former shadows of
the mountain.

I have colleagues who have studied the ecological effects of mountaintop coal mining in
Appalaehit, The take home message from our current knowledge in ecology and the emerging
applied subdiscipline of restoration ecology is that tiKHtntaintop coal mining is ecologically
eKtremely harsh and that we cannot return such a site to predisturbauce conditions. It eliminates
headwater stream*, which are sometimes ephemeral and intermittent (ecologically critical!),
essential habitat for numerous invertebrates and their ecological communities. We cannot
thoroughly restore Ihese sites to have (he same physical, chemical, biological, ecological and
fiiflctional qualities to pre-mining.

According to the administration's draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on mouotMntop
removal coal mining, the environmental effects of rrtount&intop removal are widespread,
devastating, aod pemwnent. Yet the draft EIS proposes no restrictions on the size of valley fills
that bury streams, no limits on the number of acres of forest that can be destroyed, no protections
for imperiled wildlife, and no safeguards for the communities of people that depend oa the
region's natural resources for themselves and future generations.

Remarkably, the Bush administration's "preferred alternative" for addressing the enormous
problems caused by mountaintop removal eoal mining is to weaken existing environmental
protections. The draft EIS proposes streamlining the permitting process, allowing mountaintop
removal and associated valley fills to continue at  a,i3 accelerated rate. The draft EIS also
suggests doing away with a. surface Mining  rule that makes it illegal ft»r mining activities to
disturb areas within 100 feet of streams unless it can be proven that steams will not be
                                                                                            1-9
                                                                                            1-5
                                                                                            1-10
harmed. This "preferred alternative" ignores the administration's own studies detailing the
devastation eatn«4 by meuntiiatop removal coal mining, iaekidiag;

• over 1200 miles of streams hive been damaged or destroyed by mountaintop removal

• direct impacts to streams would be gr«»tly lessened by reducing the size of the valley fills
where milling wastes are dumped on top of streams

- the total of past, present and estimated ftttute forest losses is 1.4 million acres

- forest losses in. West Virginia have the potential of directly impacting as many as 244
vertebrate wildlife species

- even if hardwood forests can be reestablished in mined areas, which is anproven and unlikely,
there will be » dwstkatly different ecosystem from pre-miaing forest conditions- for
generations, if not thousands of years

- without new limits on mountaintop removal, an additional 3SO square miles of mountains,
streams, and forests will be flattened and destroyed by niountaintep removal mining

The Bush administration's "preferred alternative"  ignores these and hundreds of other scientific
facts contained in the EIS stadia*. IB light of these facts, the Bush tutatiaistffitiott must consider
alternatives that .reduce the envirowttientiil impacts of moiMitaintop removal and then implement
measures to protect natural resources and communities in Appalachia, such as restrictions on the
size of valley fills to reduce (he destruction of streams, forests, wildlife and communities.

Thank you tor your time.

Sincerely,

Marlene Cole
258 Massachusetts Ave.
#4
Arlington, Massachusetts 02474
                                                                                                                  Senator Edwwrd Kennedy
                                                                                                                  Senator John Kerry
                                                                                                                  Passidett George W. BuA
                                                                                                                  Vice President  Richard Cheney
                                                                                                                          tative  Bdward Mark©y
                                                                                                                                                                                                       1-5
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
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                                                                     Section A - Citizens
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Marian Colette
                                                                                    Michael Compton
                                                                                                         	.._  forwarded by David Ridar/FO/'JSEPA/US  on  11/20/2003 02:5'? PK	
  Delivered Date: 01/06/2004 11:59:45 AM

  As a resident of the mountains in fiastera Kentucky, I an writing to express my anger
  and frusiration with the way the EPA under the Bash administration has handled this
  issue. I oppose all mountain toOp removal and stream fill* because of there impact of the
  liyes of residents in the area mS because of the negative impact on the .region. i» terms of
  the "tourist attraction value" of our region.  We are working with em: Cpngtesstnaa Hal
  Roger* to both clean up the trash in the area through his Project Pride
  Program andto attract visitors through the Southern and Eastern Kentucky Totirisrn
  Development Association—also a project of our Congressman. No one wants to liwin an
  area torn up by bulldozers with filled in astreatns and ruined water supplies-- who would
  want to visit there?!

  Sincerely-Marian Colette, Box 3, Eralyns Kentucky 40730
   1-9
11-7-2
                                                                                                                              Michael Compton
                                                                                                                              
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                                                                                                                                                                            James Conroy
       'i!-our  draft EIS contains irtdisputable evidence of  ths  d^vastatitiy aftd
       irreversible
       ^rsvi rorymenf-.#l bars* ooufs^d by rnounhait'top Min.inct,   Other  agency studies
       also  allow
       that  mount si in top aiining contributes to floo^iu-q disasters  in mcuntain
       co&wjn 1 ties,
       Unfortunately, each of the alcernai.iverf in Lbe d-^afL  EIS ignore^ Lhe
       findings
       of t'rmsc* studies and the very purpose; of the- ETS- to  fi^d  ways to
       "mils imiae, to
       tfc-e isaxiffiufti sKtfeftt practical, tJie environmentai coas^^uencsa of
       mo: \ n ta i n top IP i n i ng.
       The draft EIS dc*ss not examine a Mingle alternative that would seduce
       Worse,  ycwjr  "preferr^d alternative" would clearly increase  the da-m^ge
       from mouataint-op
       fiiinioy  by  elindo^tiny the Surface Mining C-ontrol add Reclai^atiwri Act's
       buffer
       soht^ r'il-a  that prchibi.tjs i^ining actlvi tien that dj st.urb  ©ny nrsa within
       100 feet
       of larger  streams, eliminating the current limit on tising nationwide
       permits to
       approve valIsy ill 1^ ta Wegt Vityinia uhat are laryer than  250 a-cre®,
       and giving
       tho Office Gf Surface Mining a significant new role in Clean Water Act
       pert&ittinq
       for ruc-^fi tain top sniaing  (a rcle it do-es not have under current 1-aw) .

       Our erivironms-ntsl  laws  Ke<^iire, and t.h& citizens of the  region deserve,
       a full
       syaluat,iOfj of ^^sys to rsduc© the unacceptable impacts of !$0untain-top
       rji t n i ng.
       I urge  you  to abandon your ^preferr^-d alternative** -and to reey-aluate a
       full range
       of opt ions  that wi 11 sninind ZB the enorroouB e-nviroasiffiHtal and sco-n-oirdc
       damage  caused
       by laountaintop rrdning and valley fills.

       Thank you  for your consideration.

       Sincerely,
                                                                                  1-5
4-2
                           — Forwwded % David Rifa/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 01:59 PM	

                                         Conroy HS@aol,com
                                                       To:    R3 MoiMit«intop@EPA
                                         12/22/2003 06:18     cc:
                                         AM             Subject: Comments OB draft programmatic EIS on
                           mountain top removal coal mining
Mr. John Porrcn
U.S.'EPA(3EA30)
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Oeat Mr. Forren,

Can we look ahead, to a time when our current practices will
hurt our cMklsens future?
I find it uncotiicionable that the Bush administration plans to
continue to let coal companies destroy Appajachia with owning            i _A
practices that level moiuitaintops, wipe ovt forests, bury
streams, and destroy communities.
We are not all "eiiwoniaeatel nuts.." Mainsteatu America is seeing
the damage and will take action with votes.
                            Sincerely,

                            jgtnes Conroy
                            322 Madison Ct.
                            Btick, New Jersey 08724
                                                                                                             Senator Frank Lauteobetg
                                                                                                             Representative Christopher Smith
                                                                                                             Senator Jon Conine
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
          A-923
                                                          Section A - C/f/zens
-------
Peggy Conroy
                                                                                                      David Cooper
           - — Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:42 PM - —
                      .org          To:   R3 MountaintopC^EPA
                                  cc:
                      01/01/200409:26    Subject: mountain top removal for coat mining
                      AM
                      Please respond to
                      gilletlb
           Sir:

           This is one of the more miserable policies of an adminiastraiion which
           is a miserable failure on every environmental policy it has put forward,

           It should be subducted immediately, not lOOmy years from now,

           A voter who always votes,
           Peggy Conroy
           West Chszy, NY
1-9
                                                                 m  .  L3£-r» :D  *r.  282m

                                                                                               Ang 15, 2003

                                Mr. John Fotrea
                                U.S, Bawotaaeirtal Protection Agency (3BS30)
                                1650 Ar* Street
                                FMkdefcMa, PA 19103

                                DMT Mr. taaeo;

                                As « resident of Lexington, in eastern Kentucky, I have watched the rnountaintop
                                removul contTX)\-ersy with great interest.  It's hard to believe the scale of destruction that
                                is going on with our beautiful mountainK. 1 have met with coalfield residents many times,
                                eg>«M|yai«tt«coalsl!aiydlga««iaM»rttoCoin«y,KfiBtttd{y, that w» causal by
1 have talced with people whose water wells have been destroyed, whose foundations
have beta cracked, who have had to sue coal companies for dust from preparation plants,
whose children go to bed at night with their clothes on when it rains, for fear of flooding.

It seems to me we are destroying the future economy of the region.  Clean water will be
as important to future generations as oil is today. The water wars are CMining, as has been
predicted by Forturis and other business magazines.  Tins is why we see mufti-national
conglomerate corporations like RWE, Vivendi, and Suez swallowing up American water
companies like American Water Works of Vorhis, NJ. These big companies know that
the potential profits are huge in the future for those with a monopoly on a reliable source
of clean water.

We have clean water in abundance here in Appahchia, and it can be our future economic
salvation. Or we can bury our mountain streams underneath mining waste, and
contaminate our free-flowing Appalachian streams with blackwater spills and toxic
runoff from mountajntop removal sites.

It's teu-d to believe that the Bush adrninistration, which prides itself on beiiig so industry-
friendly, can be GO short-sighted as to destroy, permanently, one of our greatest economic
and natural resources: clean water. More than 1 ,200 miles of our headwater streams have
been buried or destroyed by valley fills.

But that's only the beginning of the economic stupidity. Mountaintop removal also
destroys valuable hardwood forests, and has already had a negative  impact on the timber
industry in West Virginia. Ataost 7 parcent of our forests have been -or wiU soon be -
leveled by mountaintop removal. West Virginia Division of Forestry Director Bill Msxey
quit his job in protest of mo utitaintop removal. That's jobs being tost:

Flooding in Appalachian communities is increasingly common and severe. Who pays?
PEMA - ie. the twqjayw! , .And taneo-wnera* insurance goes tip every ttoe there is
another disaster. The coal companies externalize their costs onto the pubh'c.
                                                                                                               16-3-2
                                                                                                                                                                                         5-5-2
                                                                                                                                                                                         11-6-2
                                                                                                                                                                                         17-3-2
 MTMA/F Draft PE1S Public Comment Compendium
                    A-924
                                                                 Section A - Citizens
-------
    It doesn't bow to be this way. There axe laws on Use books to protect clean water, public
    safety and the environment. It is periectly clear that mountaintop removal and valley iiills
    are a violation of fl» federal Clean Water Aot and the Surface Mining Control and
    Reclamation Act. These practices should be banned. The coal industry most not be
    allowed to destroy our homeland.

    The draft BBviromaetaal Ifflpaet Statement oa .motmtetolop rea»wl aad valley fills is a
    dangerous gift ftotn the Busk administration to the eoal fatastty. Instead of
    coal companies to level oiir mouBtains, burj'our streams, and wreck our homelatjd. ITiis
    is shameful and wrong.

    I know first hand the terrible impacts of mountaintop removal and valley fills. I also
    believe we can build a better firtnre for eastern Kentucky. We can have clean streams and
    ahealthy forest and restore our quality of life. We can create good jobs for our people
    that don't wreck the environment. And we have to start down a different road now.

    Take a .stand. Enforce the law. Ban mountaintop removal and valley fills. Stop the coal
    mdaslry from destroymg evci^tiung trjat we value most. Sfeut rriaking choices that will
    benefit our children and yours.

    SittcSrely,
    Davjti S. (
    60S Aim a.
    Lexington KY 40505
1-9
— Fotwwifed by David Rider/iMJSEPMJS on 01/09/2004 02:49 PM -—

                           A
            oo.eorrt          To:   R3 Mountwntop@EPA
                         cc:
            12/31/200312:19     Subject; Comffiejits on draft programmatic EIS on
mouBtaintop removal coal ruining
            PM

Mr. John Forren
V.S. EPA (3EA30)
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Dear Mr, Forrem,

In regard to the Environmental Impact Statement for mountaintop removal mining. I am strongly
opposed to this form of mining. It destroys and contaminates the drinking water supply for
millions of people downstream on the Ohio River, the Cumberland River and the Tennessee
River with heavy rnet»ls aad mining sediments.

It buries streams under tons of rniitittg rubble, eliminating all forms of life in the stream.

Mt top removal (MTR) cantribtttes to flash flooding which has killed 10 West Virginians in the
past two years, aid destroyed 4,000 homes aad nearly wiped out several communitiei.

MTR IMS & very strong adverse impact oa the communities, people, environment and wildlife of
Appalaehia, the scope of th© devastation is practically wnpreceud^nted.

The forests that are obliterated are some of the most productive and biodiverse hardwood forests
in the world (tfce Haxed-nseijtjphytie fawsts of Apprtiebia). When the coal companies are done
with their reclamation, all that is left is » grassy filed- a biological duett

I find it ancomscionable that the Bush administration plan* to continue to let coal companies
destroy Appalachia with mining practices that level rao»»t»intops, wipe out forests, bury
streams, and destroy communities.

According to the administration's draft EwhonmenteJ Impact Statement (EIS) on mountetetop
removal coal miming, ths environmental effects of wouutaintop removal are widespread,
devigtMing, «d permanent. Yet the draft EIS p»po«es no restrietionp en the size of valley fills
that bury strewns, no limits on the number of tens* of forest that cm, be destroyed, no protections
for imperiled wildlife, and no safeguards for the eommunities of people that depend on the
region's natural resources ibr themselves and future generations.

Remotkably, the Bush admiiMstretion's "prefert«l slteoative1' for addressing the enormous
problems caused by mouatoitttep removal coal mining is to weaken existing environmental
                                                                                                                                                                                                1-9
                                                                                                                                                                                                1-5
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
          A-925
                                                                                                                                                                                Section A - Citizens
-------
                                                                                                                                                                                      KennonCopeland
protections. The drmfl EIS proposes slreamlmirig the permitting process, allowing „„„,,„»,
removal and associated v&lUy fills to contino* at m aoeetswtod tuts. Tie 
-------
RubyCorbin
                                                                                                    Jennifer Cox
                                                                     /5/A
                                                                                  1-10
                                                                                                                                        r Cox
                                                                                                                                   20030 Weybridge #202
                                                                                                                                   Qfcmon T*p, MI 48036

                                                                                                                                  ' 3aimaty 12,2(^4
                                                                                                                                   1650 Atdi 3tMM
                                                                                                                                           , PA i
                                                                                                                                   Re: Moasiainl0|) Itfi^ovai Miaisg
                                                                                                                                   I am wrltbg to t«ll yo« tfeat 1 oppead oa
                                                                                                                                   natural r
                                             rfiK»swil to cetifiiaie umbawd ami cvea ia«was«} i&e Bash adcaiaistraddn must
                                       faAapft:fti ,iap^(«tt^mfetl aM quality of Kfc impacts of fflQuatoii^f removal aadJbfll
                                         to protect aateral issoitfces tad coauaimllics in. Ap^aiaebia,  Alternatives mast be
                                             as waS M fsgiosally so tfest &» curaiilafivi? impact of $& de?tryct|os caus&J by
                                                                                                                                   Instesd of ailowigg
                                                                                                                                    domafntop nsaovai is

                                                                                                                                    ecoiimge your ateBtioa to tbese efforts,
                  1-7


                  10-4-2
                  9-2-2
                                                                                                                                   Tlttakyotl,
MTIWVF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-927
Section A - Citizens
-------
John Cox
         Forwarded by David Rider/R3/iJSE?A/US OB 0-1/12/20C4  02i47 1M
         Moimta i ntopfEPA
            ft EIS on mountain top removal cossl mining
                                Ol/Ob/2'394 10:3*
                                AM
                                                           cc;
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                                                                                                                                                                                                      1-9
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
           A-928
Section A - Citizens
-------
James Crabb
                                                                                                                     RyanCrehan
              Mr. Jolm Forrea
              US E&virossasrri&t Proteetioa Agency
              1650 Arch St
              PMlmMpMa, PA 19103
•0
              I have lived in a slate where Mountain Top Removal occurs. The coal mdustry promises
              flit, redaimablc land for industry and other uses. I have visited removal sites, both by
              !<>ot and by plane. The promise of flat land is tru: and has been delivered in tremcndtus
              quaiitity. The promise of reclaimabk is false. Only where the industry pours money into
              tie sfte does nwteaatton appear to work. Whore the coal industry does only vrfjjrf ftetaw
              requires, it is ofevious tfa^ reclamation is a fi^iiire mid the rocky bsrreos remaining wHl
              only be reclaimed through time by nature.

              Kentucky to beea granted ftousonds of acres of flat tarf by fee ooai corapanB*. but
              tee has been NO influx of iadortty ar j<*». tetead tee seems to hare been a decline
              in both.

              Ths water quality ta the hollows bring filled to make flat land mua be dismal became die
              life that should be in those streams is not there. Pollutants released by the breaking and
              rearranging of the rocks and silts from tin dozing of the forests and soUs fill die streams
              and grolmil walcr. Stream life and native Kentuckians suffer.

              tie people lose tleir land, their water, their pride in being mountain people, and any
              future hope of building tourist industries.
              The rich get deter and the pex* get poorer. Rejtaeky witt t* fc* wtth -my tttfe ««e flie
              coal industry it tlirougli.

              Please stop Mouuteia Tap Removal now.
              lames Cat*
              ..*~A
                                                      •ml*.
                1-9
                                             -•fa.
f*^->   /»
                                                                                                                                                       ia
                                                                       /f &**i..KT, -JfrfaS;
                                                                                                                  1-10
                                                                                                                  1-10
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                           A-929
                                          Section A - Citizens
-------
Kathy Cross
                                                                        April & Jeff Crowe
       Forwarded by David Ridet/R3/USEPA/US on 08/28/03 05:06 PM	

                   Kathy Cross
                               cc:
                               Subject:
                   08/28/03 03:30 PM
                                          (REC'D  :iz'
                                                           OBLJQ/
       
       Dear Mr. FOTKHJ,

       I feel that the conclusions of the Environmental Impact Statement on rnountaiatep
       removal are totaly at odds with the findings of the statement. The statement finds
       that rnountaititop removal coal mining severely damages the watersheds it albas so
       significantly. Increased runoff and siltfttton arc created, contributing to our recent
       bouts of flooding in West Virginia, The conclusion should not be to streamline the
       permitting process, it should be to stop mountaintop removal coal mining.

       \Sincerely

       Kathy Cross
1-9
is "type. oP rwfi/f>Q.:,.
                                                                                     1-9
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Puttie Comment Compendium
     A-930
                                      Section A - Citizens
-------
Kate Cunningham
                                                                                                                                                                                     Marilyne Cuonzo
     Juno E-«nafl for kate.cnjmtoghaas^iaio.com printed on Monday, December 29,2003,10:40 AM
      Prams
      To:
      Date Mon, 28 OecafiB 1020:06 -OSOO
      Subject cofftmarw on "buffer zone" rule
Mr. John Fortes
US EPA (3BS30)
1650 Arch Sfmt
PMWelpfaia, PA 19103

DearSir
Re: Proposal to eliminate required buffer •/.one.ptotecticg streams from coal mining

I ma swwe Bat the US EPA has made a finding in meat yeas, tat the juariw o» esae of steam
degradation m Kentucky is siltation. Kentucky has more "coastline," includjng streamsides and lakesides, than
any other state in file 48 slates.

Mountain top removal coal mining has caused incalculable damage to streams in West Virginia and Kentucky.
As a native Kenruckian, 1 must protest this proposal to eliminate the mtAger protection-which V.T; now have for
(MrstreanisiaflieEaslaBaadWesttsiicoaffieilsrfKentndty. Pushing momitaiitfops owr to ffll in hollers
and «:c!uds stream sources is simply large scale "iKStfoding1'that has already come back to tuumt us, with
silted up streams, buried stream somces, potable water shortages, and attendant loss of \vildlifs and human
habitat

I am extremely disappointral that the US EPA, which should be a leader for the pianet, is now considering the
ptospectof weakening, rather than strcngtiieliing, protections for clean water and the environrnent in general.
~  "   .
      8606 Whipps Bead Road
      502339-1381
                                                                                        lofl
                                                                                                                                                                                                         1-9
 MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                                                                                A-931
                                                                                                                                                                                         Section A - Citizens
-------
Janet Dales
                                                                                MickDaugherty
      —- Forwarded by David rtider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/07/200403:32 PM	


                  "jsmnetnet@\*ahoo.

                  com" 
-------
Bongo Dave
               — Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/06/2004 03:55 PM —

                          bongo dave
                                      oo:
                                       Subject: Comments on draft EIS on mounlairtop removal mining
                          Q1O2GQ04 02:36
                          PM
               January 2, 2004

               Mr. John Forren
               U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
               1850 Arch Straet
               Philadelphia, PA 19103

               Dear John Forren,

               I am upset to learn that the Bush administration plans to oontinue to
               let ooal companies destroy Appalaohia wtfrt mining practices that level
               mountainteps, wipe out forests, bury streams, and destroy communities.

               According to the administration's draft Environmental Impact
               StetomentfEIS) on rnourtaintop removal coil mining, the environmental
               effects of mountaintop removal are widaspreid, devastating, and
               permanent. Yet the draft EIS proposes no restrictions on the size of
               valley fills that bury streams, no flmte on the number of acres of
               forest that can be destroyed, no protections tor imperiled wildlife, and
               no safeguards for the communities of people {hit depend on the region's
               natural resources for themselves and future generations.

               The Bush administration's "preferred alternative" for addressing the
               problems caused by mountaintop removal coal mining is to weaken existing
               environmental protections. Thi$ "preferred alternative" Ignores the
               administration's own studies detailing the devastation caused by
               mountaintop removal coal mining, Including:

               - over 1200 miles of streams have been damaged or destroyed by
               mounteintop removal;

               - forest tosses in West Virginia have the potential of directly
               impacting as many as 244 vertebrate wildlife species;

               - Without new limits on mourtatntop removal, an additional 350 square
               miles of mountains, streams, and forests wilt be flattened and destroyed
               by mountaWop removal mining.

               In light of these facts, I urge you to consider alternatives that reduce
               the environmental impacts of mountaintop removal. Thank you
               for your consideration of this important issue.
1-5
1-10
We need to get away from instant gratification thinking. Let's Open up
to something new, fresh, and renewable. The energy is already
'naturally' there begging to be used this way Let1 a give it a try.

I believe if our leaders... along with tha rest of the world would quickly
read and or listen to these books and tapes* listed below, we would have
a chance to get thru all Ms, swiftly and with as tittle grief as
possible and may create a tot of good friends on the way. .though I
don't think Saddam Hussein would be motivated to change. . I believe he
is... our motivation... to change..
   ! never read so much and so fast in my life. And I now, have learned
the difference between Religion  and being Spiritual, and better,  r»w the
two can compliment each other,  yet, not be the same thing
yore importantly, why it is so imperative that we seek to find this
difference very soon.., there are  more reasons here than we thought.  And
it is really so easy to understand, the way these authors express these
Universal Ideas and differences.

If you are a seeker.,
This may help you or a friend find some new angles, from these Angels.

1)  MANIFEST YOUR DESTINY [and othersj Tapes or book by Wayne Dyer
2] ' GARY ZUKAV'S book - SOUL STORIES, SEAT OF THE SOUL -Tapes or book
3] Or you could Listen to these audio tapes first. They may be the
fastest. THE NEW REVELATION9-BY NEIL DON ALD WALSCH along with his
Friendship with God or Communion with God series or  CONVERSATIONS WITH
GOD

4] THE STARSEEO TRANSMISSIONS. THE THIRD MILLENIUM; RETURN OF THE BIRD
TRIBE by KEN CAREY  (listen to the others first, then these]
5] "* HEALING THE SOUL OF AMERICA and/or EVERYDAY GRACE by MARIANNE
WILLIAMSON
6} THE BOOK OF CO-CREATION THE REVELATION' our crisis is a birth-
BARBARA MARX HUBBARD
7) SCIENCE OF MIND - This was actually my first introduction to all of
these books, tapes  and spouse And the real conscious beginning to my
life's purpose  or quest  Please check out thalr small booklet,
published monthly, tost has continued the studies started by EARNEST
HOLMES (thisisNOT  to be confused with sciertology ... wrichwe
know nothing about, w  we can  not advise one way or another about that
please ..nooffersetoanyone.)
     This is also the way my life partner and I met ..  at a
Creative Life Drum Circle Thru Reverend Or Jesse Jennings He is the
minister of the Creative Life Spiritual Center of Houston. TX He also
has an article monthly in this periodical And it is a very good
read.. and is very interesting as he answers some of the most  "
tough' questions about the spiritual practice we all go ihru in our
everyday livss and he has a knack of making it alt funt And is welt
worth the time checking him out  By reading the periodical called
SCIENCE OF  MIND-change your thinking change your life, a philosophy a
faith, a way of life. Can be ordered online at scienceofmind.com or
call 800-247-6463 or check a local bookstore or library.

8] *** www numanltie»tearn.com or hurnarttysteam com - or look up Neil
Donald Walsch, which you can check this out now And actually help now.
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                       A-933
                                                              Section A - Citizens
-------
                9] THE LAST HOURS OF ANCIENT SUNLIGHT- THOM HARTMAN - Rachel my
               spouse, read this, and recommends ft I have not read it yet Though she
               had introduced me to all the others., must be good. She has recommended
               that I Include It here
               10] Carolyn My«s -Listen to anything by her,  Le ENERGY ANATOMY,
               ANATOMY OF THE SPIRIT. SACRED CONTRACTS; or 'YOUR PRIMAL NATURE'
               11]*** The DEAD SEA SCROLLS by GREGG BRADEN
               12] 'JUMP TIME' by Jean Houston Ph.D.
               13] 'YOUR PRIMAL NATURE' by CAROLYN MYSS
                We need to become more a more 'all inclusive'... and less
               'separatists' as a society  maybe I am wrong. . I have been
               before., though I personally, at this time.. feel..
                 Instead of just saying 'God Bless America"  We need to think a little
               deeper and perhaps say" GOO BLESS US ALL'   Or "GOD BLESS OUR WORLD or
               God Bless our Earth'    Or "GOD BLESS OUR UNIVERSE  l.
               Otherwise our image comes through as if are coming from a separatists
               fear base [as opposed to a love base), as if there is not enough
               GOD/LOVE TO GO AROUND to bless., everyone   let alone a whole other
               country
                 IT MUST SEEM LIKE A NEGATIVE REMARK TO EVERYONE ELSE WHO IS NOT
               INCLUDED IN THIS "God Blew America"   'PRIVATE CLUB1
               We need to start accentuating the things we all have in
               common,..starting with tie 'EARTH   . Though that would seem
               logical  yet it also seems that we need a constant reminder of
               this .perhaps w« could Fly a FRESH NEW FLAG 'under' each countries
               flag. And the only requirement to fly this fteg... would be   you have to
               belong to the Earth  Or even more inclusive . the universe
               The add-on flag could simply have a picture of the EARTH on it Perhaps
               with the word 'ONE' or "We are all one* .or' We're all in this
               together"   something more all inclusive  across Hie front of it, as a
               constant reminder that all  what'one  does  now .affects us
               all  especially now that the world seems   much 'smaller' these days
               'We are.,  now.  all in the same- boaf  Perhaps even add an image of a
               boat to the flag to help remind us to.." Let's not rock if as the
               saying  goes Better yet let's start fixing the  holes we have put in
               it  and start treating each other the way we would lite to be
               treated and we all will  have much more fun sailing with a much
               smoother ride, with less tension.  Then we can all be rested and prepared
               to work together and get this place back to the more original plan the
               creator had probably intended for us and the Earth
               The sale of this flag could help repair the earth and each other From
               the damage we ALL did.
               Please read Healing the soul of America and  listen to Neale Donald
               Walsch- They can be checked out from the library These tapes seem to be
               saying  everything we all have been trying to say anyhow, but without
               knowing how to put the words together, especially without all the dogma
               involved. And they have the potential to help us  help others  . if, or
               when, they ask for help and you will know more what to say... or some
               things to refer seekers to  Peopleknowingofthesemodalties... CANsave
               our world, as we now know it
               Most of all,. these authors admit that these messages are not the only
               way. "Just another way"
               And even better  not everyone needs to even have read all of these to
               make a difference in the collective conscious of the planet It has been
               discovered that ft only takes 10% of a population to effect a knowing in
               the rest [The hundredth monkey effect] or read/listen to the LOST DEAD
                       SEA SCROLLS for more info on this.
                       All in all, we must remember that
                        THE EARTH DOES NOT BELONG TO US  .WE BELONG TO THE EARTH. Chief
                       Seattle.
                       And  Humans are not the only ones on the Earth  we just act like it.

                       These two sayings,  simply put.. .seem to help us bring things back to
                       perspective swiftly.
                       Please w^tch the new Dennis Kucinch film, about how eleciabte he is and
                       how he talks about being a long shot., I just did. And I cried
                        ..deeply... We do need a long-shot., it may be the only thing that can
                       get us back on track .being thte fir off.
                       Also I noticed that Marianne Williamson, Neil Donald Watson and Ed Asner
                       and many many others are now endorsing DJ [Dennis John] ...Ed Asner,
                       ooinoidently, is one of the readers for the CONVERSATION WITH GOD SERIES
                       written by Neil Donald Walsch. Please don't think that Nells book and
                       tapes are full of dogma they are more like common sense, .actually going
                       thru Ns material, is mar© Hk© re-membsfing.  than learning anything
                       knew. This Is a eoltaetion of things we already know,.. but somehow have
                       forgotten, .yet oddly as we re-dtscovec this information  .we feel, very
                       profound, while re-connecting with all this
                        They are like no other book or {apes that I have ever read or heard
                       And this series along with Marianne Williamsons, Carolyn Myss, Gary
                       Zukav and Wayne Dyer may have the potential for so much healing, on such
                       a grand scate, for everyone...  that makes these  best sellers. Arid must
                       reads...why tiiey dont use these in schools is almost ridicules...it has
                       the potential to avert grtef ..almost immediately. And I dont consider
                       it any more religious than teaching a psychology class
                        It is not the only way. just another way.
                       Good Happens
                       Love Shalt Prevail
                       Sincerely,

                       bongo dave
                       8980 Steams Rd
                       Qtmsted Fairs, OH 44138
                       USA
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-934
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Eric Davis
                                                                                                William Dawson
                                                      REC'D  UOV 1 82U9

                                                                      12 November 2003
        Mr, John Fonren
        U.S. EPA (3EA30)
        1650 Arch St.
        Philadelphia, PA 19103

        Dear Mr. Forren,
        I was disappointed with the DEIS. It seems that the public's resources such as clean
        water, headwater streams, and animals are not adequately compensated by the coal
        companies. The coal companies are allowed to profit at the public's toss of trust
        resources. Wliat wejieed- are stronger laws protecting trust resources, not weaker ones.  1
        understand America hss a security interest in energy; however, the coite are unfairly
        distributed to Appalachia.

        Mountaintop-removal mining and valley fifls are devastating the Appalachian
        environment and its unique culture. These practices bury important headwater steams,
        destroy biologically rich forest ecosystems, damage drinking-water sources used by
        millions of people, cause  frequent and severe flooding, and wreck the quality of life in
        mountain communities.

        I do not support Alternative 1,2, or 3 as described k the draft BtS report. None of these
        options wjD protect Appalachian forests, water, or communities, fa particular, I oppose
        the proposal to eliminate  the stream buffer-zone rule that prohibits mining activity within
        100 feet of streams. This rule should be strictly enforced for valley fiBs and in all other
        cases. The coal industry  must be regulated, and their take of pubic resources must be
        where the regulation begins.

        Leveling mountains and burying streams is wrong and must stop.

        Sincerely,
         J.Eric Davis Jr.
10-8-3
1-9
1-5
                                - Forwotded by Davkl&der/WUSBPA/US on 01/09/2004 02:51 PM

                                         wilHam dawsofj
                                         < redsprucerolfittg    To:    R5 Mounta.intop@EPA
                                         @ whoo.corn >        cc:
                                                       Subject: Comments on draft EIS on mountaintop removal mining
                                         01/06/200403^3
                                         AM
January 6, 2004

Mr. John Forren
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
165Q Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19KB

Dear John Forren,,

i am & resident of appoiachia and Ive the land where i live, it is foil
of natural richness and « such has been exploited for too long, at its
own expense, and also that of the country, i real! yd&nt know if it is
worth tellmg you how di$gu$tmg the mouiatritop removal *s from an
ecological and aesthetic s&tdpomt i am convinced nobody m the bush
admmislrboii knows anything about science at all, conveniently
di&rnisifig the natural reality of cause and effect "when their plans are
at slake, do you all case about your dbildre? J care about mine and want
them to Eve in a clean And environmentally safe world, as jwnericans we
haw the most natut&fy beautiful, diverse and fertile land in the
world, yet we tmke it for granted and wen with scorn, this saddens  me
ftom fin administration so intent on "making us safe" from all kinds of
human agencies, but then ignoring or dishonestly denying die dangers
posed from environmental contamination, all our public water should be
safe at least |x> eat the fish  from,, but dumping' exessive amounts of mine
spoil into the headwaters of our major rivers would certainly not make
me feel safe eating fish downstream, i feel like i*m wasting my time
with this because your administration has yet to demonstrate concern for
out" natural heritage or its future, sad^ Tery sad, dont pkn on getting
my vote, william dawson, marlinto,, wv,

I arn upset to learn that the Bush administration pkns to continue  to
let coal companies destroy AppaJachk with mining practices that level
mountain top s, wipe out forests, bury streams, and destroy communities,

According to the adm tmstfation's dmft Environmental Impact
Statement(EIS) on mountamtop removal coal mining, the environmental
effects of mpimtaititop removal are widespread, devastating, and
permanent Yet the daft EIS proposes no restrictions on the si&e oi
valley fills thai bury streams, no limits on the number of acres of
                                                                                                   1-9
                                                                                                                                                                                             1-5
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
           A-935
                                                                                                                                                                                      Section A - Citizens
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                                                                                                                                                                                       Elmer & Angela Dobson
           forest, that can be destroyed, no protections for imperiled wildlife, and
           no safeguards for the communities of people that depend on tbe region's
           i'iatuna1 resources for themselves «rsd fi.iti.irt generations,


           The Bush administration's "preferred alternative" for addressing the
           problems caused by mountamtop removal coal mining is to weaken existing
           environmental protections, This "preferred ftltematih?e" ignores the
           administration's own studies detailing the devastation caused by
           mounfeuntop removal coal mkwng, including:


           - over 1200 miles of streams have been damaged or destroyed by
           motintamtDp removal;


           - forest losses in West Virginia haw the potential of directly
           impacting as many as 244 vertebrate wildlife species;


           - Without new limits cm inounUuntop rm>oval, aii ia.ddit.iom! 350 square
           miles of motmtams, streams, and forests will be Battened and destroyed
           by mountain top removal mining,


           In Ijghf of these facts, 1 urge you to consider alternatives that reduce
           the environmental impacts of mountatntop removal. Thank you
           for your consideration ot this important  issue,


           Sincerely,
           tie. 1 box 34$a
           Mftrltnton, WV 24954
           USA
1-5
 Hmer and Angela Dobson                                  .    '™*=C D  S£P 1 5 2
 2335 Clear Creek Road
 Hazard, KY 41701
 608-251-3710

 John Porren
 U.S. EPA (3ES30)
 I860 Arch Street                                                     '    •
 Philadelphia, PA 19103

 Dear Mr. Forren
       This letter is the  absolute truth about mountain lop removal mining and valley fills.
 You may  eren say that this letter is a true environmental impact statement  without the
 tainting of special interest,  near sighted, bottom line only, non-Appalachia individuals,
 companies, politicians, and energy wasters.
       Sir, what we are about to  tell you is the truth, and you sir are invited to come and
 visit Appalachia at anytime  to see for yourself. He understand that you and your  staff
 probably live in a concrete jungle and that you are obviously lacking in the area  of
 common sense and the basic knowledge  thai our mountains, streams, limber, and other
 natural resources are here for us to use not to waste and destroy. Every lime you turn on
 a light or any other item which consumes electricity  remember  your electric bill  only
 shows a small part  of the actual  cost. le live here and see the cost everyday. Ie live
 with land that wont grow a  weed, and water that is too foul and poison for anything to
 drink much less live in. Anyone who would even consider weakening the current regulations
 which are already too weak, must have a pure hatred for their children and grandchildren.
 The great rainforests of  the earth are disappearing at an alarming rat* and every time we
 do so much damage to the land  that it wont even grow a tree, we do damage to the
 environment  that our grandchildren will live in. You and everyone involved  are betting that
 there is enough coal to produce  electricity to power the air purifiers that will be  needed  to
 clean the air of the world after the trees are gone, that kind of sense does that  make?
       Do you know that if someone went to Philadelphia and dumped selenium into your
 water ways, they would be arrested, have to pay huge fines and  maybe even face jail time,
 Maybe releasing poisons such as  selenium into any waterway, (Waterway: any place where       5-5-2
 water naturally runs, or  collects two or more days a  year.) A million dollars a day fine for
 every day it is not cleaned up. Are you people so ignorant that you don't realize that
 aquatic life is a vital part of the balance of nature? How much Aquatic life has already
 been destroyed? 2000 miles  of streams sounds like a  lot to us!
       le believe that God created a special place in  Hell for those of you «ho willingly do
 damage and destruction  to his creations. Myself and almost everyone I know are opposed
 to mountain  top removal  mining operations and extremely opposed to the destructive,           _
 environmentally murderous, total disregard for the earth, practice of valley fills. It is         1 ~?
 disgusting and makes us mad as hell that we fund scientific studies  and then ignore them
 when they find that leveling mountains and burying streams must be stopped. 1 believe
•thai  a very large law suit may be to order.
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                     A-936
                                                                       Section A - Citizens
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                                                                                                                                                                                          B. Dominey
          Any law, rule,  or regulation lhat allows mining activities of any type within 100 feel
    of any stream or waterway above or below ground is wrong, dangerous lo all life Forms
    downstream, and we are to no end opposed.  How many scientific studies must be done
    before our government realizes the widespread and irreversible damage the coal industry is
    doing and our elected officials are continuing lo allow lo happen to the state of KY, and all
    of Appalaehia.
          The E.I.S. contains alternatives f 1, |2, and |3, These alternatives are a bad joke.
    They are a direct threat lo our homeland and each and every person who lives  here.
          If you wrong people, the environment, or the wildlife, it will  eventually  come back lo
    you.  How much longer do you think you can  ignore scientific and other evidence of the
    severe harm of mountain top removal, valley filling and other unethical mining  practices,
    You are ignoring the  public demand and basic American right lo have clean water to drink
    and use in our daily life, fe all should have  a right to a clean, healthy environment. We
    should have a right to live in communities where our homes are not shaken apart by the
    hands of other men. We should be safe from  companies who have no regard for  anything
    but the bottom line.
                                                          Thank You,
                                                    Elmer 4 Angela Dobson
5-7-1
1-5
                                                                                                                                       idc-m Oo  ftu.  -nffir Yoo CM 3
                                                                                                                                               
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Gail Douglas
                                                                                                                                                       Linda Downs
                     (mm.
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                                                                                                       The USSSjousr God i«8l be
                                                                                                                                             August 8,2003
                                                                                                                                                                                     AUS 7
                         Mr. lota Fotren
                         U, S. EPA (3EA30)
                         1650 Arch Street
                         Philadelphia, PA 19103
                         Dear Mr. Porren:

                               I would like to share my opinion with you in regards to Mountain Top Mining and Valley   2-3
                         Fill s in Appalachia. 1 believe F.nvironmental groups are pushing their proposals to the extreme A
                         the cost of thousands of jobs. You can go so far with regulations that Companies cannot afford  1 1 _9 0
                         to stay in business" for the expense of trying to meet wch strict guidelines.

                                The economy is tetrible right now and th® nations unemployment rate is at 6,2%. We can  I i  in
                         mine the coal and Mow the torrent regulations that protect our air and water. The land is        |
                         restored back to its natural beauty.

                               I think one of the biggest problems in our area is sewage that gets into our streams and
                         rivers. The area I live is only iix (6) mites outside of Harian, Ky. and "city water" is not available.
                         The well water is so bad, that filtering systems can't handle the iron and sulfur, I would like to
                         see the Environmental groups look at some of these serious problems and not look at ways to
                         force the Coal Industry out of business with stricter regulations,

                                      The Coal Industry has supported me now for 25 years. I was able to raise my son
                         as a single parent.  I appreciate the coal miners who work very hard.  For most of the miners, coal
                         mining is and has been their life. Please support the Coal Industry in this very important matter.
                                                                                                                                                              Sincerely,
                                                                                                                                                             Linda C. Downs
                                                                                                                                                             P. O. Box 175
                                                                                                                                                             Putney, Ky. 40865
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                                                  A-938
                                                                                          Section A - Citizens
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MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                                    A-939
Section A - Citizens
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Phoebe Driscoll
                                                                                         Morris Dunlop
                                          PHQIBI A. DJUSCOIX
                                             720 Swcdesford Road
                                          Ambiet, Fefcasfbmala 1S002
                                                (215)69*9648
                                              Rda (215) ©9-7»0;
                      - Forwarded by David Ritter/R3AJ8EPA/US on 01/08/2004 01:52 PM —

                                 Mordunlop@aol.eorn
                                              To:   R3 Mourtaiiiop@EPA
                                 12QQ72DQ312:46    oc:
                                 PM            Subject: ..foratt. Mr John Forren,, please.
                 r
                                                         .BEC'D
                  o    oVi f>

                 US   (

                                 «f>e
-------
                                                                                                                                                                              BillDwyer
            streams.

            tn rny understanding Wowing of? mountain tops is a very considerable
            achievement, drying streams Is a dangerous pasttime as they have
            usually predetermined their flow regeirm and pathways and will quest to
            have them returned with mudslides and the like oceurtng as they
            re-establish their powerful w$ys,

            I  will be interested in any comments.

            Yours Sincerely,

            Morris Duntop,
1-9
                                                                                                          REC'DAU811»3
                                                                                                                                           S/v
                                                                                                      1-8
                                                                                                                                                                         1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                       A-941
Section A - Citizens
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                            oar   J^ivtr*   j.  Straws   in
                      £ff  -t^o
                                                                                                  5-7-2
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Craig Edgerton
                                                                                                                                                             , 2003

                                                                                                                                                  Mr. John P&rsett
                                                                                                                                                  Pmj-ret MaiMget
                                                                                                                                                  US, Environmental Ptotecfton Agcijcy (3HA30)
                                                                                                                                                  1650 Aich Stueet
                                                                                                                                                            , PA 19103
                                                                                                                                                  Dear Sit:

                                                                                                                                                  "The federal govetrtrnmt — with Rarfmbijarts m ramtro! of the Whit** Housn, Coitgmas and tlie jt«lidary -- fes
                                                                                                                                                  Ismidied ihe !&rge$t roHl»^k o£ ratvitoiiffieiit^ latp ever. The Bush administration seen^ cteietmined to undo
                                                                                                                                                  mucfe of the good done since Earth Day 1970, when 20 mflEon Atnetieam defended tfie pkn^t m the biggest
                                                                                                                                                  mass demons tmrioii m, US, hastor^.".  "BtBh's 'Healthy Forests" initiative Kkesrae suffers fiom Oiwdfian
                                                                                                                                                  doublespeak, fdHng VSfestem forest* to saw tbsttt Disgyis-ed ss a me«s«rfi for airbing un!4fit et, die plait invites
                                                                                                                                                  logging cotnpanirs to cut heatti^ UT.CS in nasJon»l forests wfijte irdiidng public oversight'*.' Mow the Btish
                                                                                                                                                  tfdministrafcion wants totmkfrit easier ftjt (SxtlmiiwigcoitipatMs to Mast fee tops off mountains and ckimp
                                                                                                                                                  tlie icKts pf jegv^taig «^iste into ttie v^llevs sitd sttesunss tselow  HiyA1 weH I osai tecill a 0aH iTjiiting1 opeatioo
                                                                                                                                                  being aliowed to tip KK! strip Jiete in  Colorado 4! the •wiiiic promising to protect the envitonffleat Now it's  a
                                                                                                                                                  Superfimd site. Thanks, but- no thanks.

                                                                                                                                                  According to fee draft BIS, tibe eovironrn^tla! effects of motint^ntop rei'n0val ace widespread, dei?astating and
                                                                                                                                                  pemt^ient Yet liie draft BIS pKJptvse* 110 twtiieSiom on the siasr- of wAe^ Mis tliat tMicy sltesms, rio limits cm
                                                                                                                                                  the iiumbeE of acas- of f«»t that cm be destroyed, no protections for imperiled wildlife atid no safeguaeds
                                                                                                                                                  fo« the ojrnmunities that depend on the ie|^etfi's mtustt t«sou»3e* for tlieinselvss itnd ftitme gciie;fiitk>m,
                                                                                                                                                  Instead, theBinh ^naiaistmtioR's "ptefeteed altetoative" fot adtl.i«ssmg Ac eitoriiiK*iB problems closed by
                                                                                                                                                  mountaiutop tsmowd iuin.tn]g igjiotfts th^ asdnunistsitkHi's OTSTI studies and pix>posffi weakening esis ring
                                                                                                                                                  ciKviionniT-n-tsiI iKDtectiDUS and sittowiiig ii'K>i,intain.t^j teai'K.waJ siK.1 associated vt^ley fills to continue al an
                                        you to.aineaid the EPA's dbafi oiviitMtincntal intact statement 30 as to limit the effects of
                                        aiiacBp r ernowl mining, I fiisi it unconscionable tJhat the Bush administmtion ptam to contttiue
                           to tef CM! corr^aiiics clrsttny .Appria^a with mining prastie«ts that lewfl m(wmMintt>p», wipe out forests^ bury
                           sfteams and destroy comnfia'uties,

                           TbeBuisrh adrmnisttaticaim«st coesktet altctnativo th^t raxiucc the enviE0nmmt#i in^^asts of motsritaiiitop
                           reitiGvsl aitd then inqdemeiit meiasutes to ptoiect ngtuiat resources and comrrnffuties in AppalaAia, such as
                           cestrioaam on the six^ of smiley fills to rectee'tihe dcstntcttcm of su'earns^ for-^stej %*ikOife and comcnttnitirs, 1
                                   to i
                                        iediati^y amend the draft EIS accordingly.
                                                                                                                                                  Sincere^;
                           854 W<^t Battfement
                                  e CO 81635
                                                                                                                                                  (970)285-9825
                                                                                                                                                                         -ay, II206
                                                                                                                                                                Wat era Nature, GLENN SCHEKER / Sal
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-942
Section A  - Citizens
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                                                                                                          Edgar Edinger
         (Embedded image moved to file-; pJc295l0.jpg)
       - ...... Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 11:18 AM -—
             Craig Edgerton
             
   To:  R3 Mountaintop@EPA
  cc:
Subject; consider alternatives that reduce the etmronmental impacts

    enclosed)
             12/31/200301:56
             PM
       The Bush administration must consider alternatives that reduce the
       environmental impacts of movmtgmtop removal and then implement measures
       to protect natural resources and communities in Appatachta(See at&ched
       tiler Doc2.doc)
                          1-5
                                                                .^/&***"
                                                                J^A^^^^"
                                                                                              tM^tfl^/tJL^
                                                                                                                  1-9
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                   A-943
Section A - Citizens
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lierEdinger
                                                                                  Dave Edwards
                                                                                       1-9
                                                                                       1-10
                                           /^iJs  •^AMjtM &&JJAA
             	Fora/acded by David Ridet/R3/USEPA/ US on 01/20/2004 0'9:08 AM -—

                         "bongod a ve@cox. ne
                         t" 
-------
          We must start appealing to the corporation's conscious, fot doing the tight thing and give
          recognition... and give our business to ihe ones thM ace improving and caraig and are
          greening up. We could start some kind of honoring system, to help recognise the ones we
          wish to buy from of invest in. And this may help get the attention of the stockholders to
          get more involved and caring.. .This in itself would actually help the CEO's of these
          companies do what they invariably wish to see get done, but are afraid to being up to there
          seniors for the fear effacing fired....Or worse...  ridiculed  and labeled as a "softy" or "Tree
          Hugger5'.

           Perhaps a lot of this got out of control because of our basic egps for miany vears have been
          bred with teat. It is kind of like an on stage feedback ...where everyone is afraid to turn
          down the volume. What will happen if no one turns gets up to adjust it? I have never seen
          any cssc where anyone would let feedback go for. more than one or two seconds Co find Out
          Yet how long have we been letting it build up?

           No one ever knows, what will happen, because it is corrected...Mid quickly!  Though
          everyone FEELS that if it does not get attention, soon... it can't be good... and will obviously
          be very uncomfortable, until it. burns out... blows up...or simply breaks down. Though, While
          everything is at a high fevered SQUEAL-!!!... Everyone starts to cover there ears and run! No
          one can prosper or even think beneficially in this feedback xone. Do you alsd feel we need to
          turn it down... and get it all back under control,., where it will be more comfortable, for
          everyone? Then we can all get back to the fun stuff ...dancing, building, living and loving it
          all ...and each othec.

          Also we may need to be caretul promoting Hydrogen as an energy source. I  recently heard
          on  a public radio talk show...the daily expert guest, telling people that hydrogen may be as
          bad as anything else that reduces ogone. And that no matter how much care is taken in
          transferring and transporting, "some hydrogen  will leak out" just as all gases leak even
          when " they" say "they won't". And what about the possibility that we could be creating
          even more dangerous terrorist targets (hydrogen plants] along with the nuclear plants we
          don't know what to do with... and or even how to fix nuclear plants, as they are starting to
          find that borax is now eating holes thru these reactors, also now I see they are saying some
          of the parts won't with stand the pressures they thought it would. [I am afraid to look into
          tins one]. And that the human maintenance has not been checking for these  leaks, like they
          said they would do, of have supposedly been doing. Along with what..inadvertently,
          possibly, creating more hydrogen bom.

          Can't we just f:or  a while concentrate on less disastrous alternative sources such as wave,
          wind, mid sobt energy? Soon  as hydrogen  is accepted, corporate giants may get in and ruin
          it, by trying to squeeze that, last dmighty dollar  out, by reducing safety and environmental
          concerns...we have that already, with reactors...Jt is not working... we still don't know what
          to do with the waste...  or how to protect them  from evil  doers...or how to maintain them
          properly or maybe even how to fix them. And no one seemed to have visualised fiiat booix
          would form  in then! and start eat ing holes through the metal, in places hard  to reach,
                   and repair. And we trusted them to kn0*5? what they were doing by testing these pttts...which
                   now may becoming another nightmare. l%ey say that the person going into them to foe them
                   will be exposed to over a years wotth of radiation, Who ya gonna call?

                   We need to getaway from instant gratification thinking. Let's Open up to something new,
                   fresh, and renewable, The energy is already 'naturally' there begging to be used this way.
                   Let's give it a fry.

                   I believe if our leaders... along with the rest of the world would quickly read and or listen to
                   these books aid tapes* listed below, we would have a chance to get thru all this, swiftly and
                   with as little grief as possible and may create a lot of good friends on the way...though I
                   don't think Saddam Hussein would be motivated  to change... 1 brlicvr he is... our
                   motivation... to change... ! never read so much and so fast in my life- And I now, have
                   learned the difference between Religion and being Spiritual, and better... how the
                   two can compliment each other, yet, not be the same thing. Mote importantly, why it is so
                   imperative thai we seek to find this difference very soon.. .there yre. more reasons here than
                   we thought And it is really so easy to understand, the way these authors express these
                   Universal Ideas and differences.

                   Tf you are a seeker...
                   This may help you find some new angles, from these Angels,

                   1]  MANIFEST YOUR DESTINY (and others] Tapes or book by Wayne Dyer
                   2]  * GARY ZUICAV'S book - SOUL STORIES, SEAT OF THE SOUL -Tapes or book
                   3]  Or you could Listen to these  audio tapes first  They may be the fastest *THE NEW
                   REVELAT1ONS-BY NEE, DONALD WALSCH along-with his Friendship with God or
                   Communion with God series or  CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD
                   4]  THE, STARSEED TRANSMISSIONS; THE THIRD MTLLENIUM; RETURN OF
                   THE BIRD TRIBE by KEN CAREY  [listen to  the others first, then these]
                   5]  *** HEALING THE SOUL OF AMERICA  and/or EVERYDAY GRACE by
                   MARIANNE WILLIAMSON
                   6] THE BOOK OF CO-CREATION THE REVELATION' our crisis is a birth-
                   BARBARA MARX HUBB ARD
                   7] SCIENCE OF MIND — T1iis was actualy my  fiat introduction to all of these books,
                   tapes... and spouse. And the re#l conscious beginning to my life's purpose or quest. Please
                   check out their small booklet, published monthly, that has continued the studies started by
                   EARNEST HOLMES (this is NOT to be confused with Scientology ... which we know
                   nothing about, so we can not advise one  way or another about, that, please ...no offense to
                   aiwone.) This is also the way my life partner and  I met ... at a Creative Life Drum Citcle
                   Thru Reverend Df. Jesse Jennings He is the minister of the Creative Life Spiritual Center ol
                   Houston. T3C He also has an article monthly in this periodical. And it is a very good
                   read... and is very inte resting as he answers some of the most  "  tough" questions about the
                   ^>ititual  practice we all go thru in out everyday li\*es and he has a knack of making it all  fun!
                   And is well worth the time checking him out. By reading the periodical called SCIENCE OF
MTM/VF Draft PEiS Public Comment Compendium
A-945
Section A - Citizens
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          jVUND-chafige your thinking change youc life; a philosophy, a faith, a way of life. Can be
          ocdeced online at scienceofmind.com or call 800-247-6463 oc check a local bookstore or
          library,
          8] -**j* www,humanitiestpam.com or humanitysteam.com - or look up Neil
          Donald Walsch* which you can check this out now. And actually Help now.
            9] THE LAST HOURS OF ANCIENT SUNLIGHT- THOM HARTMAN -Rachel my
          spouse, read this, and recommends it I haw not read it yet Though she
          had introduced me to all the others., .must be good. She has recommended
          that I include it heir,
          10] Carolyn Myss -Listen to anything by her,  i.e. ENERGY ANATOMY,
          ANATOMY OF THE SPIRIT, SACRED CONTRACTS; or TOUR PRIMAL NATURE*
          11]*** Tlie DEAD SEA SCROLLS by GREGG BRAD EN
          12]  'JUMP TIME* by Jean Houston*Ph,D.
          13} TOUR PRIMAL NATURE' by CAROLYN MYSS
            We need to become  more a more 'all inclusive5,,, and less
          'separatists' as a society..,  maybe I am wrong... I have been
          before...though 1 personally, at this time... feel...
          ..Instead of just saying "God Bless America". We need to think a little
          deeper and perhaps say" GOD BLESS US ALL".., Or ECGOD BLESS  OUR WORLD or
          God Bless our Earth"	Oc "GOD BLESS OUR UNIVERSE...".
          Otherwise our image comes through as if are coming from a separatists
          fear base [as opposed to a lave base].,,as if there is not enough
          GOD/LOVE TO GO AROUND to bfess... everyone... let alone a whole other
          country.
          ..IT MUST SEEM LIKE A NEGATIVE REMARK TO EVERYONE ELSE WIG IS
          NOT
          INCLUDED IN THIS "God Bless America".., 'PRIVATE CLUB'. We need to start-
          accentuating the things we all have in  common...starting with die "EARTll3..... Though that
          would seem logical...yet,,It also seems that we need a constant reminder of this...perhaps we
          could fly a !*RESII NEW FLAG funder* each countries flag. And the only requirement to fly
          this flag,.. would be... you have to belong to the Earth,.,, Or even more inclusive.. .the
          universe... The add-on flag could simply have a picture of die EARTH on it. Perhaps
          with the word *ONE* or We are all one...or We're all in this together...something more all
          inclusive...across the front ot it, as a constant reminder that all., .what 'one*
          does...now,,, a Erects us all...especially now that the world seems,., much 'smaller3 these days, *
          We are... now.,, all... in the same boat1." Let's not rock if" as the saying goes. Better yet lets
          start fixing the holes we have put in it...and  start treating each other the way we would like to.
          be treated,,,and we all will have much more fun sailing "with a much smoother ride^ with less
          tension, then we can all be rested and prepared lo wotk together when the storms rise.
          The sale of this flag could help repair the earth and each other.  From the damage we ALL
          did. Please read Healing the so til of America and listen to Nestle Donald Walsch- They can
          be ch^ckfd out from ths library. These tapes se^m to be saytng everything we all have been
          trying to say anyhow, but without knowing  how to put the words together, especially
          without all the dogma involved. And they have the potential to help us... help others. ..if, or
                  when, they ask for help, and you will know mote what to sty.. .or some things to refer
                  seekers to.. People knowing of these madaities.,, CAN save our world, as we now know it
                  Most of all.,. these authors admit that, these messages are not the only way. .."just another
                  way**. And even better,..not everyone needs to e\*cn hai't read all of these to make t
                  deference in the collective conscious of the planet It has been discovered that it only takes
                  10% of a population to effect a knowing in the rest. [The hundredth monkey effect] ot
                  read/listen to the LOST DEAD SEA SCROLLS for mote info on this.
                  All in all, we must cemembet that TOE EARTH DOES NOT BELONG TO US...WE
                  BELONG TO THE EARTH. Chief Seattle.  And ...Humans are not the only ones on the
                  E&cth ...we just act like it

                  These two sayings,,, simply put ...seem to help as bring things back to perspective swiftly.
                  Also 1 noticed that Marianne Williamson, Neil Donald Walseh and Ed Asner arid many
                  many others are now endorsing DJ {Dennis John] ...Ed Asner, coincidently, is  one of the
                  readers for the CONVERSATION WITH GOD SERIES written by Neil Donald WaiscH.
                  Please don't think that Neds book and tapes arc lull ot dogma they are more like common
                  sense,..actually going thru his material, is more like ce™membering» than learning anything
                  knew. Tlits is a collection of thing? we ^Itrssdy know...  bur somehow have forgotten.,,yet
                  oddly as we re-discover this information...we feel, Tety profound, while te-connecting with
                  all  this.  They art likf. no other book of topes that T have ever read or heard-  And this scries
                  along with Marianne Williamsons, Carolyn Myss, Gary Zukav and Wayne Dyer may haw the
                  potential for so much healing* on such * grand scales foe everyone,., that makes these best
                  sellers. And must reads,.,why they dofft use these in schools is almost ridicule s...it has
                  the potential to  avect grie£ ...almost ImtnediRtely. And 1 don't consider it any more religious
                  than teaching a psychology class. It is not the only way ...just another way.
                   Good Happens
                   Love Shall Prevail
                   dave edwards
                   6990 steams coad
                   olmsted fells, OH 44138
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Robert Eggerling
                                                                                Susan Eggert
                                                                                                        Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/TJS on 0.1/06/2004 lOtC-7  AM  ——
                     29 (MM
                     MetStcraPABSJ
                                                                                                        Maun ta i nt op6 EFA
                                                                                                          January 2004
                                 OL-5 •  S-PA
                            BEC'D DEC 3 B 2i^   ^
                                                                     1-9
               Attached are my cam-M-nts  regarding th& Draft EIS em mountain top coal
               mining
               and valley £ill&,   I have worked it; the field of all-earn ecology far the
               last 15 years/ including  12  years of conducting research (organic matter
               cycl ing arc: Macro i rix^srt^fora-te production J  i n h-fe-a-clwater  stre^m^ of the:
               southern Appalachian Mountains .

               1 am glad that this E1B was  ee-irpleted. However, tlse..r«s are seme serious
               problemus cone-erring th& scientific basis of statements  presented  in the
               Draft SIS,  I ant especially  concerned abo«t the use of  qualifying words
               stich as "potential" and "niay affecc" throughout the EIS,  especially in
               light of the overwhelming scientific evidenoe presented in the EIS
               showj ng
               the negative de-was t ream effects of MTH/'VF.  I sincerely hope  that the
               authors of the Draft EIS  consider ?ay attached coiaff-ents  and r^ake the
               appropriate changes to better reflect the scientific data gathered to
               date .
                                                                                                         Susan L . Eggert ^  Ph.D.
                                                                                                         Department of Entomology
                                                                                                         Utiiversity of Georgia
                                                                                                         Athena, GA 3060.':
                                                                                                         (706) b 42-7860
                                                                                                         eggeiTiiaS spare .ecology- ug^ . e
                                                                                                         (See attached file: HTM vrc
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   Draft EIS MTM/VP comnente bv S.L. Eggert:

   The purpose of this Draft EIS is to "evaluate options for improving agency programs under the
   Clean Water Act (CWA). Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) and the
   Endangered Species Act (EKA) that will contribute to reducing the adverse environmental
   impacts of mountaintop mining operations and excess spoil valley fills (MTM/VF) in
   Appalachia." Unfortunately, the preferred alternative focuses more on agency and mining
   company efficiency rather than reducing advene environmental impacts of MTM/VF. The
   following items must  be addressed in the final draft of the EIS:

   a. Selenium contamination of waters draining MTM/VF sites has repeatedly violated provisions
   of the Clean Water Act and US EPA's Sate Drinking Standards (66 violations).  No solution to
   this environmental impact has been presented in this EIS.  At a minimum, selenium levels in
   soils to be distorted by MTM/VF should be included as part of the permitting process.  Those
   areas with high selenium soils should not be disturbed.  The clear findings of unhealthy selenium
   concentrations below valley fills also should be stated in the executive summary for the public to
   see, rather than buried in numerous appendices. This is a serious human health issue since
   selenium bioaceumulates.

   b. There are references throughout the EIS regarding applying "functional stream assessments to
   determine onsite mitigation:' (i.e. ES-6, ES-7, ES-9, ES-10, II.C-51-54, U.D-6)  However, no
   method of doing these functional assessments has been  presented in this RIS.  The COE Stream
   Assessment Protocol for Eastern Kentucky DOES NOT MEASURE FUNCTIONAL
   ATTRIBUTES OF STREAMS (examples of ftinctional measurements include: organic matter
   decomposition, respiration, primary and secondary production, nutrient cycling). Text in the
   protocol clearly states that the COE Stream Assessment Protocol for Eastern Kentucky was not
   designed to measure functional attributes due to cost and inconvenience to the regulated public.
   ''// is appreciated that a more thorough treatment of modeling stream functions may he
   accomplished with a more intensive effort. However, this would also take a greater expenditure
   of resources and may also impose new requirements OH the information submitted by
   applicants™ (Sparks, Townsend, Htgman and Messer, Aquatic Resources News: a regulator)'
   newsletter, US ACOE, 2003) Note: this publication was not included in the Draft EIS and
   should be included in the final EIS. The Eastern Kentucky Assessment Protocol only measures
   structural and physical components of streams: taxa richness, EPT richness, mlffil,
   %Ephemeroptera, %Chironomidae  + Oligochteta. conductivity, riparian width, canopy, and
   embeddedness (Sparks et al. 2003). Furthermore, a stream assessment protocol developed by the
   Norfolk District and the Virginia OBQ also did not include functional measures of streams.
   (Schwinn and Culpepper 2003) [Note: this publication was not included in the Draft EIS and
   should be included in the final EIS.] The authors of tits publication also acknowledge that this
   protocol does not address stream Junction, "Because development ofafiilfyjimatonalstream
   assessment model could lab; several months, there was a need for a more rapid assessment tool
  for the regulatory program that \¥as still objective and quantitative. Therefore, the Norfolk
   District and the Virginia DEQ decided to pursue, an interim stream assessment protocol that
   could bridge the gap between the subjective measures currently in place and ttfullfunctiatial
   assessment model The interim stream assessment approach u not a full functional assessment
   model in the sense that the Corps' Hydro-Geomorphic (HGM) assessment or the U.S. fish and
   Wildlife Service's Habitat Evaluation Procedures tWKP) are. " "Therefore, while specific stream
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6-6-4
ecological functions have Hot bean identified, it is presumed that the highest sustainable
ecological functions occur in the least disturbed streams relative to moderately disturbed and
most disturbed stream systems, " (Sehwinn and Cutpepper. 2003),

I applaud the fact that (lie draft EIS suggest? that fonetional measurements of streams will be
used to assess streams impacted by MTM/VF. The HGM method designed by the COE for
wetlands is a good one and has been used successJiilty for wetland mitigation. Additional time
and money should be spent to come up with a truly functional approach for stream assessment.


c.  The total length of stream miles previously impacted by MTM/VF are underestimated in the
draft EIS,  tn the "Landscape Scale Cumulative Impact Study of Mouataintop Mining
Operations" conducted by US EPA .Region 3 (Appendix 1) impacted  stream estimates were
derived from synthetic steam networks. The authors of the study admit that their methods
probably underestimate the actual number of stream miles  impacted by MTM/VF, "Far the data
used in the cumulative impact study a contributing area of 30 acres was selected to generate a
stream. There is some uncertainty is this selection given that permits in Kentuch' have indicated
perennial streams in watersheds smaller than 10 acres. Therefore; the synthetic stream network
may underestimate stream length." They also admit that they did not verify the accuracy of their
synthetic network with actual stream lengths in the field, "The synthetic stream network was not
ground tnitfied." (USEPA 2002, Appendix I, p. 24).  Furthermore, their results did not include
downstream  impacts to streams, "Indirect impacts to streams such as those that would occur
downstream from filled or mined out stream areas were, not evaluated in this analysis. As such.
results of the direct impacts of stream metri.es likely underestimates total impacts to streams."
(USEPA 2002, Appendix I, p. iii-iv). The potential itmccuracy of the impacted stream miles (in
this case an underestimate of the potential environmental damage inflicted by MTM/VF) MUST
be stated upfront in the executive summary and not hidden from the public in an appendix.

d.  The misstatement in the Executive Summary that, "Some streams below fills showed
biological assemblages and water quality of good quality comparable to reference streams"
(ES-4) must  be removed from the draft EIS.  Streams below fills were in good condition or better
only 33% of the time according to US EPA data, (Green and Pasanore, 2000 Appendix D).
Unmined sites scored in the good or very good range 91%  of the time (Green and Passmore,
2000 Appendix D).  Actual  statements from the US EPA report are below;

       In contrast to the unmined xit/es, the filled sites scored over the entire range of conditions.
Over all five seasons, the filled sites scored in the very good range 14% of'the time,  in the good
range 19% of the time, in the fair range 53% of the time, tn the poor  range 12% of the time, and
in the very poor range only 1% of the time,. We believe the range of biological conditions found
in the filled sites can he explained by differences in water quality ('see section 7. Ofor a
discussion of the associations between biological condition tmd conductivity). (Green and
Passmore, 2000 Appendix D).

       In the seasons wft/i complete data sets (spring 1999, winter 2000, and spring 2000), the
unmined sites generally sea-ad in the good to very good range using the WVDEP Stream
Condition Index. Over all five seasons, the unmined sites scored in the very good range 72% of
the time and in the good range /P9» of the time (table 2). (Green and Passmore, 2.000 Appendix
D).
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   There is « huge difference between 33% and 91%. Clearly, valley fills nejatively impact Dtteam
   raacroinvertebrates. The atti'inpt to mislead the public with respect to the negative «ff«ets of
   MTM/VF cm aquatic biota by the authors of tfce draft ETS is unethical,

   Section 1-2,  Under "Purpose of the EIS" heading, "Unites" should be spelled "United." Please
   correct this error throughout the ETS.

   e. li.C-10. According to the draft EIS, "The SMCRA regulations do not currently contain
   requirements far biological monitoring or documenting physical attributes ofsti'eams. " How
   will adverse impacts on aquatic biota be monitored if biological monitoring is not required?
   Some provision for the requirement of biological monitoring should be included in the
   permitting process and described in the final EIS.

   f. Monitoring and inspection. (II.C-57).  This section is extremely lacking in details as to how
   monitoring will be accomplished. Storm water monitoring should be required to accurately
   quantify pollutant loading. Bageflow monitoring minimizes environmental effects of MTM/VF.

   g. ll.D-8.  "unnaceptable" is spelled incorrectly.  Regarding the advance veto powers of EPA in
   cases where it finds that mountaintop niining would have unacceptable adverse effects on certain
   aquatic resources, I hope that someday EPA finds the courage to exercise its CWA Section 404
   (c) authority on this i»sue. Based on the date presented in every study associated with this BIS,
   mountaintop mining and valley filling causes and contributes to significant degradation of waters
   of the U.S., which directly violates 40 CFR 230.10(e) of Section 404 (b) of the CWA,
   h. II.D-9, The statement, "Further, the EIS studies did not conclude that impacts documented
   bdmv MTtvf/VF operations cause or contribute to significant degradation of waters of the U.S.
   [40 CFR 23Q.10fc}], " is euiiipletely false. Data presented in every study associated with this
   EIS, demonstrated that niountaiittop mining and valley Elling causes and contributes to
   significant degradation of waters of the U.S., which directly violates 40 CFR 230.10(c) of
   Section 404 (b) of the CWA. To just name a few, consider the increased selenium concentrations
   below valley fills that violated safe drinking water standards (66 times), the increase in
   concentrations of sulfatc, total dissolved solids, total calcium, total magnesium, hardness, total
   manganese, dissolved manganese, specific conductance, alkalinity, total potassium, acidity and
   nitrate/nitrite below valley fills, the shift from pollution sensitive macroinvertebrates to pollution
   tolerant ones below valley fills, the decreased mean particle size and greater number of particles
   less than 2 mm in size below valley fills, and the complete loss of more than 1,200 miles of
   headwater streams? A paragraph on. page 1IID.13 specifically states that there is probable cause
   between mining upstreais and increased conductivity in stream water below the fills: "In
   general, the filled and filial/residential classes hadstthstatttialfy higher median conductivity
   than the unmined and mined classes. It is important to note that tlie filled sites generally had
   comparable or higher conductivity than thefllled/r^sid^ntidl sites within a watershed, indicating
   that the probable cause of the increase in  the total dissolved solids at the filled/residential sites
   was the mining activity upstream rather than the residences. "
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5-5-1
i.  Ut.C-12. In reference to the last bullet under "Biological": The statement "They enhance
sediment trwisport {fwvn$£re®ffl by hr&dfaji^ dov^n th& Imf itiaterigl,'' should read "They
fine organic matter transport downstream by breaking down the leaf material," This phrase
should also be corrected on the bottom of page 10 of the Proceedings of the Aquatic Ecosystem
Enhancement Symposium, Appendix D.

j. IILC-20. The statement, "In fact, the establishment of ponds or wetlands on benches or at the
toe of mined areas may tend to limit ike effect of disturbances on the downstream watersheds
(Wallace, i. in EPA et al, March 20, 2000), " is not complete. It also should be added here that
B. Wallace and R. Powell stated that ponds do not replace the structure and function of original
first and secotid order watersheds (Proceedings of Aquatic Ecosystem Enhancement Symposium,
Appendix D, p. 18 and 19),

k, IILD-2. "A cumtilative impact study of the length of stream directly impacted within the study
area was performed by the USEPA (2002). The stream lengths evaluated were based on the same
synthetic stream network as the OSMftlt iflvmtor}' which includes streams located upslopefrom
the USGS Uueline streams- "Hits ettmulativf impact study differed from the previously discussed
studies in that the estimate of stream length Impacted was based on length of stream filled and
length of stream mined through* This study estimated lf 208 miles oj direct impact to stream
systems in the study area based on permits issued in the last ten  years (1992-2002). Ms
estimated of filled or mined through streams represents 2.05% of'the stream miles In the study
area. "  These values of stream miles lost are underestimates based on the authors' qualifications
of the methods used in the study. sSee  toy comments above.
1.  1I1.D-5. "The extent to which energy loss may he offset by input from reclamation of the mine
site and adjacent undisturbed areas, a unknown. Impacts thai this type of net energy "change"
would have on the. downstream aquatic environment is uncertain and requires further
investigation." Since trees don "t grow very well on reclaimed mine, spoil (Handel, 2002
Appendix E), and ponds do not replace the function of 1 st order streams (Proceedings of Aquatic
Ecosystem Enhancement Symposium, Appendix D, p. 18 and 19), there is probably little offset
contributed by reclaimed mine sites.

m. IH.0-14, 3rd paragraph. "This study also found very low percentages of may/lies
(&ph&meroplera) fit this site®  and etevat&l surf&cg water conductivity, hardness and tttilfales, "
should read," This study also/band very low percentages of mayflies (ephemenptera) at these
sites and elevated surface water conductivity, hardness and sulfates. "

n.IILD-19. "Creation of other ponds and wetland resources on mined land has shmvn more-
promise. Wallace (EPA 2000) suggested that these types of systems can be important sites of
nutrient storage and uptake provided that a sufficiently vegetated littoral zone is present."
B, Wallace also said that ponds cannot replace pre-miniug streams (Proceedings of Aquatic
Ecosystem Enhancement Symposium, Appendix D, p. 19).

o.IILF-3.  2nd paragraph, "Tress" should be spelled "trees"
                                                                                                                 p. Fig. III.F-2.  The legend for this figure has no shading on my EIS copy, so I cannot tell which
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  part of the figure refers to amphibians, birds, mammals or reptiles,

  q. HLF-7.  last paragraph. "Species richness and abundance 1$ tower on reclaimed grasslands
  than shrub/pole, fragmented forest, and Intact forest habitats (Wood and Edwards, 2001), "
  Species richness and abundance of what? This sentence contradicts the first sentence of the
  paragraph.  "Species richness mid abundance of songbirds is higher in shrub/pole habitats of
  maunlatntop mining sites than In grassland, fragmented forest, and intact forest habitats (Wood
  and Edwards, 2001; Canterbury. 3001), " Please rephrase.

  r. 1II.F-9. "Burton and Lykens, 1975" should read "Burton and Likens, 1975." This reference is
  not: listed in the References section of (he EIS.

  s. lll.F-16.  How much carbon sequestration has been lost due to MTM/VF? Since trees do not
  grow to any significant degree on reclaimed valley fills {Handel, 2002, Appendix E), hasn't
  MTM/VP reduced carbon sequestration? Mease address this question in the EIS,

  t. TII.G-3.  Peak  Flow Study.  If trees are unable to survive on reclaimed MTM/VF sites (Handel.
  2002, Appendix E), why bother including data regarding estimated peak flows on permitted  post-
  mining forested sites.  This scenario will never happen.

  u. FV.A-3.  The direct burial of stream segments by MTM/VF is not a long-term irretrievable
  commitment of resources if it is not permitted to occur in the first place.  The direct burial of
  streams violates 40 CFR  230.10(c) of Section 404 (b) of the CWA.  Unfortunately, US EPA is
  unwilling snd/or unable to use its advance veto power to minimize, and/or stop the downstream
  degradation occurring due to MTM/VF.

  v. IV.A-4.  "Ttte loss of these reserves would not have an immediate, irreversible €/fect on
  energy production, because sufficient coal reserves exist elsewh&re to meet current 0i&rg)>
  demands. However, long-term effects on energy production could occur, sines rendering some
  Appalachian surface mining coal reserves unminahle could ultimately hasten reserve depletion
  when other coal sources dwindle."  Other clean, renewable energy sources exist such as wind
  and  solar power. If these energy sources were currently being developed, long-term effects of
  unminable coal reserves would be offset. Please include wind and solar energy as options in this
  EIS.
  w. IV.B-3.  The statement, "No widely-accepted, statutcrdhett letting procedures exist for
  measuring the. presence/absence of the fine and marse organic mailer and coitsequettt energy
  contributions, of stream. Thus, the EIS stream chemistries studies in West Virginia and Kentuctiy
  did not document the effect of stream loss on Ike. downstream energ)' continuum, " is false.
  Widely-accepted, standardized testing procedures for measuring the presence/absence of the fine
  and coarse organic matter and consequent energy contributions of stream do exist in a book titled
  Methods in Stream Ecology (F. Hauer and 0. Lambert!, 1996), It is unclear why these
  measurements were not included as part of the EIS studies.
  x.  IV.B-3. "/// the absence oj standardized testing and research, it is not cl&ctf to whttt extent
7-6-4
5-7-1
11-9-4
5-5-4
thti direct stream fas* indirectly affects downstream aquatic life ft to also not evident to >rt«f
degree nrlamatiau and mitigation (e.g.. drainage etmtral and revegelalim) offset tltu organic
nutrient reduction The direct impacts of stream loss ar? permanent, but the downstream effect
from organic energy loss may be temporary. The data presented in each of the studies in
Appendix D directly contradict this statement. Valley fills result tn a shift from pollution
sensitive macromvertebrate species to pollution tolerant species. The evidence is (indisputable.

Existing CWA programs Indirectly address these effects through technology-based effluent
limits, Hate water quality standards, TMDLs, and other provisions designed to assure- overall
watershed health. " Please explain how TMT>I,s address these effects. Are MTM/VF effects
currently being included in TMDLs? If not, they should be,
                      y. 1V.B-4. The statement, "He®dw®t.& strg&m systems d& not have a tretn0Htfott$ capacity to
                      provide •purification functions '," is absolutely false based on published scientific literature (Meyer
                      1990, Peterson et al. 2001), EIS Authors: please prwM* the scienlific evidence for your
                      statement, "Headwater stream systems do not have a tremendous capacity to provide
                      purification functwits,"  If you have none, delete the statement.

                      z. IV.B-9. The protocol described in paragraph 3 does NOT measure aquatic function.  See my
                      comments above.
aa. IV.B-11.  "* Consistent definitions of stream characteristics and field methods for
delineation; * Clarifteatuta ofOSM stream buffer zone rule and de\>dopment of excess spoil
requirements jar alternatives analysis, avoidance, and minimization; * Re/iiied science-basefi
protocols/or asiesihtg aquatic, function, malting permit decisions, and setting mitigation
requireinents"" I agree witli each of these statements.  In particular, time, money and effort must
be spent on developing a truly functional assessment protocol for headwater streams. The
current protocols do not consider functional measures. There are already methods in the
scientific literature designed to measure stream function {Hauer and Laraberti 1996) and there
are many scientists who ate already trained in these methods. Ask them for assistance with this
task.

»b. IV.B-12. "BMP's". Please elaborate on this topic. They are mentioned repeatedly in the
EIS, but never discussed in detail. What specific BMP's would  be used? Any references for
these?

so. IV.B-12. "better integrated public participation." Please elaborate on this topic also. How
would it be improved beyond the process already in place?

ad, IV.D-4. "Burton and Lykens, 1975" should read "Burton and Likens, 1975." This .reference
i* not listed in the References section of the EIS.

ae. IV.D-6. The biological assessment is a good idea and probably should haw been done much
earlier in this whole process.  A complete biotic inventory of impacted areas should also be
required for the permitting process.
5-5-4
                                                                                                              14-2-4
7-6-4
                                                                                                                                                                                                        8-1-2
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
           A-950
                                                                        Section A - Citizens
-------
Clara Else
                                                                                  Susan Emberley
    —- Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:32 PM -—

                 "cclse@worldb auk.
                 org" 
-------
Julie Emerson
                                                                                  LindaLeeEmrich
                                                   fREC'D AUS2 72©  £ <
                                                                              He,  73
   *** - -  12-19-2003            " ""^
   Q
   "       Dear Mr. John Forren,

   UJ     Pleasa I am writing about.
           Rtountaxn top mining.

           Please this(3estroy»s) many-
           v&lleys,
   \.       .''•'.
           Blease;.::te.ll.lA' not to

               gj_envlroriijiental protections
[/Sji"- V~^pSotJoa of fconji»taintop) mining.
  l-TH€)   ..;'',•  .    ^-7—	  •'••,•
           Cnank" you very, IBIACJI,
                             Julie M Emerson
                           -' 4425 Rosecrown Ct
                           Port Coffins CO 80526
                                                               1-9
                                                               1-10
                                                                                                              f r>vi
               The Env-ironmcntal Impact Statement on Mountain Top Retnoiul'Valley Fill Mining
               should make It clear to everyone that this mmirig prac-tice must cease iminediately,
               as it s too devastating enviroiunentally, yet it has failed to make any such recommendation.
               God gave us tins planet Earth with an atmosphere and habitats where life could continue
               and diverse species could co-exist. When the people in government aid the mega' for profit'
               corporations see money as the only value, they to* sight of the natural balances that make the
                land capabk; of supporting life, then the people and all life fills victim to the kind of greed that
               will eventually render our planet incapable of supporting higher life forms and we will all
               suffocate together, regardless of how many big
               numbers of dollars a corporation or m poltician or a person controls. Could it be that the love of
               money has created ij these officials of the regulatory agencies a "blind eye"? Are they sailing for
               time with these studies so that when they decide to stop ft is already a done deal and there is no
               coal teft to be mined?
               Burning coal and fossil fuels creates air pollution, clearing away the forests and polluting our
               water and oceans reduces the amount of oxygen that is replenished to our atmosphere. This
               practice of Mountain Top Removal/Valley Fill Mining is no less than the sale and devastation
               of our habitat and our home, for corporate greed to reap their false profits.
               Once a mountain top has been removed, it is gone, so what is teft to study environmentally?
               The effects that the resulting flooding and loss of good water and and living forest has on the
               mood and economy of the people who are trying to go on living in these devastated areas?
               The EIS proposal is to study how to get inter-agency co-operation so that the coal
               companies can speed up their operations and sell more coal fester at a higher profit, just
               what we the people do noj need.
               Gone is goneSStop Mountain Top Removal/Valley Fin Mining NOW!
                                 Sincerely,
                    1-9
                                                                                                                                                            OndaJLeeeEmrich
                                                                                                                                                            Pence Springs, W.V.
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-952
Section A - Citizens
-------
Kathleen Enders
                                                                                                                                Nancy Erps
     — Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/07/200403:32 PM	
                 "ksenders(2>yalioo.c
                 om" 
-------
                                                                                                                                                                                    Craig Etchison
                                                                                                               P, O, Box 69J
                                                                                                               FottAshby, WV26719
                                                                                                               August 24,2003
                 John Forren
                 USEPA(3ES30)
                 1650 Arch St.
                 Philadelphia, PA 19103

                 Dear Mr. Forren:

                 This letter is a comment on the EIS for surfkce mining, including mountaintop removal
                 mining and associated valley fills.

                 I am appalled by the blatant attempt by the coal industry (and associated government
                 agencies) to streamline the permit process without making any recommendations about
                 how to prevent or lessen the substantial damage done to the environment by strip mining—
                 effects which were noted in the EIS studies.

                 How sad that the EPA has become little more than an organ for big coal when it wants to
                 rape the evirontnent, which it has done with disastrous consequences over marry year*.

                 Whatever happened to "Protection" in your agency's title? You are supposed to work on
                 the public's behalf to protect "our" environment.  You «re failing!

                 Sincerely,
                                                                                                                    ^
                                                                                                               Craig Etchison

                                                                                                               CC: Senator Rockefeller
                                                                                                                   Senator Byrd
                                                                                                                                                                                             1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-954
Section A - Citizens
-------
Karen Eva
                                                                                             Alice Evans
 .DeliveredDate:  01/04/2004 Ql:20:2& PM

 Please stop destroyittg.the.AppalacMaa Mountains,  More money needs to be spent on
 alternative energy sources. Kaeneva.
 @fron taaiet.net
1-13
                                                                                                          	Forwarded by David Rider/RMJSEPA/US on 01/08/2004 01:58 PM	

                                                                                                                     "aev an s{pfdoe-> state
                                                                                                          Mining
                               .vt.us" 
-------
Gaye Evans
                                                                                 McNairEzzard
   DeliveredDate: 01/06/2004 09:45:17 AM

   1 am writing to express my opposition to mountaintop removal and valley fills and .any
   change in the rule protecting stream buffer zones, I'm disappointed and angry that the'
   federal government.is ignoring to own studies by proposing to reduce protections for
   people and the environment I demand a new study that looks at the alternatives to
   prevent new mountaintop removal, and valley fill operations and to Mop the existing ones
   within S years or by the expiration of the current mining permit, whichever date occurs
   first.

   Thank you.

   Sincerely,
   Gaye Evans
   107 West Main Street
   Kttoxvjlle, TN 37902
1-9
1-10
— Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/OS on 01/07/2004 03:32 PM -—

            "73514.254
            @compxiserve,com"     To:    R3 Monntaintop@EPA
            <73514,254        cc:
                          Subject:  Please Stop Destructive Mountaintop
Removal Mining
            01/06/200408:54
            PM

Dear Mr. John Forren, Project Manager,

I strongly uige you to amend the EPA's draft environmental impact statement so as to
limit the effects of harmful mountaintop removal mining.

It is not acceptable that the Bush administration plans to continue to let coal
companies destroy Appalachia with mining practices that level mountaintops, wipe
out forests, bury streams and destroy communities.

I usge you to immediately amend the draft EIS accordingly.

Sincerely,
                                                                                           1-9
                                                                                               McNair Ezzard
                                                                                                PO Box 7040
                                                                                               Van Nuys, CA 91409
                                                                                               73514.254@compuserve.com
MTM/VF Draft PE1S Public Comment Compendium
      A-956
                                                              Section A - Citizens
-------
Pete Farino
         ----- Forwarded by David Ridcr/R3/USEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:42 PM -—

                   p_farino@yal»oo, co
                   m           To:    R3 Mountaintop@EPA
                              cc:
                   12/25/200310:58     Subject: No mountamtop removal for coal
                   AM
                                 — Forwarded by D*vid Ridet/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 01:59 PM -—

                                             Peter Farino
                                                        cc:
                                                          Subject NO MORE MOUNTAINTOP REMOVAL
                                                                                                   FOR COAL
                                                                                                               01/04/2004 10:29
                                                                                                               AM
         Mr, John Forren
         U.S. EPA (3EA30)
         1650 Arch Street
         Philadelphia, PA 19103

         Dear Mr. Forren,

         Stop destroying the Appalachians with milling practices that level
         mountaititops, wipe out forests, bury streams, and destroy
         communities.
1-9
         Sincerely,

         Pete Farino
         1625 Orasscreek Dr.
         San Dimas, California 91773
January 4, 2004

Mr, John Forren
US. Environmental Protection Agency
1650 Arch Sweet
Philadelphia,, PA 19103

De*r John Forren,

STOP DESTROYING OUR MOUNTAINS, FORESTS, AND STREAMS.  | 1 -9

Sincerely,

Peter Farino
1625 Grasscreek df.
San Dimas, CA 91773
USA
         cc:
         Senator Barbara Boxer
         Representative David Dreier
         Senator Dianrte Feinstein
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                 A-957
                                                     Section A - Citizens
-------
EstelleFein
                                                                                      Robert Fener
                                                                                                                                                Robert Fater
                                                                                                                                           1011 Swapping Camp Road
                                                                                                                                            Amheret, Virginia 24521
                                                                                                                                                                       August 8,2003
                                                                                         1-10
                   Jo
                   U.S.EPA(3BA30)
                   1650 Arch Street
                   Philadelphia PA  19103

                   Dear Mr, Fotreri:
                     Regarding the E1S on Mountamtop Mining and Valley Fills in Appalachia, I will
                   make my comments brief. NO!!! till!!!  Coal, despite a ^eat add campaign is not a clean
                   safe power source. I'm sure you are quite aware of the health ramifications of coal fired
                   power plants.  Additionally the air pollution is wiping out our forests and countless
                   species. To then say it is economical and wise to level mouata&is and then fill up valleys
                   with the waste is just insane.  Few will profit and saany more will suffer. It is time we
                   take a stand for sanity in our national energy policy and yes, my house is entirely solar
                   powered with photovoltaic panels.

                     Thank you for your attention in this matter.

                   Sincerely,
                                                                                                                  Robert Fener
                                                                                                                                                                                              1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-958
Section A - Citizens
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                                                                                                                                                                            Denise Ferguson
                                                                   DEC 2 8 as
                                                                                                                                                   REC'D m 0 S l
                                            Robert F«ner
                                      1011 Swapping Camp Road
                                        Amherst, Virginia 24521

                 Mr. John Forren                                   December 24,2003
                 U.S. EPA (3EA30)
                 1650 Arch Street
                 Philadelphia, PA 19103
                 Dear Mr. Forren:

                    Regarding Mountalntop Removal, I wi be brtef and to the point The Bu«h
                 plan is bad science.  Coal has destroyed Appalaohia. Coal fired power plant
                 pollution has Impacted our air, soil and waterways. Pollution iis killing our forests
                 and is the leading SOUK* of mercury, which is endangering anyone who sate
                 fl«h.  Coal is an obsotete technology in view of alternative energy sources.  Hive
                 in Virginia tn a home errfire^ dependent on the sun for heaflng, hot water and
                 photovoltaic electricity. Yes I do use backup systems, but two hours of generator
                 run time far the tatt eight months te not too bad.  To not think rnountaintop
                 removal is a major ecological disaster is to show a level of stupidity that it
                                                                           ,<
                                                                           '4
                                                                         4-
                                                                         f
1-9
                   Thank you for allowing me to comment on ihi* matter.
                 Robert Fensr
                                                                                                                                    ,
                                                                                                        1-9
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
          A-959
Section A - Citizens
-------
Steve Fesenmaier
                                                                                            Arthur Figel
       Steve Fesenmaier
                             cc:
                                 Subject: Comment on Mountaintop Removal Mining
                   08/14/03 02:10PM
                             — Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 01:59 PM	

                                         "%el@alurtt,:mite
                                         du" 
-------
Patrice Fisher
                                                                                                                                                         Gerry & Louise Fitzgerald
           	Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/07/200403:42 PM	
           Mining
" fishkend{&)earthli
nk.net." earthlink.net
                                                      1-9
                                  Qeay tnd Lwase Ftegedd
                                  39«CarfyieR0ad
                                  Marfinsburg,WV 25401
January 2,2004

Mr.JohnFonai
USBPA
1650 Arch St
PhikdelpHaPA 19103
                                                                                                                                                                                            Jffl fl  5 2ffft
                                                                                                                              Dear Sir:
                                                                                                                                    I am writing you on the issiE of motinlain top removal. This is at issue of particular
Mountain top removal has de\'33tated our environment by reducing the very mountains
ttexiselves, SlUog our valley stasis add Gifting v$& acreages of timber. All these actions
have had a severe impact on the lives of!oca!cctnnamitits. Jobs are tost because this method
of coal astracBoa taplayt fit fewer people than deep uriahg. lie losses of jobs meat
communities disappear. I"hose tiiat remiin are damaged fratiier by the blasting.  Next come
the rate Floods occur because fere is no vegetation on (he mountains and stream valleys
have been Sled, This is usaafly fl» final blew to a e
                                                                                                       Do not be fooled by promias of rcclaroaUoiiSiind flat land for development ?jid new homes.
                                                                                                       Nothing bat an aoported weed vsitt ^ow on this "t^alalmed" laad.  The feest is gone and
                                                                                                       
-------
Anthony Fiaccavento
                                                                                     Agatha (Betty) Fleming
              - Forwarded by David RiderffO/USEPAAJS on 01/08Q004 03:55 PM —-

                        ASD 
                                    To:   R3 MountaintopSjEPA
                        01/02/200403:59    oc:
                        PM           Subject: mountaintop removal mining practices
              January 2, 2004
                             — Forwarded by David Rider/13/USEPA/US on Ol/CW/2004 01:59 PM -—


                                          Betty 0, Fieming@w
                                          rizon.net         To:    R3 Mountaintap@EPA
                                                          cc:
                                          01/06/2004 03:00     Subject:  Appalachia Considerations
                                          PM
              Mr John Forreh
              US Environmental Protection Agency
              1650 Arch Street
              Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
              Dear Mr, Forren:
                             Project Managet John Forren
                             U.S. EPA (3EA30)
                             1650 Arch Street
                             Philadelphia, PA 19103
              I was shocked to learn of the EPA's plan to allow mountaintop removal
              mining practices to be accelerated and expanded.
              Many studies of the impacts of mountaintop removal. Including President
              Bush's own Environmental Impact Statement, make clear how much damage is
              done to homes, streams, forests and fishing and wildlife through this
              practice The proposed new rules will increase all of these problems by
              eliminating limits on the size of Valley fills and by reducing a 100
              foot stream zone protection area.
              Mr. Forren, I live in Appalachia where this mountaintop removal takes
              place.  Since moving here in 1978, I've seen the scars which this kind
              of practice leaves, I have numerous friends who mate their living In
              the coal industry and I am a strong supporter of economic development
              throughout the coalfields. But economic development need not and should
              not continue to occur at the expense of the environment, local farms and
              local communities.
              I urge you to seek another alternative, one which places strong limits
              on this highly destructive practice and allows local communities to
              maintain and build upon the natural resource base which they have.
              Thank you,


              Anthony Flaccsrvento


              Executive Director

              Appalachian Sustainable Development
1-10
1-7
Dear Project Manager Forren,


It is unconscionable that the Bush administration plans to
continue to let coal companies destroy Appalachia with mining
practices that level mountauitaps, wipe out forests, bury
streams, and destroy communities.


Please reconsider both the environmental and political
consequences on this practice.
Sincerely,


Agatha (Betty) Fleming
456 Riverside Drive
Princeton, New Jersey 08540-5421


cc:
Senator }on Corzine
President George W. Bush
Vice Presklent Richard Cheney
Representative Rush Holt
Senator Frank Lautenberg
                                                                                                         1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
          A-962
                                                             Section A - Citizens
-------
Catherine Fleisehman
                                                                                                                          Marsha Fishman
  Catherine    Fleischman
  Date:  1/07/2004
  City:  Canton       State:  VA
Zip:   23123
  Live as comfortably as we do coal, and timber have been harvested.form this state since
  its inception. The legacy of this harvest is flow left to the residents. We have the. choice
  of living with the remaining ecosystems at destroying them: for the coal left in the
  ground.  It. makes absolutely no sense to me to remove a mountain for what we "know is a
  very inefficient poisonous fuel that we already have the technology to .avoid using. It is
  just plain to expensive to sacrifice what is pristine and beautiful for something we do not
  need and need to. do without. Please let it be known to this organization that Mountain
  Top Removal fot coal is the worst way to support a sustainable comfortable economy.
  West Virginia will be much better off saving these mountainst streams, and communities
  for low impact farming and recreational industries.

  Sincerely,
  Catherine Fleisehman
  1304 Sports Lake Road
  'New Canton, VA. 23123
                                             1-9
DeliveredDate: 0.1/04/2004 Q6:Q6:12.PM

.As a woman, mother, grandmother and American I must state that I am opposed to
ittoufttaintop removal mining and. valley fills!

Please, will our grandchildren or their children see aay beauty in America?

Marsha Fishmati
1275 Bradford
Coppell, TX15019
                                                                                                                                        1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
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                                                            Section A • Citizens
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Janet Fout
                                    17
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-964
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                                                         10-9
                                                         10-6-5
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
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Section A - Citizens
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7>

"PU
                        -
                  {
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                                            A-966
Section A - Citizens
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                                                                                                                               Winnie Fox
                                    t
                                                                                                                      T"
                                                  JUfcJ-
            l"T>*'   njlAl-^*"
            O^p 4 - Citizens
-------
Luther Franklin
                                                                                                                                                                    TimFrasine
           	Forwarded by Dtvid Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:42 PM	
           Mining
net" 
-------
Vincent Frazzetta
                                                                                                                                     Suzan Frecon
               	Forwarded by G&vid Rid«/R3/USEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:42 PM	
                            "vfrazz@jimo.com"
                            
-------
Barbara Fredrickson
                                                                                                                      Rachel Frith
                 13 Rayon Piae Road
                 Littleton, CO 80127
REC'D JA« 2 2
                                                                                                                                      01/02/04  06:59  PH
                 Mr. John Fatten
                 U,S.EPA(3EA30) '
                 1650 Arch St.
                 Philadelphia, PA 19103

                 Dear Mr. Fonsn,

                 IdoaotsapportAlt«i*ttwl,2,or3«sdesera>edJiia»dmftEISt«part.Nt»eof*8S8e  I  J«
                 options win protect Appalachian fcrests, wgter, or communities, to particular, I oppose   '
                 the proposal to eiinnu^etfas sijeajs feuife?*zone rule that prohibits miaing activity withia
                 100 feet of steam. This rule should be strictly enforced for valley fills and in all other
                 Leveling mountains aad burying stream* is wrong and must stop.
                        1-10
Dear Mr. Forren,
i am concerned "to learn that thste are proposed changes by the  Buch
Administration to ralax or do #w-ay with th^s rule that mi nine?  Impacts
must not come within ICO feet of streams.  Mining c^Bpanies ntust be
held
accountable for Lh** environitsentcal daftrage that they do™ we should not be
making it easier for thsia cc destroy and pollute.  Please keep  the
st r ictar ^t.anda.f'd In pl.ace.  Thank you for your at tent i op ,
                                                                                                                                1-10
                 The Fredridaon Family
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                  A-970
                                                         Section A - Citizens
-------
DonGaines
              k'orwsrded by  David  Ridei/R3/U3EPA/US on  12/18/2003 05:21 FK	

                                   91 e*£-flsr« j 1 £ & ne to, c&
                                   B-                        To:
              M-->u n t a i n t op i| E C-A
R3
                                            that ther  eumu lat ive impsc t of the
                                            ffiountalntop  rsacral is addressed.
                                                                                                                   Sincerely,

                                                                                                                   don daines
                                                                                                                   rt f 1 box 65
                                                                                                                   annona,  Texas "5550
               9-2-2
              I am >?r it ing  to urge  the  Bush administration  to protect our
              mountains and streams  from mountaintop  removal coal raining*  I «,m
              outraged that the draft Eswiroritaental Imps-it  Statement  (EIS) or*
              moimtaintop ratio val proposes r4o  limits  on  this destructive
              practice, even Chuugh  the aiudy  clearly concludes that the
              frriv ironstetital effects  of  rftountsintop removal  are devastating and
              1 understand  that, the draft  El 3  concludes  that n<,or© than 1, 200
              ml 1 e;? of  streair?* have been dattsanBd or destroyed hy mountain too
              icsmoval .  It also concludes "uhat  1 • 4 million acien oH forests
              could be  ijTipactecl,  aionj with as many as 244  species ot
              wi 1 d.I : f a.  Fi nal ly,  it saya r.h^t  v^i thout acid i t ional ] imi t ®,
              another 350 square  niilea of  rrioun tains, streajns and fof^szs v;ill
              be d^strcygd  by u'-ount tain top  removal.

              In light  of these clear facts, I aro shocked that the draft EIS
              states that the Bush administration* s preferred alternative is
              to &'EA&i;K exist lag  environniefdr:.al prc-tecticrts. It v*ould allov-?
              piountAi ntop rcft'QVo 1 and arrsoci at.ad vnlley  fills to accels^rate by
              proposing to  streamline the  permittinc; process. Arid it proposes
              to roil back:  an important surface mining rule that preventa co^i
              coi?'ip.nn i ss from di tjturfoircf arftOf."  w1 thi n 100 foot of streams. This
              "preferred alternative" ignores  your ov-?n studies detailing ths
              devastation caused  &y mountaintop removal  coal mining:

              I urg*3 the Bush aditini strati or. to consider alter "Dative 3 that.
              r*ouce the environmental Liipactsr o£ w-oun tain top removal, and to
              i^lejaent these n'ieasures n&sdad  to protect the envlronnK;nt ar.d
              ccs.rsnunit.ies of Appalachia. In particular,  I urge the
              «-±air:isti:ation to ccnsicler restrictions on the size of valley
              fills to  reduce stream and forest loss. Thes*? alternatives stsuat
              DC evaluated  for individual  projects- && wo 11 33 regionslly so
             1-5
             1-10


             1-8

             9-2-2
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                       A-971
Section A - Citizens
-------
Pash Galbavy
                                                                                      Francis Gallagher
          	Forwarded by David Rider/R3/U'SEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:42 PM	
                     et" 
-------
Marie Gangwish
                                                                                Steven Gardner
                                                                                 1-10
               MOUNTAINTOF MINING EIS COMMENTS

               Submitted by:

               J. Steven Gardner, P.E., P.S.
               Engineering Consulting Services, Inc.
               340 South Broadway, Suite 200
               Lexington, KY4050S
               859-233-2103

               The debate over the legality of Mountaintop Mining (MTM) has now raged for many
               years and some have attempted to turn it into a morality play. Issues of morality are
               present in many aspects of out lives and not surprising people disagree on what is moral
               and what is not. Many good people disagree on several fundamental issues from what is
               marriage or relationships between two people to what is » just ctuse to go to war.
               Emotional pleas to ban MTM Iwe been made. Just because someone says something is
               true does not make it so. This is a technical issue and engineering and scientific facts
               should prevail.

               MTM SPECIFICALLY ALLOWED UM0ER SMCRA

               MTM is a mining method that the United States government is largely responsible for
               creating. I happened to have been starting my tenure in the engineering community when
               the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) was passed under
               President Carter. This act contemplated and specifically allowed and encouraged MTM.
               R&D under the Carter Administration's DOB, EPA and BOM helped develop and refine
               MTM.  I know because I helped work on several projects funded by those agencies.

               LONGSTANDING AND ACCEPTED PRACTICES ARE SUDDENLY
               DECLARED ILLEGAL

               The mining industry has been operating for almost 30 years with the understanding that
               these practices were legal and even encouraged by the government.  Full resource
               recovery and higher land utilization is one of the goals of SMCRA.  Many in industry
               also felt that SMCRA was designed to provide a coordinated approach to permitting sites
               that crossed agency and regulator)' program lines to avoid just the type* of problems that
               have now occurred: i.e. a continual reuitetpretation of regulations and insertion of
               personal beliefs.

               MTM IS TRULY A FORM OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

               MTM areas provide one of the keys to the economic future of Appalaehia. One point
               being missed in the public debate is APPALACHIAN LANDOWNERS WANT
               MOUNTAINTOP MINING) Landowners must approve any plan for MTM or it cannot
               take plage. Developments liave been created aad landforrned all over Central Appalaehia
               including hospitals, schools, golf courses, airports, industrial parks, prison sites.
                                                                                                                                                                                     12-1-1
                                                                                                                                                                                    10-3-2
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        residential and commercial developments, farms, recreation and wildlife areas, all of this
        in a region where level land is scarce. MTM is bringing many ttsiigs to Appalachis thai
        other regions take for granted. Some people see these sites today and do not know they
        resulted from mining. Wildlife is now more abundant than it was 30 years ago. Mining
        has actually helped create wildlife habitats and the resurgence of wildlife populations.

        ROCK AND DIRT ARE NOT NECESSARILY WASTE IN THE EPA CLASSIC
        SENSE

        Much has been made of the controversy over filling streams.  Mining can be compared to
        road construction. Material placed in hollow or valley fills has been called waste; a term
        adopted by engineers over the years, but not waste in (he connotation presented.  It is
        simply excess rock and dirt placed in engineered and managed fills. Streams are not lost
        forever. The water is still there, however new flow paths are created. The vast majority
        of these areas are in the upper reaches of a hollow where typically there is no water flow,
        comparable to drainage dilches or curbs that control the flow of water in dlies.

        SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

        The recent EPA EIS on MTM found that only 6.8% of Appalachia has or even can be
        mined by MTM methods, so I hardly think Appalachia is being "decapitated1' as many
        editorialists claim. Rather MTM as I have seen it e»n be described as creating "plateaus"
        of useable land where there was none.  As an Environmental Practioner,  1 strongly
        support Alternative HI, as outlined in the EIS as the preferable approach. I feel that
        "MOUNTAINTOP MINING IS A VALUE ADDED PROCESS".
10-3-2
5-7-2
1-4
J. STEVEN GAR0NER, P.E., P.S.

Mr. Gardner is President/CEO of Engineering Consulting Services. Inc. headquartered in
Lexington, Kentucky. He holds graduate and undergraduate degrees from the University
of Kentucky in Mining Engineering and Agricultural Engineering, respectively, plus a
graduate level Environmental Systems Certificate. He is a licensed Professional Engineer
in Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee, and a Licensed Professional
Surveyor in West Virginia. His twenty-eight years of experience includes Bethlehem
Steel mining operations in Kentucky and U.S. Coal Co. in Tennessee. He has worked as
an engineer and manager in both mining operations and consulting engineering, as well
as having served on a mine rescue team. His consulting practice focuses on mining and
quarry operations, due diligence studies, sensitive laud use issues, reclamation liability,
environmental, health and safety issues, and industrial heritage projects. He was a co-
editor and contributor to the "Coal Mining Reference Book" published in 1997, served as
a reviewer of the National Research Council's publication, "Coal Waste Impoundments;
Risks, Responses, and Alternatives" and is a continuing contributor to
JOD£^§Ise£llI$£JIlJsMi*EIE- ^*- Gardner is active in the Society of Mining, Metallurgy and
Exploration (SME) and just completed a th ree year term as Vice President of the
Southeast Region, member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the
12,000 + member organization. He was the 2003 recipient of the SME Government,
Education and Mining (OEM) Award given in recognition of "...enthusiastic support, of
GEM activities and for educating the public by partnering with school districts and
university systems to provide more information about the mining industry." He was
recently appointed to the Kentucky State Board of Licefisure for Professional Engineers
and Land Surveyors by the Governor.
         J. Steven Gardner, P.E., P.S.
         Engineering Consulting Services, Inc.
         340 South Broadway, Suite 200
         Lexington, KY 40508
         859-233-2103
MTM/VF Draft PE1S Public Comment Compendium
           A-974
                                                           Section A - Citizens
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Dawn Garten
    	Forwarded by David Rider/RMJSEPMJS oa 01/09/2004 03:54 PM	

               Dawn Garten
                   To:    R3 Mountointop@EPA
                             cc:
               01/06/200401:4?
                                   Subject; Comments on draft BIS on mountaintop removal
    mining
               PM
    January 6, 2004

    Mr. John Forren
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    1650 Arch Street
    Philadelphia, PA 19103

    Dear John Forren,

    1 am a citizen of Kentucky, born and raised here. 1 have grown up with the effects of coal
    mining a harsh reality in my life.  It is not fair that my people and the quality of our lives are
    sacrificed for the production of electricity.  I whole heartedly agree with the draft statement
    below these, my own words.  However, I wanted to add my own words so that you can put a
    burntm being with this request. Before you undo the protections that have been provided tor our
    land and people, I urge to visit Eastern Kentucky, particularly Chavies in Perry County,
    where I am from. It is a beautiful place. You need to drive in so that you can see the beauty, and
    fly out so you can see the devastation. Visit with my grandmother, but be sure to wipe the seat
    clean before you  sit, as the layer of cool dust on the chain will stain your clothing. And as you
    wipe that out. and you look into the eyes of an old woman who has worked lard to be a good
    mother and wife all her life, consider that the filth you prevent from getting on the seat of your
    pants coats her lungs and took the life of her husbaiul and killed her first born son. And then try
    to put the good of coal against the bad.  It is clear that your administration feels that sacrificing
    American lives for a 'greater good' is a necessary evil; we are, after all, at war. But defense from
    weapons of mass destruction and sacrificing lives for the production of electricity, they cannot be
    compared and to do so is an insult to the lives of the Kentucky men and women who have lo»t
    their lives in the present and past wars; people who were fighting for the rights of their
    families, only to have those rights set aside for the plundering of their land and their lives.

    I am upset to leant that the Bush administration  plans to continue to let coal  companies destroy
    Appalachia with mining practices that level mountaintops, wipe out forests,  bury streams, and
    destroy communities.

    According to the  administration's draft Environmental Impact Statement(EIS) on mountaintop
    removal coal mining, the environmental effects  of mountaintop removal are widespread.
    devastating,  and permanent Yel the draft BIS proposes no restrictions on the size of
10-4-2
1-9
1-5
                      valley fills that bury steams, no limits on the number of acres of forest that can be destroyed, no
                      protections fot imperiled wildlife, *nd BO ssfeguwds tot the eorttmiatties of people that depend
                      on the region's natural resourees for themselves ittd future generations.

                      The Bush administration's "preferred alternative" for addressing Ihe problems caused by
                      mountaintop removal coal mining is to weaken existing environmental protections. This
                      "preferred alternative" ignores the administration's own studies detailing the devastation caused
                      by mountaintop removal coal mining, including:

                      - over 1200 miles of streams have been damaged or destroyed by mountaintop removal;

                      - forest losses in West Virginia have the potential of directly impacting as many as 244
                      vertebrate wildlife species;

                      - Without new limits on mouutaintop removal, an additional 350 square miles of mountains,
                      streams, and forests will be flattened and destroyed by mountaintop removal mining.

                      In light of these facts, I urge you to consider alternatives that reduce the environmental impacts
                      of mountaintop removal. Thank you for your consideration of this important issue.

                      Sincerely,

                      Dawn Garten
                      3300 Tahoe Rd
                      Lexington, KY 40515
                      USA
1-5
1-10
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
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NiallGartlan
                                                                                             LydiaGarvey
      	Foiwarded by David Ridcr/R3/USEPA/US on 01/30/2004 11:21 AM	

                  Comcast Mail
                              cc:
                  Subject:  Please oppose mountain-top removal mining and valley fills!
                  01/12/200411:50
                  PM

      Mr, John Forren
      U.S.' EPA (3EA30)
      1650 Arch SL
      Philadelphia, PA  19103
      I am completely opposed to maun tarn top-removal mining and valley fills, l"he massive
      damage wrought upon people and the landscape as a result are unacceptable.  These
      practices bury important headwater streams, destroy biologically rich forest ecosystems,
      damage drinking-water sources used by millions of people, cause frequent and severe
      flooding^ and wreck the quality of Hfe in Appalachian communities. Leveling mountains and
      burying streams is wrong and must stop.

      I welcome scientific studies that document the widespread and irreversible damage die coal
      industry is doing to Appalachian Yet this HIS rejects—-without meaningful consideration—
      speclhc restrictions on the use of valley fills. These restrictions could be based on si&e of the
      fillj cumulative impacts, types of streams affected, or value of the aquatic resources in the
      region.

      I am opposed to any changes that would weaken the laws and regulations that protect clean
      water. In particular, I oppose the proposal to eliminate the stream buffer-zone rule that
      prohibits mining activity within 100 feet of streams. [.Alternatives 1 and 3 would eliminate
      the rulej while Alternative 3 would "clarify7' it by saying that, it does not apply to valley fills.]
      This rule should be strictly enforced for valley fills and in all other cases.
1-9
1-7
1-10
      I do not su|)port Alternative 1,2> or 3 as described in the KIS report None of these, options J -.
      will protect Appalachian forests, water, or commtmttie-s.                                j

      Thank you,
      Niall Cardan
                                              OX\\ \ rp rM r W/YVAT^, is
                                              Sn I   & ^^S
                                                                                                     4-2
                                                                                                      1-10
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
        A-976
                                                                                                                                                                             Section A - Citizens
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Glenn Gaskill
                                                                                                                                                                          Suzanne Gayetsky
                                                                                                            _     r
                                                                     REC'D OCT 1 52003
Box 21.5
Mabscott, WV
25871

Oct. 9,2003
            Mr. John Forren, US EPA
            1650 Arch St.
            Philadelphia. PA 19130
           Regarding the EIS on mountaintop removal:
           I grew up on a dairy farm in Eastern Ohio.  We had strip mines all around us; they left
           behind Mghwalls, deep ponds where almost nothing lived, orange water in the creeks, and
           a land that would barely grow pokeberries,  let alone trees.
           When 1 moved to Whitesville, WV in 1976,! thought, "they know how to mine coal
           here." The mines were deep in the mountain, the creeks and rivers below them didn't
           seeni to be polluted, and whole communities were based on those mines.
           After living away from WV for 20 years and then corning back in 1999,1 realized that
           strip mining had come back, with bigger everything.  I couldn't believe the Coal River
           Valley. It was gone. The places I used to hike and canoe are now either flood-ravaged or
           filled with rock and rubble. 1 visited Larry  Gibson's place on what is left of Kayford
           Mountain. Even his dead relatives aren't safe there, the flyrock bouncing off the
           headstones and the graves sinking from the mountain being cut away from the cemetery.

              I have followed closely the attempts by WV Highlands and Ohio Valley
           Environmental Coalition and others to slow this destruction, and  the  attempts by the coal
           companies and all their business and political cronies to speed it up.  So regarding this
           document, which ideally would itemize tntr's effects and provide alternatives, it smells
           badly.

             I disagree with all 3 alternatives provided  by this statement They are not alternatives at
           all, to anyone who loves the land.

              1 am offended that this proposes to do away with the provision for no mining within
           100 feet of streams.

              I propose another alternative; embrace the spirit of the clean water act and decide that
           if coal cannot be mined economically by underground mining, leave it in the ground.
            Yours-Truiy,
             $L
             Glenn Gaskill
                                                                             1-9
                                                                             1-5


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MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                                                                        A-977
                                Section A - Citizens
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Mary Gee
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Melissa Gee
                                                                                .REC'D
7/17/03

John Forren
US EPA/3ES3{p
1650 ArcnSfrest
Philadelphia, Pa. 19103

In your Environmental Impact Stalament & Forest Management Plan, please include strategy to STOP
MOUNTAIN TOP REMOVAL, vailey Mils, logging, ourning/mitttng/mowing, herbicides and recreational
vehicles phis heavy equipment use in oiir tests! These practices, AKA environmental terrorism, are an
attack on each one of us as well  as on oar precious home, mother earth. Mother nature is not just»
spendable resource. It's the centering force in our web of vital life forces.  There is no earthly reason to
control the awesome farces of the natural world to live together wisely OB this earth at petce with
ourselves.
              Very truly
                                                                                                           1-8
              Ms.Maty
              56 j One Run
              Lexington, Ky. 40505
 jBeeember 15,2003

. Mr. John Forren EPA                                                  "*""  ' " ""**
 U.S.6PAOEA30)                                   "                          ~"f
 ISSOAreilSt.
 Philadelphia, PA 19103

 Dear Mr. John Forreri EPA,

 It is unconscionable that the Bush administration plans to continue to 1st coal companies destroy
 App&laehia wish mining practices that leva! moustaintops, wipe out ibrasts and bury streams in the valleys
 behw, Moirataifttop removal roinfeg and valley iilisshould not be allowed and the kws and regulations
 tirat protect clean water must aot b® weakened. la parttcular, I oppose the proposal to change the stream
 buffer zone rule that prohibit mining activity withto 100 feet of streams. This rule should be stietly
 enforced tor valley fills and is sli other cases.

 1 am a native of West Vkgiraa Md still have relatives whom I visit often. I am proud of my heritage and 1
 love my native state, t am sickened by this display of corporate greed and t0tal disregard for hataan life
 and our need for cieafi water.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             1-9
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             1-10
                                                                                                                                                 YOU MUST not allow this cbstrufitfen U> mHtinut because tere is ample evidimce that the practice of
                                                                                                                                                 Riling valleys and streams with waste is damaging to the enviroment and the commaaitias of
                                                                                                                                                 Please do not weaken fee laws thai are meaat to prtsect Appa^ians but please eaiforce regaktioos
                                                                                                                                                 hole! tafefeg cosipBiif^ ao^oistable fbr tbeif actleais.
                                                                                                                                                                                        fte strem buffa zone nj
                                                                                                                                                 Please help do the right flting for oar chfldrea's fissire, I arge you to rejeta ftiis proposed rule chaege and
                                                                                                                                                 do alt ia your jrower to protect the Appalachian mountains.
                                                                                                                                                  Ul View Dr
                                                                                                                                                  Beoa^KC 28607-7951
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                                                                                        A-978
                                                                       Section A -  Citizens
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Ms, Gee
                                                                             DanGeiger
                        REC'D  JMU8

                                                     ^net/en
                                                                              1-9
                   Dan Geiger
                                          cc:    "Wilson, Jeff
                   , "Caylor, Bill"
                                            
                              08714/03 04:10 PM     Subject: Draft EIS on mouuintop cod
                   mining and associated valley fills in Appalckia

                   John Forren
                   U.S. EPA
                   1650 Arch Street
                   Philadelphia, PA 19403

                   Dear Mr. Forren:

                   Please accept these cotuttieats concerning the dtaft mountaintop EIS and
                   include them as part of the public comment record.
                                                                                                      I am Vice President, Enginfietiag at fames Rivet Coal Service Company, a
                                                                                                      subsidiary of fames Rivet Coal Company (JRCQ. JRCC operates
                                                                                                      underground coal mines in six East Kentucky Counties and employs some
                                                                                                      1000 people.
                   'Hie valley fill controversy has been characterised as effecting mainly
                   mountaintop removal surface mining. It has even been said that ceasing
                   raountaintop mining would be no loss because die coal and employment
                   could be replaced by uadetgmtind mining. This is simply not true.

                   Underground mines depend on valley fills jtist as much as surface mines.
                   Deep mined coal is mixed with extraneous material, mainly sandstone,
                   shale, and clay. 'Ibis raw coal is too high in ash and too low in heat
                   value to be sold to electric utilities and must be processed to remove
                   the impurities.

                   The resulting rock and coal/clay fines must be disposed of in a safe,
                   permanent, economical location. Due to the mountain/valley topography
                   of Appalachia, the only practical place to store this material is at the
                   heads of valleys in refuse piles and coal shiny inipoundtMents.

                   It has been suggested that this material could be used to backfill old
                   high walls or placed on reclaimed mountain top mines. While this might
                                                                                                                                                                     11-1-2
                                                                                                                                                                     13-3-5
 MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-979
Section A - Citizens
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                                                                                                                                                                                    Andy Oelston
            be practical occasionally, usually it is not. Coal preparation plants
            a.re generally built in volleys while surface mines are usually a
            considerable distance away, both horizontally and vertically.

            Most alternate schemes can be made to work if cost is not an issue. If
            deep mines have no practical method of waste disposal, they will be
            uncompetitive in die market place and cease to exist.  Deep mines need
            valley fills.

            Dan Ociger. P.K.
            Vice President, Engineering
            James Rive Coal Service Company
            1374Hwy 192E,
            London, KY 40741-3123
13-3-5
                             	Forwarded by David Rider/RJ/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 11:39 AM	


                                                                     R3 Mountaintop@EPA
To:
''Andy .1. Oelston™
           cc:
             Subject: Please amend the draft E1S on mountaintop removal coal
                             mming
                                         01/05/200401:36
                                         PM
                             Mr. John Forren
                             Project Manager
                             U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (3EA30)
                             1650 Arch Street
                             Philadelphia, PA 19103
                             Email: mountaintop.r3@epa.gov
                             Dear Mr. Forren,

                             Please consider amending the EPA's draft environmental impact statement
                             to limit the environmental impact of mountaintop removal mining. 1 was
                             surprised to learn that the Bush administration plans to relax existing
                             limits.

                             The draft EIS posits that the environmental effects of mountaintop
                             removal are widespread, devastating and permanent, so the draft EtS
                             should contain restrictions on the size of valley fills, limits on the
                             number of acres of forest removed, protections for wildlife habitat, and
                             comprehensive planning for the local communities that depend on the
                             region's natural resources. With the modem underground coal mining
                             technolojpes available today, I see no reason why the Bush
                             administration proposes weakening existing environmental protections and
                             allowing mountaintop removal and associated valley fills to be
                             accelerated.

                             The Bush administration would better represent the public's interest by
                             implementing alternatives that reduce the environmental impacts of
                             mountaimtop removal and protect unmined natural resources and
                             communities in Appalachia.  Please amend the draft EIS in  accordance
                             with the E and P of your agency's anagram.
                             Best regards,

                             Andy Gelston
-------
                                                                                                                                                                             Mike George
          Corporate Headquarters
          217 Billings Farm Road
          White River Junction, VT, USA 05001-9486
          TEL: (802) 296-2321 ext, 226 FAX: (802) 296-2325
          E-mail: ajg@couceptsnrec.com
          visit us at: www.concept.snrec.com
          This email irseasage and any attachments are for the sole use of the
          intended recipients and may contain proprietary and/or confidential
          information which may be privileged or otherwise protected from
          disclosure. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is
          prohibited. If you are not the intended recipients, please contact the
          sender by reply email and destroy the original message and any copies of
          the message as well as any attachments to the original message.
                 -— Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:42 PM —-
                              "nrikeg@iil.edu"
                              
-------
Meagan Gibson

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MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-982
Section A - Citizens
-------
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MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-983
                                            Secf/on ^ - Citizens
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Christopher Goddard
                                                                                            GayGoforth
                                              REC'D DEC 2 9.
                                                                                                                                             3815 Brookview Road
                                                                                                                                             Austin, TX 78722-1323
                                                                                                                                             January 19, 2004
               Mr. JohnForrea
               U.S.EPA(3EA30)
               1650 Arch St.
               Philadelphia, PA 19103
               December 20,2003
               Subject: Please Stop Destructive Slip-Mining
               Dear Mr. Forren,

               I recently read an aitiete about the horrible conditions bom for the people and the
               environment ihat are being created in the Appalachian mountains through the practice of
               strip-mining. Streams are being heavily polluted or even buried. Surrounding forests are
               destroyed. The health of the people in the region Is declining as well. The ever-present
               dust in the air in some areas causes people to develop asthma or other rang problems.

               Strip-mining may be a major source of income, tat what is being lost in the process?
               American citizens in this area are suffering to send coal and the majority of profits out of
               their community, irreparable environmental damage is being done as well.

               Please, 1 ask that yo« do what is right and protect the people and environment of
               Appalachia, 1 do not support Alternative 1,2, or 3 as described in the draft EIS report.
               Noae of these options will protect Appalachian forests, water, or communities. In
               particular, 1 oppose tiie proposal to eliminate the stream buffter-mne rule that prohibits
               mining activity within 100 feet of streams. This rule should be strictly enforced for valley
               fills and in all other cases.

               Leveling mountains and bwymg stteams is wrong and must stop. Please act for 1he
               people and the land.

               Sincerely,
1-9
1-5
1-10
               Christopher Ooddard
               18012201 RawlingsHaU
               Gainesville, FL 32612
                         Mr, John Forren
                         Environmental Protection Agency
                         Ariel Rios Building
                         1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W.
                         Mail Code 3213A
                         Washington, DC 20460

                         Dear Mr. Forren:
I oppose the proposal to change the stream buffer zone rule that
prohibits mining activity within 100 feet of streams.  This rule should
be enforced for valley fills.

I cannot imagine why the federal government is proposing to continue
allowing coal companies to destroy a functional, beautiful part of our
country by blowing up mountalntops and forests, and dumping that
land in the rivers below.

The laws and regulations that protect America's land and  clean water
must not be weakened, as this practice does—they should be
strengthened.

Last summer, my husband and I went on a car and camping vacation
through West Virginia.  Mountaintop removal  will ruin the health and
beauty of the land and water of that state plus others. This in turn will
hurt the state's economy.

I strongly  oppose this terrible practice and the further proposed rule
change to remove whole places of mountains and ruin the forests,
rivers, and valleys. This benefits only a few people—the principals of
mining companies.

Surely compassionate conservatism doesnt Include this!  I want my
tax dollars spent on protecting America's wonderful natural land,
wildlife, water, and air resources.

I urge you to oppose the mountalntop/dumping practice.
                                                                                                       1-10
                                                                                                       1-9
                                                                                                                                             Sincerely,

                                                                                                                                             Jwb
                                                                                                                                             Gay Gofortff
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
          A-984
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Crystal Good
                                                                                                                               Donny Good
	Forwarded by David Ilider/R3/USEPA/US on 08/21/03 11:08 AM	

          CGoodwoman@aQl.co
          m           To:   R3 Mountaiatop@EPA
                     cc:
          08/14/03 03:40 PM   Subject: Mountain top removal comments
PLEASE STOP MOUNTAIN TOP REMOVAL.
Crystal Good
8 Arlington Ct
Charles ton WV 25301
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MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                                               A-985
                                                                                                                                 Section A - Citizens
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Joanne Granzow
                                                                                 Katherine Green
                                                                                    1-9
                                                                                    1-10

                  Lexington Herald Leader
                  I was appalled to read that the environmental agency is now considering mountain top
                  removal (strip mining) for coal.
                  Our country is coining apart at the seams now. Why add insult to injury!
                  Do those in power realize wliat the consequences are, not only now but also for years to
                  come to our mountains and the folks mat live in those areas.
                  Homes are destroyed by mod slides and flooding time after time. Nature took care of the
                  problems of erosion and disasters until the strip mining was done several years ago. It is
                  taking years to recover and repair what was lost then.
                  It will not help the economy for the ones mat need die help but only line the pockets of
                  the big corporations.
                  Our roads, railroads, education and energy are being neglected, as is everything else in
                  our own country. We know where the funds are going but isn't it time we took care of
                  our own?
                  I am disappointed in our representatives for not making our state a priory and put party
                  lines on the back burner for just a little while.  Kentucky people have elected them and
                  their loyalties should be to them.
                  We citizens must open our eyes and see the havoc that is upon us. Our country we once
                  knew is slipping away!
                  We are Americans.
                  We have shown strength before.
                  Let us speak out and get involved!
                  Kathcrine M. Green

                  Copy to:
                  John Forren
                  U.S.EPA(3E530)
                  1650 Aroh Street
                  Philadelphia, Pa.19103

                  Rep. Ernest Fletcher
                  U.S. House of Representatives
                  Washington, DC 20515

                  Pres. George Bush
                  The White House
                  1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
                  Washington, DC 20500
                                                                                                                                                                                           1-10
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-986
Section A - Citizens
-------
Margaret Gregg
                                                                                                                                                                Robert Gipe
                                                                                10-2-2
            lotaPotref
               BPA(3ES30)
            650An*St
                     PA 19103
            disappointed and angiy that the federal government ignored its own studies when it
                          rather tb;m strengthening, protect.'ore; for peopk and (he
 and count ray blessings every day
that iave been diiTuptsd, damaged and/
witnessed the tragic upheaval of
destroyed by stflp jMffito||.* ^ -
                 you for your coastderatfos,
            Limestone IN 37681423 257 3875
                       .com
            co: President G.W. Busk
                                                 'REC'D  SEPO 82083


                                                      Robert Gipe
                                                      P.O. Box 1394
                                                      Harlan.KY 40831

John Forren, US EPA (3ES30)
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Dear Mr. Forren:

I live in Harlan County, Kentucky at the headwaters of the Cumberland River. We have
had nearly a hundred years of coal mining in our community. We have very little clean
water. We once had plenty.

The draft environmental impact statement on mountaintop removal published recently
by the Bush administration is a slap in the face of everyone who needs water to
survive. It is a malicious, poisonous, shortsighted, misanthropic, hateful, greedy, anti-
democratic document.

I pray that the people who put it before the public will live long enough to see the
errors of their ways and correct them. I pray that the people who wrote this document
never have to drink the greasy black water that comes out of the spigots of people in
the American coalfields. I pray that they never have to pull their sleeping children out
of a home flooded as a result of rain on poorly reclaimed strip jobs.

My message to President Bush and all the f ormulators and enforcers of his self-
serving, callous, cynical, dangerous energy policy is this: I support none of the
proposed alternatives In your environmental Impact statement. I oppose Mountaintop
Removal Mining. Enforce SMCR A the way It was written. Enforce the Clean Water Act
the way it was written.

Good people don't have to get sick and die just so this country can have electricity.
We can do better.  Pursue alternatives.

Elected officials are supposed to look out for the Interests of all the people-not just
their fraternity brothers, family friends, and corporate cronies. Quit acting like
gangsters and start acting like statesman. Or pursue another line of work.

Sincerely,
                                                                                                      Robert Gipe
                                                                                                                                                                                    1-5

                                                                                                                                                                                    1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                                                              A-987
                                                                                                                        Section A - Citizens
-------
Karen Grabb
                                                                                      Robert Hallick
          Karen Grubb
                                cc:
                                   Subject: Mining E1S
                      08/20/03 12:12 PM
          Mr. John Forren, US EPA
          1650 Arch Street
          Philadelphia, PA 19130

          Mr. Forren,

          Mountaintop Removal destroys streams, contaminates drinking water,
          causes
          flooding, makes moonscapes out of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains —
          some of the world's oldest mountains, causes blasting damage to
          residents
          homeSj air pollution to residents, destroys hardwood forests and
          wildlife
          habitats, destroys Appalachian culture and heritage, defies the
          executive
          order regarding environmental justice for low income people, destroys
          jobs
          and is environmentally insane.

          Mountaintop Remox'al should be stopped now!  Ihe recommendations in the
          EIS
          Statement are a sham in that they ignore the scientific evidence and
          recommend
          speeding up the process in permitting mountain top removal. No economic
          gain can justify the process of mountairttop removal.

          Karen Grubb
          21 Beverly Circle
          Fairmont^ WV  26554
1-9
                  Robert       Hallick
                  Date:   1/02/2004
                  City:,   West Reading State: PA    Zip:    19611

                  I am happy to learn that the Bush administration plans to continue to let coal companies
                  change Appaiachia with, mining practices that level mountaiiJtops, wipe out forests, bury
                  streams, and help eonirftunities. It is important/to do mining for resources, as lo'tig as the
                  replanting of trees  is in effect the mining could very well help the beautification of out
                  countries mountains•. In light of these facts, I urge you to consider alternatives that
                  increase the enyiroranetital impacts of mcmtitaintop removal. Thank you for your
                  consideration of this important issue,.
                 1-11
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
         A-988
Section A - Citizens
-------
Emilie Hamilton
                                            . If JREC'D jJAN 0
              M fJ6hn> Torrent
                                                       3, 2004
              1650 ArchStreet
              Philadelphia* PA  19103

              Dear Mr f orrery
                                                upjetwtes THe-
              wtewa^e' jent me- described- tiKe* tntenttorvof tHe-BitiJv
              to- destroy $ve- beauty of <4ppaltfw^Ua/ wt
                                  U4tf&irtti)p*', djeo
                                  wiMtifohabttat:],
                                            fEIS j
                                     envf^tttunentel/ effectfrof
                       exceedingly ccwefad/ Cn/^te- cC«ct«€«>n*/ fntwle-
                                                     f: AU/ltf&
                                                               1-9
                                                               1-10
                  j ASK vou wor ro M^KE rr EASIER
                  C(9RP«9fMTl<9NS TO OBT/4IW PERMITS TO 4LLOVU THIS
                  FORM Of MOUWTAJWTOP REMOVAL CO4L MIWIW<5.

                                                                                         1200
                              mot<*vtaMtep
                                ;t2Z' directiy
wtte^of PRECJOltS
be- permanently «itered-
                                          de*tJT»yed'IF<4LLOVVE'D by
                                                                                         please- do- not" Kicr^tce' tfte- land' and/ live' people- f
                  Theu^hyou/ for yow jertott*' c&mider attcm> of
                  $t&- very t
                                                                      1-9
                                                                                                                  PO Sox/ 52/1 1 Putney Rd-.
                                                                                                                  teverett, Mi4 01054
                                                                                                                  413 -54S -9328
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-989
                                        Section A - Citizens
-------
HannJ.
US
                  Ffe»toA»\
         .ArcW SK
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                       J^SJLj^hs^L.
                                                        1-10


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MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium                      A-990
                                                                                                              Section A - Citizens
-------
Karl Hanzel
                                                                                                 Alice Hardin
             — Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 01:58 PM —

                       Karl Hanzel
                                 cc:
                                    Subject: Strengthen draft EIS on mountaintop removal coal mining
                       01 /Q5/2004 02:02
                       PM
                                                                                                                   -----  Forwarded by David Rider/RJ/USEPA/US on 01/C-3/J1C04 C2:01 PM -----
                                                    bvIOTIS horjrific examples o£ deatiuotIon thi$. h-sis
                              caused in  our country, as well as others.
                              T  am sending a message of an adamant WO to mountaintop mining.
                              Thank You,
               1-9
             Sincerely,

             Karl Hanzel
             736 Wagonwheel Gap
             Boulder, CO 80302
             USA
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
          A-991
Section A - Citizens
-------
Jerry Hardt
                                                                                                   Bill Hardy
  	Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 01:52 PM	

              Jerry Hatdt
                          cc:
                            Subject: EIS statement MTR
              01/05/200410:02
              AM
  John Forren
  U.S. EPA (3ES30)
  1650 Arch Street
  Philadelphia, PA 19103

  Dear Mr. Fotren,

  Given tile imduigs oi the EIS released last May and my own observation and expedience, I
  ttnd it absurd that the Bush administration is proposing to ease restrictions on rnountaintop
  removal mining. 1 encourage EPA and the administration to reject ail the alternatives
  presented in the EIS and move toward a ban on surface mining in steep slope areas and the
  elimination of valley fills.

  An interim step in this direction would be to simply enforce the law as it now exists.

  The preferred alternative represents a total abrogation of die EPA's responsibility to protect
  the environment and safeguard human health. It is a total sell-out to big-money interests at
  the expense of the people who live in die Appalachian coalfields. It is a statement that
  people don't matter and that the administration does not care if the people of eastern
  Kentucky and West: Virginia have any future.

  I encourage you to read your own study. Pay attention to the findings that the environmental
  effects of mountamtop removal are widespread, devastating, and permanent. Pay attention
  to the iact that eliminating valley fills would have a minimal economic impact, especially
  when compared to the massive negative impacts of not banning valley fills. Remember that
  we are not |ust talking about dirt and rock, we are talking about peoples' homes and
  communities.

  Don't play with peoples' lives and futures as political favors. Reject the HIS
  recommendations, strengthen environmental protections and enforce the law.

  Jetty Hardt
  P.O. Box 697
  Salyetsvillc, K.Y 41465
  606-349-2593
1-10
1-5
                                Dear  Forren:
                                                                                                       1-11
                                Bill Hardy
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
          A-992
Section A - Citizens
-------
Roy Harless, Jr.
                                                                                                                                                 Ronda Harper
         Mr. Forren,
                                             REC'D OCT28.2BJ
     I have lived here in the same place for fifty-nine years,
and watched the coal industry destroy our mountains with
blasting, destroy streams with runoff from mines and
preparation plants, destroy our roads with overloaded coal
trucks, destroy our homes and lives with flooding caused by
broken impoundments, and ruin our health with coal dust
My families water well went dry sixteen years ago because of
mountain top removal blasting. I worked in the coal mines
here for thirty-one years until I was disabled three years ago
and had to retire. I am firmly against mountain top removal
coal mining.  -
             i
                                    Sincerely,
                                         Roy B. Harless Jr.
                                         HCR 78 Box 5324
                                         Barrett, WV 25208
                                                                         1 -9
                                                                                                  Environmental  Impact States'ent oti Mounts in top Restoval
Deai." Hr. tTyirt-stj".

My name is Ronda Haip^r and I live  in Hunting-ton, W»,  My family1;?
homeplaee is ir, Li.nuo.lK County,  5?V.  Cur property or. the M;id Paver wa
once aurrou tided by beautiful n^cuntaia wilderness, but it is quickly
ibecoudng a tiay island paradise  .surrotmcled by rrieuntaintop destryctioK
The holiowat vrtieie my gi^iidsath^r and giandfaUu-tr, mother/ and uncles
ones walked, -garderied, and hunted are gone. Moat cf the stcea,ms
my
cousins and j wac;i§4 ssnd sv?am as  children are cone.  As I walk a
                                                                                                                                                                   1-9
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                                                         A-993
                                                   Section A - Citizens
-------
                                                                                                                                                                                   Mark Harris
  DeliveredDate:. 01/04/2004 03:55:29:PM

  My name is Ronda Harper and .1 live in Huntingotn, WV.  My family's hqmeplace is in
  Lincoln County,. WV. Our property on the Mud River was once surrounded by beautiful
  mountain wilderness, but is it quickly becoming a tiny island paradise surrounded by
  mountaintop destruction. The hollows where my grandmother, grandfather, mother, and
  uncles once walked, gardened, and hunted 4re gone. Most of the streams where tny
  cousins and I Waded and swam as children are gone. As 1 walk along the one last
  remaining stream on  our property I find frogs, turtles, and salamanders.  My heart breaks
  for them for soon they will be buried beneath valley, fill. Birds and wildlife are being
  driven away along with  families who can no longer bear the blasting near their homes
  and breathing the clouds of black dust.  Our family is trying desperately to hold on to our
  beautiful homeplace, but the coal company is making this VERY difficult,  West
  Virginians who live near MTR sites have been driven, out, flooded out, and. forced to sell
  out.  Mountaintop removal has to stop.
1-9
                           — Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 01 :S8 PM —

                                     Mark Harris
                                                oo:
                                                 Subject: Fix draft EIS to protect streams from rnountalntc
                                     01/01/2004 07:40
                                     PM
Dear Mr, Forren,

i strongly urge you to add provisions to the EPA's
draft EIS that will prevent destruction of streams by
mountaintop removal mining.

Although the draft EIS recognizes tie problem of
valley fills that bury streams, it proposes no
restrictions on the size of those valley fills.

Rather than act on your own studies, which recognize
the problem of valley fills that bury streams, you are
proposing a "preferred alternative" that weakens
existing environmental protections and allows valley
fills to continue at an accelerated rate.

! urge you to follow through on the Bush
administrations stated commitment to clean water by
adopting alternatives that stop destruction of
mountain streams by mourtaintop removal mining and
then implement those measures.

Sincerely,
Mark Harris
PO Box 682375
Park City, UT 84068
                                                                                                                                                                                          1-10
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
      A-994
                                                        Section A - Citizens
-------
Erica Harvey
                                                                                                                                             Tracy Hasuga
       y,
                Qs
                     a
                                 kj  you
                                  th
                                 Va//?.y  -f?7/s ,
    ,    Qs
coa
              H
                         s.
                                                     ,5/9
                                                             '5
                                                       pwer
                                                          pay
                                                         to
                                                                              1-9
                                                                                  — Fotwatded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 01:59 PM -—

                                                                                              "to aring20s_99@y a
                                                                                              too.com"         To:    R3 Mountaintop@EPA
                                                                                              
-------
Marlon Henn
                                                                                                     DanHensley
              — Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 01:52 PU —

                         Marion
                         «marlon4|>twcny.rr.    To:   R3 MountaintopOEPA
                         GO!T!>           CO:
                                      Subject destructive operations
                         12/30/200311:13
                         AM
              To Whom it may concern;

              I do not envy you in your position, being tugged at from all directions.

              Big business have there interest and the lonely citizen has only one
              voice in a crowd of thousands. I ask you to consider the issues before
              you concerning the environment and any destruction to it.

              You are charged with a huge reconcilability, but keep in mind that what
              you do affects all man kind, not just in the US but all over the world.

              At what point are we the US going to be happy with things, the
              environment, just the way they are. Are we so starved that we need to
              destroy virgin land for the sake of a company to make profits. I think
              not. Look beyond your desk, beyond your self and think about all the
              people that you will hurt by pressure from the big business that keeps
              knocking on your door wanting to bend your ear.

              Please do not destroy some of the last remaining treasures we have left.

              Respectfully

              Marlon Henn
              311 N. Collinjjivood Ave.
              Syracuse, NY 13206
i-9
                                                              :BEC'D JAN 2
                                                                                     ts.
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
           A-996
Section A - Citizens
-------
Robert Hensley
                                                                                              J. Michael Herr
                                   Robert M. Hensley, D.V.M.

                            1025 Creekside Lane  Nicholaavilie, KY 40356

                                        859 271-2920
           19Augu«t2003
           Mr. John Forren
           1650 Arch St.
           Philadelphia, PA 19103

           Dear Sir:

           I am opposed to the concept and practice of disturbing the mountain top topography to
           mote "efficiently" and "economically" gain tccess to the coal seams thereunder. TMs
           approach to mining may be good for the bottom line of the coal companies, but it most
           certainly is not for the adjacent environment or its inhabitants.;

           Compounding this unconscionable technique is the disruption, if not destruction, of
           contiguous waterways with the overburden or spoil. This practice flies in the fece of
           existing laws which attempt to preserve, if not improve, the water quality in these areas.
           The proposed changes would reduce the 100 foot buffer zone which attempts to protect
           existing streams and would exacerbate conditions of many already degraded by mining
           activity.

           In sum, we must not continue the history of atese of these areas simply for additional
           profit It is time that the quality of life for the inhabitants and their environment be given
           a higher priority than the profit margins of the corporations causing this destruction.
                      DeliveredDate: 01/06/2004 05:07:38 PM

                      I lived and worked in Raleigh and Fay-cite County, WV, for 21 years until moving to CT
                      in Sept, 2001, and I will never forget the beauty and feeling of the hills of that state.- The
                      mountain top removal projects had been going on for quite some time, obviously, and
                      every time there was exposure in the press or by driving by one of the sites there was
                      always a sick feeling in the gut. The extent to "Which the current Administration is intent
                      on producing profits for their high-placed friends at the expense of the natural  beauty
                      and ecologically pristine conditions of those mountains is a travesty  beyond words. Coal
                      is useful and necessary; of csiurse. Mine it another way.  Period. We can afford it. Stop
                      this wasteful aiid arrogant process.  Now.

                      LMichael Herr
                   1-9
1-9
          cc:KFTC
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
          A-997
Section A - Citizens
-------
Caroline Mice
                                                                                              Susan Hickman
             — Forwarded by David RIder/R3/USEPA/US Oft 01/08/2004 01:58 PM —

                        cjhice@yahoo.com
                                    To:   R3 MountaintopQEPA
                        01*5/200409:46     co:
                        AM           Subject: Don't fill our streams with waste materials
                                 U.S. &A
                                                                                  1/2 0/2



                                                                         SEC'D JAN 2 S
                                                  2i«
             Dear Mr. John Forren EPA,

             It is unconscionable that the Bush administration plans to continue to
             let coal companies destroy Appalachia with mining practices that level
             mountaintops, wipe out forests and bury streams in the valleys below.
             Mountaintop removal mining and valley fills should not be allowed and
             the laws and regulations that protect clean water must not be weakened.
             In particular, I oppose the proposal to change the stream buffer zone
             rule that prohibits mining activity within 100 feet of streams.  This
             rule should be strictly enforced for valley fills and in all other
             cases.
             Sincerely,

             Caroline Mice
             4353 Main St Fl 2
             Philadelphia, PA 19127-1415
                                  If."-
1-9


1-10
Mr,
                                                                   1-9
                                                                                                           1-10
                                                                                                                                                                               'BEC'D JAN 2
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
          A-998
                                                 Section A - Citizens
-------
Sanford Higginbotham
                                                                                                                                        Monica Hill
	ForH-arded by David Rider/RVUSEPA/US ^n 11/20/2C03 04:42 PM —•—

                  Q-anforci
                  Hiyyiiibulisaia          To:      R3
Mcu n ta i n t op$ E iJA
                  
-------
Marty Hiller
                                                                                       DanitaHines
         —- Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 01:59 PM	

                     "hifler@alurn,mit.
                     edxi" 
-------
Robert Hiser
                                                                                          Paul Hodder
         —- Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 01:59 PM -—

                      rbhiserl @aol.com
                                    To:    R3 Mountaintop@EPA
                      01/0-1/200408:45     cc:
                      AM             Subject: Mmmtaintop Mining
         After living seventeen years in the Wheeling, WV area and seeing first
         hand
         the moonscape created by surface mining in Belmont County, OH, I cannot
         believe
         we an; willing to sacrifice our mountains to the same fate.
         I equate this mining method to cigarette smoking, you know that drawing
         smoke
         into your lungs can't be good for you yet you do it.
         The small number of jobs and little tax money derived from these
         operation vS
         cannot possibly be worth the removal for all time of the beauty and
         function
         that nature has provided us since the beginnings of time.
         Let us Please, for once, use some common sense and make  some sensible
         decisions for our future generations,
         Robert B. Hiser
         Elkview, WV.
1-9
                           	Forwarded by David Ridct/R3/USEPA/US on 01/20/2004 09:08 AM	

                                      Paul Hodder
                                               cc:
                                                   Subject:
                                      01/19/200406:27
                                      PM

                           I received information on the impending EIS on rnountaintop coal mining and am
                           wondering if that would also affect the type of road construction going on now in the state
                           of West Virginia. I've seen the results and thtv view is devastating. My understanding is that.
                           as they blow the top otf of these mountains that they are also removing the coal so that they
                           can increase the  amount oi acid rain falling on the streams in this part of
Thanks,
Paul A. Hodder
Manager, Software Development
CatalystRx
301-548-2956
phodde c@c atalysttx.com
okO.bmp
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
         A-1001
                                                                                                                                                                  Section A - Citizens
-------
Sharon Hodges
                                                                                  Steve Hodges
                                                                                 1-10
                      	Forwarded by David Ridet/R3/USEPA/US on 01/12/2004 02:49 PM -

                                Steve I lodges
                                          cc:
                                             Subject: motmtaintop removal
                                01/06/2004 04:34
                                PM

                      John Forren
                      EPA

                      Dear Mr. Forren,

                      I oppose mountaintop removal and valley fills and any change in the nile
                      protecting stream buffer ^ones. I am disappointed and angry that the
                      federal government is ignoring its own studies by proposing to .reduce
                      protections for people and the environment.  I demand a new study that
                      looks at the alternatives to prevent new rnountaintop removal and valley
                      fill operations and to stop the existing ones within 5 years or by the
                      expiration of the current miaifig permit, whichever date occurs first.

                      Sincerely,

                      Steve Hodges
                      594 Hoot Owl  Hollow
                      Kyles Ford, TO 37765
                                                                                                                                                                                    1-5
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-1002
Section A - Citizens
-------
AndyHodgman
                                                                                                                    Karen Holl
                                                                   REC'D  JAN2S
                     Mr. John Fojrren
                     U.S.  EPA
                                                                               Cfasi 17, 2D04
                     16SO Arch Street
                     £D>iladelphia, PA 19X03
                     Dear l£r, .-^orcea,' ."--,. -

                     Please eonsidar th*  permanent ramifications of the proposed weakening
                     of eavicoBinsstttal policy regarding isountaintop strip  laining foz coal.  It
                     is iterative that we protect our resources despite  efforts to the
                     contrary by fch« currant pcesitienfeial administration  to do otherwise-  It
                     would  be v«ry disappointing ,to find out in the future that the trickle
                     down effect wer& even more harmful 'than now believed by such a
                     practice. I do not believe the ftnvironHiftnt is worth  sacrificing  in  any
                     instance aad natch l«ss tot the strip mining of coal  mimed by'such Ki&atis
                     as blowing the tops  off jsotrntaifts .  It ia toifarfctmate titat the • political
                     cirdaasta&ces currently dictate a weak emvlrommental policy but  it  is '
                     tima to stand up and take jaotice whether Democrat or Rrap-ublican  and
                     this would b« a step in the right direction.

                     Regards,

                     Andy Hod^fman                 "        "              '             ,  -      .
                     1911 W.. BelX&.Blaiae Av«
                     Chicago, 1L. 60613
1-10
                                      UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ
                                                                                                                                           BEftKELEY • DAVIS . iBVINfi • LOS ANKEUHS > MSOD • RIVERSIDE • Mff CaSGD •
                                                                                        ,BB®'D  JAN 2
                                                                                                          6 2Ml
January 20, 2(K)4
JohfiFoiTBIl
U.S. EPA (3BS3Q)
1650 Arcli Ste^:
Philadelphia, PA 19103
DearMr.Famut,

1 am writing in opposition to the Bash administration plans to continue to let coaj companies
destroy Appakchia wife ifitoiug practices that level moantalntops, destroy foresls and tmry
streEHES M the valleys below. Eves the administration's drali BavtoaaMKoSd. taipact Stat«saqt
(BIS) cm moontaintQp removal coal ralBmg acknowledges that Use envimsineatal effects of this
practice are devsstatmg and pennaseat As a scientist wtso b^i studied ecos^^saai r«covery after
mining I ksow ti^ extent of the effects of tege-sc&Ie co&l surface ujjiri^ Evm mds^ the best
of conditions recovery of these ecosystems can be stow, bat whea large areas of forest are
cleared dispersal of aeeds to colonize fee areas is smtmai wMeh may impede recovery ftirther.
Tnestreamsin tMsrcgi
-------
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Mark Homer
                  I urge you to show soipe common sense and prevent the loosening of regulatiotis that help to
                  protect the people and ecosystems of this regbu tea tills devastating practice.

                  Sincerely,

                   /£,— a. fbtf
                  Karen Holl,Ph,D,

                  Holl, K, D, 2002.  The effect of coal suriaw sine revegetatiott practices on long-term
                        vegetation recovery. Journal of Applied Ecology 39:960-970.
                  Holl, K. D. and J. Cams, Jr. 1994.  Vegetatianal community development on reclaimed
                        coal sur&CG mines in Virginia. Bulletin cf the Torrey Botanical Club 121:327-337.
       December 16,2003

       Mr. John Forren EPA
       U.S. EPA (3EA30)
       1650 Arch St
       Philadelphia, PA 19103

       Dear Mr. John Forrea EPA,

       It is unconscionable that tfie Bush administration plans to continue to let coal companies
       destroy Appalacbia with mining practices that level mountaintops, wipe out forests and
       bury streams in the valleys below.  Motmtatatop removal mining and valley fills should
       not be allowed and the laws and regulations that protect clean water must cot be
       weakened.  In particular, I oppose the proposal to change the stream buffer zone rule that
       prohibits mining activity within 100 feet of steams. This role should be strictly enforced
       for valley fills and in all other cases.

       The federal government has ignored its own studies on protections for people and the
       environment I, therefore, do not support any of the three alternatives contained witbin
       the Environmental Impact Statement Report All three options will make it easier for
       companies to destroy streams, endangering wildlife and nearby communities.
       Once they are gone, they will be gone forever.

~~~a&r* Note: I am a native Philadelphia!!, graduate of Central High School and the University of
       Pennsylvania. 1 would not want Tennessee's beauty destroyed any more than I would
       Pennsylvania's.

       Sincerely,
                                                                                                          1-9
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1-10
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1-5
                                                                                                                                         Mark Homer
                                                                                                                                         601 S Peters Rd
                                                                                                                                         Apt 55
                                                                                                                                         Knoxville, TO 37922-4358
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-1004
                                                                                                                                                                                                   Section A - Citizens
-------
John Honeck
                                                                                          John Hopkins
  DeliveredDate:  01/05/2004 12:52:43. PM

  The way coal is removed in Mquntaintppremoval mining needs to be changed from the
  way it has been  done in the past: Personally I would like to see it .stopped altogether. But
  I know that is not a .reality today. The extractive industry, «a well as all those in. the coal
  consumption chain, need to make their companies as environmentally'benign as possible.
  It is my understanding/that in the past enyirottnientaj laws have been broken by
  companies practicing rrwuntaiatep removal mining. This needs, to stop, not by rewriting
  the law so that illegal practices can be made legal (every criminal would want that), but
  by enforcement and prosecution.

  Motmtaintop removal is not only extremely eiivirSftnieritaily degrading but it also has
  serious consequences for the communities around the mine. This societal dimension, also
  needs addressing. I believe that even if the coal extractive companies were to be
  environmentally and socially.eonscieace coal would still be very competitive with other
  enetgy .sources.  Thank you, John Honeck J15
  W Newhall #7, Waukesha WI53186.
1-9
-— Forwarded by David Rider/RMJSEPA/US on 01/08/2004 01:48 PM -—

           John Hopkins
               To:    R3 Mountaintop@EPA
                        cc:
           01/06/200404:14     Subject: Comment on mountaintop removal mining EIS
           PM

I oppose loosening rates on mountaintop removal mining.

Of all forms of resource extraction, large scale surface mining has one of the longest lasting and
most radical impacts on the land. Timber, gas, or petroleum extraction can have severe impacts,
expecially if not managed properly for environmental considerations, but most of the impact of
these activities will fade after a few hundred years. With MTR mining, the alteration of the
natural landforms, rocks, tnd streams of the Appalachians will persist on a geologic timescale,
thousands or tens of thousands of years. We arent using these resources to produce durable
goods such as steel—most of it will be burned for a one shot production of energy. And with
regard to development of industry, flood-proof housing, etc. there is enough land surface-mined
already (o allow for hundreds of years of building.

Astronomers have given us magnificent photos of deep space, and physicists concepts of the
infinitesimal. These provide us with glimpses of "the mind of God" (however one conceives of
the creative force behind the universe). These realms remain distant visions to us as humans. But
a human can walk across a wild mountain, one can touch it and smell it. The human world is a
wondrous—and hortifio-part of nature too, but the natural world is uniquely grounding for
mental and spiritual health because it bypasses the immensely tangled layers of human ideas,
goals, and conceits.

The earth doesn't cafe. The loosers will be our children, our descendents. For a party of a eoupie-
of-hundred yeare of cheap energy, West Virginia children of centuries to come will inherit not a
landscape that gives us a peek at the "mind of God" but instead a landscape that is pockmarked
with laadfills and slumping sandtrap-Iike features, a
landscape of human designs and motives.

Now I'm as impure as the next guy, I'm addicted like everyone else to this cheap energy. And of
course, most of the land that isn't uninhabitable in the world i* dedicated to human purposes.
Buts it's & question of degree. Where we we going to stop? How can we start turning in a
different direction so that we don't have to continue shredding wild lands to maintain our
civilization? The tools of late industrial civilization give us the ability to destroy huge areas in
record time.
But they also give us alternatives, too-little discussed and valued, to move in different directions-
-without going back to the stone age.

John H Hopkins
e-mail, wrmfv@yshoo.com
                                                                                                      1-10
                                                                                                                                                                                              1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEiS Public Comment Compendium
     A-1005
                                                                 Section A - Citizens
-------
Patricia Hopkins
                                                                                                                    Pierre Howard
          	Forwarded by David Wder/R3/USEPA/US on 01,73/2004 09:38 AM	
                    "Patricia R.
                    HopMfls"
          By Mountaintop Removal Mining
 To:   R3 Mountaintop@EPA
am   cc:
Subject: Please Limit the Destruction Caused
                                                                           2843 Dover Road NortLrest
                                                                             Atlaata, Georgia 30327
                                                                      1-9
                                                                                                                    PffiRBEHOWAKD
                    01/12/200406:07
                    PM
          Patricia R, Hopkins
          75 Raymond Street
          Biddeford, ME 04005
          January 12,2004

           John Forren
          US EPA (3EA30)
          1650 Arch Street
          Philadelphia, PA 19103
          Dear Forren:

          75 Raymond Street

          Cordially,


          Patricia R. Hopkins
                                                                                                                            8-1-2
                                                                                                                            1-9
                                                                                                                              (^^C^/^t^/
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                              A-1006
Section A - Citizens
-------
Renee Hoyos
                                                                                                          Patrick Huber
            — Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/23/2004 09:42 AM —-

                       " re nee (^tcwn.o rg"
                       < cenee           To:    R3 M0tuitaintop@EPA
                                    cc:
                       01/21/2004 08:52    Subject:  Support dean waler!
                       AM

            Mr, John I-often
            U,$."EPA(3UA3G)

            Dear Mr. Forren,

            Pksise reduce the harmful effects of mountain k>p removal coal mining to protect natural resources
            and eomtmirtitiC'S Kfid do not weaken enyironmental protections that, apply to the- companies that are
            conducting mountaintop removal.

            Tine draft Environmental Impact Statement (BIS) on motmtaintop removal should be rewritten to
            recommend limits on the ske of valley fills that bury steams and imperil wildltte.
1-10

1-7

1-10
            Sincerely,
            Rente Hoyos
            327 E. Quincy Avc
            knoxvilk.TN 37917
                                                                                               Patrick Huber
                                                                                               721 B. 11*81
                                                                                               Davis, CA 95616
                                         Dew EPA:
      I am writing ia regards to the mining technique 
-------
Barbara Hutchinson-Smith
                             Barbara
                             Hutchisen-Smith
                                                     Subject:  My plea  for
       John rorxen,  Environmental  Protection Agency
       r.S. FPA (3F,A70)

       Philadelphia,  PA 191.03
       I am  lifelong resident ot  the  state  of 5«feot Virginia, the mountain
       state.
       K€J are a people who feel protected by our mountains and the beauty they
       display.
       There are many pfeople in this state whose 1 i veil hood is derived from
       tourism.
       If our ?'tcurttair..3 are allowed to be devistated by the practice of
       mountain top
       removal who will want to corns to our  beautiful state?  We sin-ply cannot
       statid
       by and watch silently while wo  are made the energy sacrifice zone for
       Airier i ca .
       This Ls an obscene practice and must  be curtailed completely! am
       opposed
       to any
       changes that would weaksn the laws and regulations that prcr,e.ct our
       rivers and
       streams from the effects cf mountaintop mining and valley fills.  As a
       result,
       I ani opposed to each of the ali.ernatives evaluated in your May 23, 2003

       Knvi rcninerit^: Tjripaot Statement:  (BIS) .

       Your draft EIS contains indisputable  evidence ct tne devastating and
       irreversible
       envircn.cvsr.tal harm caused by mountain top ninlng.  other agency studies
       also shew
       that, incurs, tain top raining contributes to flooding disasters in mountain
11-7-2
1-10


1-5


4-2
                        Unfortunately, each of the alternatives in the draft SIS ignores the
                        findings
                        of these atudie,:-; and the very purpose of the EIS- to find ways to
                        minimize/ to
                        the Kiaxitnujn extent prsct icai, the environmental con sequences of
                        tneu n t a i n t op m I n i n g.
                        7he draft EIS does not examine a single alternative that, would reduce
                        those impacts.
Worse, your "p£-Cened alternative" would clearly ii:crease the daraaqe
fro Eft mountaintop
mining by eliminating the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act'a
buffer
seme rule that prohibits mining activities that disturb any ares within
100 ffeet
of larQ'&t ^treaius, eliffiimating the current, limit on usino nationwide
permits to
approve valley fills in West Virginia that are larger than 250 acres,
and giving
the Office of Surface Mining a significant new role. in. clean Water Act
permitting
for mount a in top fain ing (a rols- it cioos not have unuer current lav/} .

Our environiiie-ntal laws require, and the citizens of the? region deserve,
a full
evaluation of ways to reduce the unacceptable impacts of mountaintop
mining.
I urge you to abandon your "preferred alternative" and to rssvaluate a
full irancf®
of options that wi 11 minimize the enormous erivironn'iental and economic
damage cau^od
by mountaintop mining and valley fills.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Ea,rt>ar a Hu ten isQii~3ro.i th
211 Dwyer Ln
Lewisburg, WV 24901-1205
USA
bhsonghiidScilynet,net
                                                                                                                                                                                  4-2
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
         A-1008
                                                            Section A - Citizens
-------
Martha Hutson
                                                                                                    Carole Hyre
            	Forwarded by David Rider/S3/USEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:42 PM •
            Mining
om" 
-------
Robert lies
                                                                                                                                Michael Jablonski
            	Forwarded by David Ridet/R3/USEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:42 PM -—
                          "bobiles@ j uno .com
                          " 
-------
Donnie Jackson
                                                                         Gordon James
    August 4,2003
    To whom it may concern:
                  Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/12/2004 02:45 PM —

                            Gordon James
                                     cc:
                                      Subject: Strengthen draft EtS on mountaintop removal coal mining
                            1200/200307:42
                            PM
    I feel the need to express my opinion regarding the draft EIS.  I have
    worked with the mining industry for many years and feel they are doing I i n  i -
    a good job in reclaiming the land they mine. This was not the case       I ' V"J""
    years ago, but improvements have been made and today the land is
    much more useful after it is mined.  A majority of the water pollution    I 5.5.?
    comes from garbage being dumped in our streams. Our wildlife
population is on the increase.

Without the coal mining industry, people in Eastern Kentucky would be
devastated. We are among the poorest counties in the nation, and
without the coal industry I do not see how a lot of our families that rely
on the coal industry to provide for them would survive.

I feel the regulations are strict enough and that they are being properly
enforced. I do not believe that a change in the regulations is necessary
at this time.
                                                                         7-2-2
                                                                         11-1-2
                                                                         1-12
                  December 30, 2003

                  Mr. John Forren
                  Project Manager
                  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (3EA30)
                  1650 Arch Street
                  Philadelphia, PA 19103

                  Dear Mr. Forren,

                  Please change the EPA's draft environmental impact statement
                  on rnountaintop removal mining. This is a horrible destruction
                  of Appalachian ecosystems and beautiful natural areas.
                  Sincerely,

                  Gordon James
                  3036 S. Cherry Way
                  Denver, CO 80222
                  USA
                                                                                                                                                                  1-9
    Thank yon,
    Donnie Jackson
    260 Belles Fork Rd.
    Manchester, KY 40962
MTM/VF Draft PE1S Public Comment Compendium
A-1011
                                                                                                                                                 Section A - Citizens
-------
Roberta James
                                                                                          Phyllis Jenness
                                   "REC'D  A<.'8
                                                                                                                                                          2g28B
                 My name is Roberta James, I have worked for Kentucky Coal Association for over
           thirty years, I have seen many changes throuj^i the years, especially in the areas of
           reclamation. The industry has turned old mine site» into wild life habitats, airports, schools,
           hospitals, golf courses, parks, housing, etc.  It has given the mountainous areas of eastern
           Kentucky much needed fiat land to improve their economies and has brought more jabs to the
           area,

                 The coal industry is a heavily regulated industry.  The coal companies are required by    1 Q_'J_')
           law to reclaim the land once mining is done. It is reclaimed to equal of better than status then
           before mining began.  Kentucky has had many years of raceesg
-------
John Iodine, Jr.
                                      REC-DOEC2S
                    24
                            TtS 31830
   W..S Ew>
                                                         1-5

                                                                             US,
                                                                               '
                                                                                                          f>l^^
                                                                 8-1-2

MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-1013
Section A - Citizens
-------
Emily Johnson
                                                                                               Jane Johnson
         iro;n Mountaintop Mining
                                11/07/2003  09:12
                                PK
                                    Jane Johnson
                                    82AntiochRd
                                    Crab Orchard, TO 37723
                                                                                                                        JULY 22,2003
                                        "REC'D JAN2328M
                                 nge that v.ould  weaken  Lhe laws arid .recmlaLions
         that
         p.u>tw;t:  cur  r! vers and 3tre?Mr>s f rest th^  effects  of mount.a int.op mi ni ng
         and valley
         iiiia.   A3 a result,  I am opposed to  each  of  the alternatives evaluated
         in your
         Hay 29,  £003 draft Environmental Impact  Statement {EISJ.
1-10

1-5
                                                                                                                        JohnForren
                                                                                                                        US EPA
                                                                                                                        1650 Arch St
                                                                                                                        Philadelphia, PA 19103
 Twenty-two people have reported that their houses have been badly shaken up by
blasting from the Cumberland Coal Company mine on Smith Mountain in Cumberland
County, Tennessee,

 Of these twenty-two peoplea twelve have reported damage to their houses and property.

 It is NOT legal to damage houses and property with blasting tern a mine: the Surface
Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) requires operators to design a blasting
plan which will prevent injuries to persons and property outside tie Permit Area, legal
number 30CFR817.67.

 It is extremely important that the above law, 30CERS17.67, be enforced.

Sincerely,
                                                                                                                                  9      I I
                                                                                                                                ^A    XWwA*—•
                                                                                                                                 
-------
John Johnson
                                                                                                                                Andrew Jones
                                                                                                            August 1, 2003
   John        Johnson
   Date:  1/04/2004
   City:  Chattanooga  State:  TN
Zip:  37401
   Will facilitate Destruction: The idea that such a practice as mountain top removal is even
   allowed, let alone requires a scientific study, shows just how insane the US Government
   and its corporate sponsors have become. It is patently obvious that mountain top removal
   is genocide and ecocide of the highest order. Simply, it destroys life,-. Why do you need to
   do a study to figure that out? As mountain top a removal destroys all life that it comes
   near, both human and non-human, it should be ILLEGAL and abolished. If you profit
   blinded fools can not see the destruction caused by mountain top removal and the
   subsequent necessity of banning the practice, than, you are no longer worthy of our
   respect or your job.. In short, ABOLISH, OUTLAW, BAN'or otherwise make illegal
   mountain top removal and ALL other variations of destructive strip mining or RESIGN.
   There is no need to belabor the finer points of your draft BIS here. Mountain top removal
   ~ destroys the living mountain, forest and aquatic ecosystems that make life possible and.
   desirable in Southern and Central Appaljichia.

   For that reason alone it should be abolished. Mate it illegal or the outraged populace  will
   make your ineffectual bureaucracy obsolete. Eor the mountains, John Johnson of, but not
   .necessarily.for,. Ratuah Earth First, P.O. Box 281 Chattanooga, TN 37401  ps. please put
   my US  postal address (above) on all future NEPA scoping and comment lists relating gto
   mountain top removal in central and southern appalachia. pps. please respond so that I
   know you received these comments.
                                               1-9
                                                                                                                                                                    8fC ? 4
 My home is to the heart of your study area and in the belly of the
beast— the beast is the greedy, irresponsible coal barons and the
corrupt regulatory agencies arid politicians that serve as the
minions of this beast

This draft EB is a blueprint for continued assault upon the people
of Appalachia, a declaration of war upon our children, their
children and GOD'S creation. Enough, STOP Mountaintop
Removal, NOW!!!!! HSOJ  JKl/Uy Tons fff &fpk>St(£&
 CISCO. ir\ %34/-acKia at day?
This EB encourages the coal industry to continue to use — to rape
and take — Appalachia and her people— as a national sacrifice
zone.

This EIS did NOT study the cumulative effects of environmental,
community, human, cultural; health and socio-economic impacts
of post, present and future Valley fill mining. How did you study
the environmental justice impacts in this draft? You did not study
the cultural, communrty, people and property being destroyed by
this mining method, you dismissed ft.
                                                                          I demand a revised EIS that includes cumulative impacts of
                                                                          cultural, social, emotional, and spiritual and health problems
                                                                          of communities affected by Mountaintop Removal

                                                                          A partial cultural study already exists, this study by Dr. Mary
                                                                          Hufford is available on the Library of Congress website and Dr.
                                                                          Hufford—Dr. of Ethnography can be reached at the University of
                                                                          Perm. Our mountain culture has been her long before the white
                                                                          settlers came and before
                                                                          Commercial coal mining began. Our culture will be here long after
                                                                          the coal is gone!
                                                                                                                                          Q
                                                                                                                                        10-7-2
                                                                                                                                                                          9-4-2
MTIWVF Draft PE1S Public Comment Compendium
                                                   A-1015
                                                Section A - Citizens
-------
              It is believed that many people in Mountaintop Removal
              Effected communities suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder—
              -from blasting and flooding. How dare you dismiss the suffering of
              low income and the invisible minority people of central
              Appalachia!! How dare you dismiss and defy the Executive Order
              dealing with environmental justice, the low income and minority
              people.

              Your own study says that this area is well above the average in
              poverty and unemployment. "Where is the study on socio-economic
              problems of the area? Why are the people in the coal rich counties
              the poorest? What are the ACTUAL costs to the communities and
              people that suffer the effects of Mountaintop Removal? This
              mining effects the very poor, the powerless and oppressedpeople.
              Economic Development of these artificial sites? Only t> |§of these
              destroyed mountains are ever given any economic development for
              the affected communities. Where is the study on this?—I want to
              see the figures and a study on how much "prosperity" goes back to
              Buglar Hollow or Bob White or Montcoal, or any small mining
              community.

              In the last 6 months, 2 schools in the Coal River Valley,
              Both surrounded by many Massey mining permits, was closed.
              Sending our children on very, very long bus rides. One was at
              Montcoal—Marsh Fork High School-—where is the support—
              where's the money? The Raleigh County Board of Educations said
              it does NOT receive a red cent from coal tax for education—coal
              says it gives—who is lying? I want to see a report on that

              The scientific evidence of this study shows that Mountaintop
              Removal is environmentally insane, but the recommendations by
              the administration is to make it easier for the greedy coal
              companies to destroy everything, which leads me to believe that
10-7-2
10-2-2
even worse scientific evidence was omitted from Ms study. Even
so, your report makes an airtight case against your conclusions.
Your report and your conclusions strongly contradict Did a
complete idiot write the conclusions?

AS a fellow Christian I challenge President Bush to come to the
coalfield hollows in central Appalachia and talk with the blasted,
flooded, poor and the oppressed people impacted by Monntaintop
Removal. I ask President Bush to investigate his agencies, No true
Christian would allow these evil abuses to continue. I am sure once
the President discovers these crimes against the citizens of
Appalachia, he will stop Mountaitrtop Removal. NO toe GOD-
fearing man would allow these crimes to continue.

People should NOT have to make a choice between a job now and
destroying their children's ftrture, making their neighbors suffer
and selling their eternal souls in the bargain.
Revelation 11:18
Thy wrath is come, that they should be judged, and that thou
shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets and to
the saints and them that fear thy name, small and great; and
shouldest destroy them which destroy the Earth.

HOW VERY, VERY ARROGANT OF MAN TO THINK HE
CAN DESTROY GOD'S CREATION.
MTM/VF Draft PE1S Public Comment Compendium
        A-1016
                                           Section A - Citizens
-------
Deborah Jones
                                                                                                                                     Lora Jones
                  Mr. JohnForren
                  U.S. EPA
                  1650 Arch St.
                  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
                  19103
WEC-D
JAW 0 5 2004
	Forwarded by David Rider/83/USEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:42 PM	

            "twmwj@patrnedia.n
            et" 
-------
Mary Lou Jones

                                      i ltru,nn£rijk>fi
                                                r
                             L-^
                       *i±-^Ju^
                                                                                       eLfifi^aL^uLj a^Ag.'- GjKrx.tgM. ."Maj£r..kJeuJtJ.	U^faAi^uA
                                                                                                                                             I-9
                                                                                                                                             I-IO


MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-1018
                                                                                                                                Section A - Citizens
-------
TimJones
                                                                                  Richard Jorgensen
       —- Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/O7/2U04 03:32 PM	

                    deforest@atisttn.r
                    (.com           To:    R3 Moimtmntop(3>EPA
                                 cc:
                    01/03/200411:02     Subject: Comments on Draft programmatic
       Knvwnnmenlol Impact Statement on mnuntaintop
                    PM              removal coal mining

       Enviromental Protection Agency En wofttnental Impact Statement


       Dear Knvirouiental Protection Agency Environmental Impact Statement,

       F'm writing in regards lo Bush administration plans to continue to let coal companies
       destroy Appakchia with mining practices that level mounlaintops, wipe out forests
       and bury streams iit the valleys below.

       Are you freaking. NUTS???

       Sincerely,

       Tim fones
       313 J-one Oak Drive
       Austin, Texas 78704
1-9
Mr. Jcto IBrran
OS SPA (3S4JO)
1650 Aroh ».
PMJadaljMa, PA
Dw Slri

     Ha- QVW a eentary,  sSsoe ^ie ^Du^dlng of the woFlxl'a flr$t
pa2*k» the gjhitdd s&at^a h@is baon a
That Is, obviously, tha wry nlislon »f jear1
    Sftas, I find it horritts that our ootmtpy and y««r atanoy should pemlt
the dr&stlo d^frad&tlcm of the Appalaohl&i ecosystom 1
          do ov^x^thing in your potrar to |xl&o9 this praotida vhloh
         sevsa hundred idlss of streaffis umtar the strlctist
    thank you.
                                                                                                      1-9
                                                                                                                     31 Oasa&rar 2003                            Rlohard
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
      A-1019
                                                 Section A - Citizens
-------
Tom Joy
                                                                                f?EO'D  J.FC 3
                                                      December 28,2003
                                   Tom Joy
                                   1158 Hlghtop Road, Lot 188
                                   Blacksburg, VA 24060
                     To:           John Forren
                                   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (3EA30)
                                   1660 An* 8t
                                   Philadelphia, PA 19103

                     Subject       Comment* on draft Mountalntop Removal Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

                     Dear Mr. Forren:

                     I an opposed  to mountalntop  removal and valley ills. I beli'sve that Ms Immoral and Illegal
                     method of  mining  should be  hatted Immediately and  emphasis placed on developing  the
                     technology to mine thin teams of coal from underground. Alternatively, a method should be found
                     to compensate coal companies for  not mining coal that can currently only bs removed by
                     mountaintop removal.

                     My specific comments on the HS follow:

                         1.  The EIS  appears  to be an  attempt at mtsrjirectfon.  It largely bypasses the primary
                            environmental  Impact  of the  mining itself  and  addresses  only the  secondary
                            environmental Impact to contiguous areas that occurs after the mining is over.

                         2,  The BS is based  on the ftnpSict premise that afl of the coal that Is present must be
                            removed. In locations wh©r@ underground mining is not an option, this generally means
                            mountslntop removal mining. However, to use  mourttaintop removal mining requires
                            accepting an enormous and irrevocable environmental Impact - the total eradication of
                            tha existing topography, hydrology, and ecology in the areas to be mined and Hied. The
                            only justfeations provided for this wholesale environmental destruction are the improved
                            efficiency and lower cost of coal removal. Only the morally bankrupt couM regard these
                            Justifications as sufficient

                         3.  In the EIS, misgation is proposed as a  meaningful response to the environmental effects
                            of mountaintop removal mining. In reality, the concept of migration Ms completely to
                            address the extremes of habitat destruction that characterize mountaintop removal
                            mining. There is no way to miiigats U» total loss of a mountain, valley or headwater
                            stream, let alone  the  systematic eradication of  thousands of them throughout  the
                            Appalachian region. These entires are unique  and  irreplaceable, and the esthete,
                            cultural, environmental, and economic consequences of their destruction can never be
                            undone. Their loss will be a sad fact of life and a heavy burden to be borne by an future
                            generations.

                         4.  The EIS  focuses primarily on stream loss and downstream  hydrologic and ecoicgic
                            consequences of valley Has. It falls to consider what consequences might result from th®
                            absence of the mountain that supplied flie fill. What are the possible alterations in local
                            climatic conditions,  e.g., wind patterns,  rainfall  patterns,  rainfall  amounts and
                            temperatures that might occur if one or several existing mountains were to be removed?

                         S.  The end result of the coal-mining methods that are addressed by the EIS, particularly
                            mountsintop removal mining, must be to alter the topography of an appreciable extent of
                            the Appalachian  Valley and Ridge Province. The BS does not consider how the eventual
1-9
       removal of 30 to 40 percent of the mountains might alter regional climtBc conditions and
       how that might affect the regional ecology.

   6.  The EIS should address tha possibility that valley fills may be used to conceal the
       unpermitted dumping of non-hazardous and hazardous wastes in addition to mine spoil.
       Eyewitnesses have observed large numbers of used tires being disposed of in valley figs,
       and it la widely  believed  by area residents that frequent clandestine dumping of
       hazardous wastes &n valley fills also occurs.

   7.  The EIS should consider as an alternative the use of underground mine® sione to remove
       coal. Ml the prized Appalachian regional  attributes of esthetics, ecology, and culture
       depend on the continued physical presence of the Appalachian Mountains themselves.
       Intact, the Appalachians represent an Inexhaustible source of economic and lifestyle
       benefits to residents and visitors. By using only underground mines, original contour,
       hydrology, and ecology would be largely preserved. Thus, flie most exireme negative
       Impacts associated with mountaintop removal mining would be eSminated.

       If it is the case, as the EIS states, tot coal seams  less than 28 inches In thickness
       cannot be mined  economically from underground, coal companies could receive a tax
       credit or other compensation for "banking* the coal In such areas. This would provide
       time  for the development of technology that would  allow that coal  to be mined
       economically from underground. If the coai companies were compensated using money
       derived from tourism, they would have an incentive to conduct their mining  and coal
       processing operations in art environmentally responsible manner.

Please feel free to contact me regarding any of then comments.

Sincerely,
                                                                                                                                  9-2-2
                                             Tom Joy
5-7-3
5-6-2
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
            A-1020
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Section A - Citizens
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Edward Kadane
                                                                                                                                          RayKamstra
            .... Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/07/200403:32 PM	

                        *tn$pectorl2@aol.€
                        om'*           cc:
                          Subject;  No fo Mountain Top Removal!
            01/06/2004 12:43
            PM
            Please respond to
            tkamstra

folm Fotren,

I oppose moutititiiitop temx>val aitd valley fills and arty change in the buffer 2one rule, I  | .
I'm disappointed and aiigcy that tke federal govcoinient ignored its own studies when
it proposed weakening, rathet ihan streugthenitig, protections lot people sutd the        ] " 1 0
environment.

Sincerely,

Ray K^instra
Maldeti, MA
            Edward Kadane
            7'134Tokalon
            Dallas, TX 75214
            nspecfor'l 2@aol,com
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                                   A-1021
                                                                                                                                                                              Section A - Citizens
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Dan Kash
                                                                                                                       Barry Katzen
                 Mr. Johfi Foneu
                 U.S. EPA
                 1650 Arch Street
                 Philadelphia, PA 19103
REC'D JAH1 22004
                     RE: Comments OK Draft Enviroamenta! Impact Statement on
                                     Removal Mining and Valley Fills.

                       r. Fen-en,
                       Never in ^i my years of watching the coal industry despoil our lat^s,
                 communities have I seen a study about this rogufi iadustry so biased and so cynical as to
                 dafy bei^f. Even, to aa ifflot the destructive impact of ittoimtaintop racjovai is eye-
                 popping and hard to believe.
                       Fiflish yeur sttuly with a Httie hoi^sty. RecoHmMEad wh&t is right, not wto is
                 politicaily right. We n
-------
ErinKazee
                                                                                    Robert Keiilbach
    DelivetedDate: 01/06/2004 04:10:46 PM
    Dear Mr. John Forren, project Manager,

    Dear Mr. Forren:.

    The current practice of mountain top rernoval for easier access to coal is a foolhardy one
    that both directly, and indirectly endangers people and the environment they live in.
    Any brief research into the topic would show that only detrimental consequences result
    from this popular practice; it strips the land of essential.nutrients, robs countless of
    species of their homes, and pollutes waterways.  The litany of its harmful effects
    is virtually endless. This is not even taking into consideration the deleterious effects of
    fossil fuel consumption.  Even land reclamation projects are not sufficient in remedying
    the environments that were entirely ravaged; the original array of species
    cannot generally function in the vastly changed ecosystem, and only generalist species
    migrate into the reclaimed region.  It is a
    sign of environmental degradation when an abundance of generalist - not specialist -
    species inhabit an area because that signifies
    that it cannot support the higher qualities- of the specialists.
    The damage done to the environment is irreparable, and this alone should be enough to
    prove that the practice's disadvantages far
    outweigh its few advantages. As a whole, people often forget that we .depend upon the
    land for resources still, and this generation
    is not the last. But if we continue to treat  the land with sudi disrespect, it will not last far
    into the future. John Muk said,
    "How glorious.a greeting the sun..gives the mountains!", but at this rate, there may one
    day be no .mountains on which the sun can
    light its happy beams.
    Moreover, the harmful pollutants that are  produced by both mining and the burning of
    fossil fuels are causing, global warming, as
    well as respiratory diseases and other poor living conditions.
    Ansel Adams once: succinctly stated, "It is horrifying that we have to fight our own
    government to save the environment." However,
    this need not be the case.  The government has in its power to protect - nourish) celebrate
    - the environment. I strongly implore
    you to consider what you're doing to the environment - as well as to your posterity and
    yourself. Thank you for your time and
    consideration.
               	Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/30/2004 11:21 AM	
1-9
                           < rakmet          To:
                                         cc:
                           01/14/200406:40
                           PM
                                     R3 Mountaintop@EPA

                                 Subject Support clean water!
Mr. John Forren
U.S. EPA (3EA30)

Dear Mr. Forren,

Please reduce the harmful effects of mountaintop removal coal mining to protect natural
resources and communities and do not weaken environmental protections that apply to the
companies that are conducting mountaintop removal.

The draft Environmental Impact Statement (HIS) on mountaintop removal should be
rewritten to recommend limits on the size of valley fills that, bury streams and imperil
wildlife.

The draft Environmental Impact Statement should not do away with a surface mining rule
that makes it illegal for mining activities to disturb areas within 100 feet of streams.

Sincerely,

Robert Keiilbach
134-28 60 Ave
Flushing, NY 11355
1-10


1-7


1-6
                            Sincerely,
                             Erin Rettee Kaxee
    Erin Kazee
    Rt. 1 .Box 547
    Hat woods, KY 41139
    erinfcflzee@yahoo.com
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
     A-1023
                                                                   Section A - Citizens
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Mary Corsi Kelley
                                                                                                                                                                           Cindy Kendrick
                                                              'REC'D
                                                                     910 Sunset Road
                                                             Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103
                                                                      August25, 2003
 Mr. John Forren, U.S. EPA (3ES30)
 1650 Arch Street
 Philadelphia, Pa 19103
 Dear Sir,
 I am wMBng to comment on the unfortunate, vague and inadequate racomrrisnciattons
 made for action In response to EIS report regardhg mountaintDp removal mining and
 wlley fills.
 I am a graduate of Berea College and my mother was a Kentuckian.  She would not only
 be shocked and dismayed (as lam also) at the wreckage erf her tjaauttuf state but would
 want to protest the cavalier way In which the current administrate is "responding" to an EIS
 report documenting the extreme damage occurring at the hands of the coal companies in
 Kentucky.
 Your raport specifies weak and vague aBsmaflves to correct the continuing Irrevereible
 damage being done to mountain streams and terrain.  Why? Evidence In the report clearly
 Indicated a need for a more specific and preventive role for our government
 It all bolls down to who lives and loves Kentucky most:
 Is It the coal companies with their Mind need for profits In a state tat rain do without this
 kind of destructive coal mining?
 is It President Bush who has already a long track record of assaults against the environment
to profit big busienss?
 Is It lawmakers in Frankfort, whose knees are too weak to behave like they should in
opposing the continual destruction of their state for political gain?
You answer,
Sincerely yours,
                                                                                       1-5
         Mary Core Kelley            |
                                                                                                         	Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 11:39 AM -—

                                                                                                                     Cindy Kendrick
                                                                                                                             cc:
                                                                                                                                   Subject: Comments on Mountaintop Removal EIS
                                                                                                                     01/01/200401:23
                                                                                                                     PM
   Cindy Kendrick
   7317DunstenDrive
   Knoxville, TN 37931-1804
   phone: 865-386-6382

   January 1,2004

Mr. John Forren
U.S. EPA (3EA30)
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Dear Mr. Forren:

Comments on Moiintaintop Removal

While pondering the short-sightedness of the EIS on Mountaintop Removal,
I am reminded of the words of Rachel Carson, in a letter to the editor
of the Washington Post in 1963...
   ... the way is being cleared for a raid upon our natural resources
   that is without parallel within the present century.

   The real wealth of the Nation lies in the resources of the earth
   -- soil, water, forests, minerals, and wildlife. To utilize them
   for present needs while insuring their preservation for future
   generations requires a delicately balanced and  continuing program.
   based on the most extensive research. Their administration is not
   properly, and cannot be, a matter of politics.

   By long traditioBj the agencies responsible for these resources
   have been directed by men of professional stature and experience,
   who have understood, respected, and been guided by the findings of
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                                                                       A-1024
                                                              Section A - Citizens
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                their scienti sts	

                For many years public-spirited citizens throughout the country
                have been working for the conservation of the natural resources,
                realizing their vital importance to the Nation. Apparently their
                hard-won progress is to be wiped out, as a politically minded
                Administration returns us to the dark ages of unrestrained
                exploitation and destruction.

                It is one of the ironies of out times that, while concentrating on
                the defense of our country against enemies from without, we should
                be so heedless of those who would destroy it from within.
             Forty years later, these words seem written specifically for today's
             crisis. We are indeed in a crisis situation. Much of the damage being
             wrought upon our natural resources under false or foolish pretenses of
             economic growth, national security, energy security, and progress is
             irreversible and irreparable.  W© ourselves are becoming our worst
             enemy, I appeal to you, John Forren, to be one of those "men of
             professional stature and experience,"  to be guided by science and
             reason, to take a leadership role to protect those resources that
             define our Country - and begin by completely reshaping this miserably
             inadequate EIS for mountainlop removal.

             Embarrassingly, while the report acknowledges the significant damage
             inflicted by mountaintop removal and valley fill, it does not examine a
             single alternative that would reduce this damage. In fact, protection is
             substantially weakened.  While this Administration claims to use science
             as a basis for its policies and there is plenty of solid science to show
             that mountaintop removal and valley fill are extremely damaging, this
             EIS gives greater license to coal companies to behead our Appalachian
             mountains and bury our precious streams.  I am certainly opposed to
             weakening the stream buffer zone rule. In fact, 100 feet is not enough
             buffer to protect our fragile stream ecosystems against the acid
             leachate and siltation of such massive destruction. The stream buffer
             rule - or a stronger version - should be strictly enforced for all
             cases, including valley fills.

             I am opposed to all three alternatives in the EIS, since none of them
             provides reasonable protection for our vital natural resources and
             neighboring communities. Since no reasonably protective measures can be
             offered to mitigate resulting damage, I am opposed to mount&intop
             removal mining, as well as crossridge mining, which would purport to
             restore obliterated mountaintops. The practice of filling valleys with
             rubble from decimated mountaintops is entirely ill-conceived, and
             certainly without scientific basis.
                              As ! examine this EIS, I «m angry - angry that this irresponsible and
                              stwrt-sighted set of alternatives is being pt»»h«d forward; angry that
                              the mountains, forests, wildlife, clean water, and communities of
                              Appalachia are treated with ill regard; aagry that industry is being
                              given great power over common people; and angry that voices like mine
                              these days are falling on deaf ears.  I hope you, Joto Forren, will be
                              different.

                              Sincerely,

                              Cindy Kendrick
1-5
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
          A-1025
Section A - Citizens
-------
Oren Kennedy
                                                                                 Often Kennedy
                                                                                 418N,Fairview
                                                                                 Laming MI  48912
                     Mr. John Forren, U.S. EPA (3EA30)
                     1650 Arch Street
                     Philadelphia, PA 19103
                     Dear Mr. Foiten,

                     I am writing m opposition to the Action Alternatives that are proposed within the Draft
                     Environmental Impact Statement on Appalachian Moun^dntop MiningTValley Fill permitting.!
                     rurtfaer support the No Action option test this study, or modifications for Action Alternative I.

                     As listed in the Federal Register, the reason for this document was "to prepare an E&vironsietitai
                     Impact Statement to Consider Policies, Guidance, and Processes to Mmimize the Environmental
                     Impacts of Mountaintop Mining and Valley Fills io the Appalachian Coalfields.1* 1 feel that the
                     Action Alternatives th^ are proposed within the DEIS do sot mafee a serious attempt for the
                     ffiiniinizatiGii of environmental impacts. Rather than, an aSampt at impact minimization, the
                     document stresses ths needs fer permit expediency fbr industry,

                     I understand that some definitions of terms do need to be standardized betwean the EPA, ACOB,
                     and OSM However, 1 feet that feis should largely be between the EPA and ACOE, as
                     traditionally done witfa 404 pemuttiag, with OSM to fee a following agency and accept the agreed
                     upon deflnitkras aad metrics decided by the EPA and ACOE. It is my understanding that feere are
                     definitions for acceptable fills, and biometrics under prop-ess on the delineation of headwater
                     streams which would be usefel for da&ttion standardization. The worlcshop oa "The Value of
                     Headwater Streams" noted on the EPA website seems to be an example of work in progress. The
                     Draft BUS shows a disturbing proposal to transfer a large portion of the definition of terms to
                     those utilized and proposed by OSM, with OSM taking over as the lead ageacy &rNWP 21 and
                     Individual Permit decision coordination.

                     Nationwide permit coverage, in general terms, are for project with low, routine impacts for
                     which there axe & large number of permit applications. For wetland permits, the nationwide
                     coverage Is ap to 1/2 sere. Under KWP 21, the coverage is for a ip^eater area of impact In the
                     Executive Summary of the DEIS, it is stated that the actual sumbers of permits for NW coverage
                     has actually been decreasing. If the mustier of permit applications is decreasing, why does the
                     DEIS propose that fee process fee made easier for mdusity? Industry fa very aware of the coverage
                     for KW1P 21 - is it in the best ialerests of "miniiaizlsg itnp^T to ease tiie permit system?
                     Furthermore, it should show feat the current Individual Permit coverage is sot making the permit
                     review process more difficult.

                     Mitigation for fills within wetlands under 404 permitting is utilized to offset unavoidable impacts.
                     This is usually done within the sxisttog waterbody basin. For MTM/VF permits, I believe that
                     more coasiderattos should be gives to 'feasible and prudent alternatives* fbr fee permit proposal
                     before mitigation Is decided upon. Furthermore, fee very nature of MT&5/VT appHcatioBs means
                     that mitigation wfthia fee ©dstiag waterfoody basia would be very difficult to provide. The 0EIS
                     went kto depth m the focts feat diverse forestatiOE would be proposed, for mitigation efforts, but
                     it ignored the basic premises En which mitigation is to be utilized for.
                                             ' There were positive statements within the DEIS feat valley fitk can sometimes have wetlands
                                              develop oa them, aad feat the fill areas cm be also be used Ibr subdivision/land use development.
                                              I Had these remarks to be irresponsible within a document feat is headlined fbr minimization of
                                                      eiflal impacts.
                                              I urge that 8» Action Alternatives proposed withto the DEIS should be abandoned, and that the   I  i   i
                                              agencies involved with MIMAT peoatts work                                             1-1
                                                                                                                                                        Sincerely,
                                                             S/rfesf
1-1
12-1-3
MTM/VF Draft PE1S Public Comment Compendium
            A-1026
Section A  - Citizens
-------
Carol Anne Kilgore
                                                               REC'D  AU8262083
              August 21,2003
              Mt. 3ohn Forren
              U. S. EPA
              1650 Arch St.
              Philadelphia, PA 19103

              Dear Mt. Forren

              On July 22™11 attended both sessions of the public hearing in Hazard, Ky. regarding
              Mountaintop Mining. I am proud to say that I support Mountamtop Mining. 1 was bom
              and raised in Hazard, Ky. My grandfather worked in the mining industry and my dad had
              a tire dealership that relied on the coal industry.  My husband is now self-employed
              related to the coal industry. He has been a coal miner and owns coal trucks and I work
              for Pine Branch Coal Sales.  I feel that I know enough about coat mining to express my
              opinion about the advantage of mountaintop mining and disgust at the extremist who
              oppose it but seem to have no facts.

              My husband has done many different jobs in the mining industry for 25 years. He is very
              knowledgeable in the blending of coal that is loaded into rail cars and barges to be
              shipped to power plants. As you know it is very important that the quality meet
              regulations.  My husband has loaded holes for Wasting, operated equipment, loaded trains
              and barges and bought and sold coal and mining equipment. This has afforded us a good
              living.

              My office, a mine office, has  two very large windows that look out at green pasture land
              and a big pond Ml of ftsh.  1 have worked here for 11 plus years.  There is always
              wildlife around the pond whether it is geese or 10 pound turtles. The deer are more
              plentiful every year.  We caution people when driving down Kentucky Highway 28 to
              watch for deer. U is one of the most beautiful and natural places in Kentucky.

              My husband and I chose to build a home close to the Pine Branch Coal Sales operation.  I
              live within walking distance of where there is currently mountaintop mining.  I live a five
              minute drive from where mountaintop mining was turned into a cattle ranch that is used
              by the University of Kentucky. These opponents talk of the land being deprived of
              wildlife because of mountaintop mining.  1 have  lived in my house for 12 years and each
              year there is more wildlife. There are two foxes  that come in my yard every evening
              about dusk. There are deer, raccoons, squirrels and rabbits in my yard daily. There is a
              pileated woodpecker that is boring holes in my house. We try to scare it away but it
1-11
7-2-2
comes back,  i know some of these extreme environmentalist would rather 1 leave it alone
to peck my house down. I've heard the men on the jobs talk of seeing coyotes, turkeys,
bears and elk. We have our own wildlife preserve. It is beautiful.

At the public hearing 1 heard comments about the flyover festival from the Kentuckians
for the commonwealth. I have flown over this area many times and am in awe each time.
It is amazing to see the development taking place and development that has taken place.
I am 43 years old and have seen much growth. My daughter was bom a month after the
Hazard ARM Regional Medical Center was open. This is on land that was mined.  This is
only one of many facilities, businesses and homes in this area that have been built on land
that has been developed because of mountaintop mining. We would not have many of
the opportunities for economic development had it not been for mountaintop mining.

These opponents talk of the bad quality of our water. The water that comes off the job
where t work is filtered over the rocks and is clean when U reaches  the streams. It is what
people throw and flush into our waterways that are contaminating them.

The coal industry's very good for the economy of eastern Kentucky,  The coal
companies in eastern Kentucky are very generous to organizations and especially schools.
Public education in this area depends on coal severance money and the generosity of the
coal companies.

 I appreciate that there are agencies that regulate the different industries. There should
be. I am asking that we not be so over regulated that we're driveft out of business. This
is where we want to live and raise a family. Please consider our industry and what it
means to this area.  Please consider the people that are proud of this industry and what
they contribute to it everyday.

Thank you.

Yours truly,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                7-2-2
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 10-3-2
                                                                                                                   11-4-2
                                                                                                                   11-2-2
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
           A-1027
                                                                                                                                                                                                 Section A - Citizens
-------
Sterling Kinnell
                                                                                                          Laura Klein
                                                                                                                         Forwarded by David  Rid&r/R3/USEPA/U3 on  01/12/2004 02:4? it-
                  January 2,2004
                                                                                                                         Mountaintop@EPA
                                                                                                                                                  Laura A klein
                                                                                                                                                  
-------
Jennifer Knaggs
                                                                                                                      Gerri Kolesar
    First Name: Jennifer  Last Name: Knaggs   letter Date:
    City:  Lansing      State:  MI    Zip:   48912
1/06/2004
    I have seen first hand what happens in a community devestated by mountain top removal. 1 have
    seen hills millions of years old flattened, homes and schools turned into turned into parking lots,
    people terroized out of thier community only for companies to gain mineral rights. The
    Appalachian people are some of the poorest in the United States, and the richness of their
    beautiful land is being shoveled into oblivion. They say there will be jobs with the coal
    companies. I have stood with 10 people inside on* monster shovel, 'Big John', with room for at
    least 40 more ....A shovel like that can crush a mountain and empty t coal seetn in a matter of
    we^ks to days. With one person behind the wh«sel. Thai dots not create "jobs'1.1 have seen
    streams dried up from th« mountain tops thrown into the valley. Wells that give water to
    peoples' homes, gone empty or polluted. Entire ecosystems sacrificed, so that we have more
    unclean energy.

    They say that these sites will be reconstructed, unless it is seen that they are fit for better uses.
    "Better Uses" often means a Walrnart parking lot, n a small community, damaging their already
    fragile economy, with low income wages, and money leaving the community to a distant
    corporation. Or it is "reconstructed", which means importing wildlife that will grow quickly, but
    will not replenish the soil for future crops  or forests. Importing animals that do not belong in that
    habitat damaging the ecosystem. Is this a  solution? Coal is already inefficient, dirty, artd soon to
    be untlependable resource. Coal plants spend millions of dollars trying to rid themselves of me
    left over radioactive ash created from burning coal into energy. And they still don't spend
    enough. People and wildlife arc still being posioned from their "clean air" practices. Instead of
    supporting mountain top removal. I highly suggest the financial support of renewable resources,
    such as wind and solar energy. They are the cleanest and least harmful methods of creating
    energy. 1 urge you to not support Mountwa Top Removal. It is not a solution to our energy
    crisises, but a creating more problems.
                                                                                                                                          us e * ad
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                                                                                                                                 1-5
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                 A-1029
Section A - Citizens
-------
Vanessa Kranda
                                                                                       Jud Kratzer
        —- Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/200401:59 PM	

                    ' vkranda@C[ualcomm
                    .com" 
-------
Scott Kravitz
                                                                                             TomKruzen
         —- Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/200401:59 PM	

                      "oaklattdistgjhotaiai
                      l.com"             cc:   Catla Klein ,
                          Andy Mahler ,
                                                    Ken Midkiff , Scott
                          Dye 
                                      12/22/2003 12:44     Subject  Mountain top removal
                                      PM
                                      Please respond Co
        Dear Mr. John Fotren, Project Manager,

        Dear Mr. Forren:

        The Bush administration has a terrible habit of interpreting information
        to support its own predetermined agenda. In this latest case it has
        decided that tnounaintop removal for mining purposes should continue,
        despite the government's own studies indicating the irreversible damage
        of such a practice.

        Please do not accept this short-sighted and  terribly destructive agenda.
        Please amend the draft EIS to recommend restrictions on the scope of
        mountaintop removals, and elevate protection of wildlife and rural
        communities to their proper place as the top consideration in any
        proposed mining operation.

        Sincerely,
        Scott Kravitz
        Scott Kravitz
        2796 Casiano Rd.
        Los Angeles, CA 90077
        oaklandis@hotmail.com
1-7
December 22, 2003

Dear Mr, Poteen,

Blowing up mountains and filling in valH^s to get at die coal as cheap as possible is
reprehensible. It is the ultimate in mining destruction, and like Humpty Dumpty,
those mountains, valties arid the all the living things that depend on them arc gone
forever, including human beings. What of CONSERVATION? A penny saved is a
penny earned- We've recently purchased a Prius and get 45 mpg average! What if
iJTeryone did that? What it everyone upgraded their appliances and light bulbs to be
entsrry saving?^? Maybe we wouldn't have to destroy the beautiful Appalachians
in .Kentucky arid West Virginia!

The Bush admininsttadon plan to expand this terrible process is flat out wrong. Put
the "protection *' in the EPA and deny the expansion of ]VfoiifU;$in top removal. If
you procede with Bush's plan, you will be irrevocably be destoying out natural
heritage just as surely as if a terrorist dove a plain into the Statue of Liberty. You will
also be destroying a culture and many communities in the  Appalachians. This is
NOT your mandate. ..to destroy., .it's to PROTECT! Do yout job!!!

Sincerely,

Tom Krusien, President
Qfcark Rrrerkeepet Network
213 East 3rd St
Mt View, Missouri, 65548
                                                                                                   1-9
                           Free Web Email & Filter Enhancements.
                           http://www.fteewebemail.com/filtertoots/
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
         A-1031
                                                          Section A - Citizens
-------
Glenn Ruehne
                                                                                       KaraKukovich
             —- Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:32 PM	


                           "keen_2bcrazy@yah
                           oo.com''            To:     R3 Mountaintop@EPA
                           
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                      Safety. I recognize and am thankful that the number of coal miners killed on the job fell
                      from 67 in 2002 to 55 deaths in 2003.  And while mountaintop mining may not be as
                      dangerous as deep coal mining, there are other trade tsSs.

                      Jobs. It appears that the local residents do not benefit much from the extraction of coal
                      by giant machines that rip off the top of the mountain to get at coal True, in some areas
                      there are coal-fired plants that use the coal, but these are so efficient these days, there are
                      few permanent jobs.  A lot of public support Sot mountaintop mining is based upon a
                      misconception that it will create many jobs.  And what happens to the rest of (he
                      mountain top that has been leveled? I understand, for example, that 15-25 percent of
                      West Virginia mountains have been leveled &r mining. For the most part, what remains
                      is abandoned, unproductive, and does not contribute to flie local tax base or general jobs.

                      Regeneration of the ferest. I take exception to the introductory statement on page ES-3
                      that the "nateal succession by trees.,.was slowed."   Slowed? These forests have been
                      taken down to stump many times in the past centuries and were able to regenerate.
                      Previously, you could have stood in the same place Daniel Boone walked and see the
                      same spedes of trees that had been cut and regrown. Do you truly believe that could
                      happen again? The HS introductory statements cannot mean that in the same way the
                      forest can be what it was before. The forest is not able to grow back the same way it did
                      in past was. Bis different this time around.  There is no SOU, on which to grow. There
                      is not the natural flow of waters that would be held by the soil that is now gone.  This is
                      simply not «ome problem that can be managed by some forestry plan. This is not some
                      "cap" that you take off and put back ("recovery efforts") which is the impression that
                      some pro-mining interests make. Everything that was tfae ibrest is gone.  It is no  more.

                      We all live downstream. The page ES-4 statistic is that only ,..("1.2% of streams) were
                      covered by valley fills from 1985 to 2001."  This statement mtoimiae! the overall effect
                      of valley fills. A total of 6,800 fiUs sounds lite a lot of affected communities to me. In
                      hollers where the sun is shaded much of the day because of the steepness of the
                      mountains, it does not take much in the way of valley fills to accentuate the effect of
                      unimpeded water to those downstream. I am mindful that it is the mountaintoji that is
                      being taken away, so that water flows fester and quicker right from the beginning.

                      Macroinvertibrates. Befiare I went to college, I was a stream monitor in my home
                      neighborhood. I understand well how the smallest changes can affect these insect
                      harbingers of an unhealthy stream. In Virginia, for example, you can still see the changes
                      in (he river bank that were wrought by English colonial traders in the 1600s when they
                      altered rivers (and the aflected streams) to access the cotton offloading sites. We look
                      Ibr the tiniest of eddies and current changes in feeder streams to find the
                      macroinvcrtibrales that tell us about the health of the stream. I can only imagine  what the
                      whoosh of a spring rain does in an area that has been suddenly in-filled as a part of
                      mountaintop mining.  It's probably all gone. I doubt that there is any life left.
7-5-4
10-2-4
                                            "Require reclamation with tress as th» post mining laid use."  (PageES-8) I am very
                                            interested in how this can be done. Does this mean make it the way it was before? Do
                                            you track in torn and tons of forest loam of the ktad that S« waste&lly pushed over into
                                            the valleys along with the trees in the first place? And where would you get the soil in
                                            which to plant the new trees?  Does not that imply that you would have to dig up some
                                            other pristine place to find the very same kind of soil in which the trees grew before
                                            mountaintop mining was begun?  So, now TWO places would be befouled?

                                            I appreciate all the studies and work mat has been done to date to document the effect
                                            mouutaiBtop mining hts on the environment. In &ct, the studies show that considerable
                                            damage has been done. The result should be that we reduce the occurrence of
                                            mouutaintop mining.
                                            I do not believe that it should be continued until all the mountain tops are gone. The US
                                            does not go ik enough in requiring protection! for valley fills, it does not really save the
                                            habitats for all categories of animals, and it does not mitigate damage to the water system
                                            created by mountaintop mining, in my view. The EIS is a start It should not be
                                            considered our society" s approval to continue mountaintop mining as we do today,

                                            Thank you,
                  19-2-4
                  1-9
                                            KaraL Kukovieh
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
           A-1033
Section A  - Citizens
-------
Kenneth M, Kukovich
         	Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 11:39 AM	

                     Kenneth Kukovich
                               cc:
                                     Subject:  Kenneth M. Kukovich Comment on Mountaintop
         Mining EIS
                     01/04/2004 11:46 PM
                     Please respond to
                     kukovicWockhart
         H:n:seheij»s-mierosofi-eom:office:0ffice*' l>
         Kenneth M. Kukovich
         39Q1 N. 13th Street
         Arlington, VA 22201
         H:(703)525-8592
         kukovichiockliart (2Mnifidspring.com
         January 4, 2004

         Mr. John Forren
         U.S. EPA (3EA30)
         1650 Arch Street
         Philadelphia, PA 19103
         mountaintop.r3@epa.gov
                      net loss.  The energy we gain is at the expense the destruction of the
                      habitat, the iatetruplkia of natural wafer flows and purification, sad
                      the sheer change in the topography and geology of an area.

                      The habitat is forcwr changed. The forert and its soil that is scraped
                      off the mountain is not rhe same despite the "restoration'* that is made
                      after the coal is taken out. I realize that these are private lands.
                      However, we are all stewards of th«i earth, and this extreme  method of
                      extraction in some of our most valuable areas of biodiversity is
                      something for which our next generations will not forgive us.

                      The EIS studies have documented but 1 believe minimized the danger to
                      water supplies.  A restored inouiitaintop mine site initially looks as
                      manicured as a golf course.  The rip- rapped new drainage paths, and the
                      holding ponds appear to set tlje foundation for water to begin its path
                      to the ocean. Of course, there is nothing like the forest into  which
                      such rain fell where if was purified by tie layers of sediments and
                      rocks butt! up over centuries. I understand that elsewhere in the
                      country we are seeking areas of farmland and natural ftiarshl&nd to
                      naturally purify the water instead of using chemicals and mechanical
                      means to cleanse our water. So why do we allow a functioning ecosystem
                      to be destroyed in  the ease of mountainlop mining?

                      Finally, I heard it said, and read by mountaintop mining advocates, that
                      such "leveling" of the mountains i* actually a good thing, that it will
                      bring jobs and create opportunity for those who have not had it because
                      of the mountains.  It would seem a reasonable proposal, then, that
                      mountaintop mining be halted until all of the currently cleaied-off
                      mountains are full of fair-paying permanent jobs by environmentally and
                      economically sustainable industries.

                      Sincerely,

                      Kenaeth M. Kukovich
9-2-2
7-5-2
                                                                                                                                                                                                 5-1-2
         Re: Comment on the Draft ProgrammMie Environmental Impact, Statement
         (Draft BIS)
             on Mountaintop Coal Mining and Associated Valley Fills.

         Dear Mr. Forren:

         I have had the experience of being on a mountainlop mining site for two
         continuous weeks. 1 believe my observations and comments may be of
         value in your review of the EIS.

         My general comment is that extraction of coal by mountainlop mining in a
MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-1034
                                                                                                                                                                                 Section A - Citizens
-------
JohnL
                                                                                                                                                                          Alexandra Lamb
          	Forwarded by David Rider/RMJSEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:42 PM -—


                                                 R3 Mountaintop@EPA
                                     cc:
                       01/06/200402:57     Sub
          Mining
"jalefra@lanset.e
om*' p@BPA

Subject:  Mountaintop Mining,'Valley Fill DHLS
Mr. John Konrea
U.S. EPA(3EA30)
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Dear Mr. Forren;

I would like to comment on the Draft programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (Draft
EIS) on mountaintop coal mining and associated valley fills in Appala^nia released by ihe U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, U.S. Office of Surface Miiiings and West Virginia Department of Environmental
Protection,

The Draft EIS confirms thai mounlaintop coal mining and valley fills in Appalaebia have caused
massive, irreparable environmental damage, including the destruction or degradation of
appmximately 1200 miles of headwater streams and kindreds of square miles of forest

Despiie tliis devastation caused by mountaintop coat mining, the preferred alternative
(Alternative 2) would undermine existing environmental protections and permit trie destruction
of an additional 350 square miles of mountains, streams, and tbrests. Furthermore, it is
inaccurate and misleading to describe the replacement of native hardwood forest, which
are biologically diverse and offer critical wildlife habitat, with grassland plateaus or replanted
hardwood forest && "reclamation."

I also strongly disagree with the Draft EIS claim that the preferred alternative "would support
efficient, environmentally responsible production of energy resources.H It is an abhorrent waste
of our nation's natural resources to mine coal by blowing up mountains and burying entire
streams and valleys in waste. The EPA is wrong to support - at any cost - coat power, which
produces more air pollution a»d contributes more toward global warming that  any other
electricity source, rather item promoting energy conservation and efficiency and renewable
ettergy sources. I expect the federal government, to conserve our natural resources and to
promote responsible stewardship of the environment,

I urge the EPA to amend the Draft EIS to protect Appalachia's natural resources.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Alexandra Lamb
13230 Chandler Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401
                                                                                                                                                                                                              1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                                                                A-1035
                                                                  Section A -  Citizens
-------
Sloane Lamb
         — Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 11:30 AM	
                                            To:    R3 Mountaintop@EPA
                                            senator@wyden.senate.gov, oregon@gsmitli.senate.gov.
            "Lamb, Sloane T."
                       cc:
write. eari@inail.house. gov
                         Subject; Draft EIS mountaimtop coal mining
            01/06/2004 12:04
            PM
         Mr. John Forren
         U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (3EA30)
         1650 Arch Street
         Philadelphia, PA 19103

         Dear Mr. Forren:

         Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Draft Environmental
         Impact
         Statement (EIS) on mountaintop coal mining and associated valley fills
         in
         Appal achia.

         Mountaintop coal mining and valley fills have caused widespread and
         permanent damage to the Appalachian environment, as is made evident in
         the
         Draft EIS. Such activities have led lo the degradation or destruction of
         vast stretches of forest and more than 1000 miles of headwater streams,
         imperiled wildlife, and destroyed communities.

         The preferred alternative in the Draft EIS would, among other things,
         eliminate the surface mining rule that makes it illegal to disturb areas
         within 100 feet of streams unless it can be demonstrated that they will
         be
         harmed. This not only enables the mining companies to obtain permits
         that
         can result in serious destruction too easily, but it removes the onus of
         protecting our environment from the EPA, where it belongs.

         Our country's natural resources are not limited to coal and natural gas.
         Indeed, our country counts among its natural resources the very habitat
                                                                              1-9
                                                                              1-10
being irrevocably damaged by these obscene practices by the coal-mining
industry. The EPA sheuM .not condone the degttuctidB of additional
habitat—mountains, forests  and streams—at tte expense of furthering
the
production of coal power, an industry that contributes more toward air
pollution than any other source of electricity. Instead, your agency
should
be promoting energy conservation and efficient and renewable energy
sources.

I therefore urge the EPA to amend the Draft ELS.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Sloane T, Lamb
283 5 NE 27th Avenue
Portland, OR 97212
                                                                                                             Sloane T. Lamb
                                                                                                             Global Marketing and Communications
                                                                                                             AlliaaceBernstein Institutional Investment Management
                                                                                                             A Unit of Alliance Capital, L.P.
                                                                                                             www.institutional.alliancebernstein.com
                                                                                                             Bus.: 503-493-4301
                                                                                                             Fax:415-217-8111
                                                                                                             Iambst(j§bern3tein,com
The information contained in this transmission may contain privileged
and confidential information and is intended only for the use of the
p@rson{s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, or an
employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the
intended recipient, any review, dissemination, distribution or
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we do not accept account orders and/or instructions by e-mail, and
therefore will not  be responsible for carrying out such orders and/or
instructions.
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                                                                        A-1036
                                                            Section A - Citizens
-------
Melissa Lambert
                                                                                                          Denise Lamobaw
              Melissa Lambert
              West Virginia Wesleyan College
              59 College Avenue
              Buckhannon, WV 26201
                                                                                31 October 2003

                                                                                US EPA (3ES30)
                                                                              c/o Mr, John Forren
                                                                                1650 Arch Street
                                                                          Philadelphia, PA 19130
              Dear Mr. Fortes:
              I am writing in regards to the current Environmental Impact Statement on mountain top removal
              raining and valley fills. According to this statement, current and future mining operations could
              potentially result in the loss of 1,500 acres of fbrost. It also states that  "...scientists have found
              little evidence to support coal industry claims that modern reclamation can bring new life to land
              that is flattened by motintaintop removal," Ffom !9&S  to 2001, ntountaintop removal operations
              burled 724 miles of Central Appalachian streams. Overall, however 1,200 miles of streams have
              been impacted by valley fills. This harms aquatic life downstream from these fills and produces
              Selenium in these same  streams. At the current rate of mountaiatop removal operations, 2,230
              miles of Appalachian forests will be lost by 2012. All this information comes straight from the
              EIS.

              However, even though this report catalogues both the devastation already incurred and the threat
              ongoing mountaitttop removal operations pose to Appalachian streams, forests, and aquatic life. It
              does not advise against its practice. Inconsistent with Its own findings, the recommendations
              Included in the HIS illustrate blatant disregard to the documented devastation of mountalntop
              removal mining and valley fills. Also, absent Awn this document, but equally devastating, Is the
              impact of mouatamtop removal mining on communities adjaegnt  to these operations. Blasting,
              valley fills, persistent flooding, and forced displacement, among other factors, continues to plague
              coalfield communities. Not enly Is raoutiiatntop removal permanently  altering West Virginia's
              environment, it is permanently depopulating many coalfield towns.

              In conclusion, based on the previously  stated reasons, the current EIS is simply unacceptable, I
              demand, as a resident of West Virginia, that the EPA draft environmental policies that reflect -
              rather than  ignore - its own findings on mountaintop removal's environments! damage in our
              state. We can do better than this.
             Thank you for yoor time and consideration.
                                                                                      Sincerely,
                                                                                           £X'
1-9

                                                                                                                          1-9
                                                                                                                          1-10
4-2
                                                                                Melissa Lambert
 MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
            A-1037
Section A  -  Citizens
-------
Jackie Lancaster
                                                                                                                                                                                     Susan Lander
«-» Forwarded by David Rider/RMJ SEP A/US on 01/08/2004 01:58 PM -----


                                R3 Mountaintop^El'A
                   !1dj mcl an caster@.co
                   x.net"         To;
                                Subject: Please Stop Destructive Mountaintop Removal Mining
                   01/06/200403:03
                   FM
        Dear Mr. John Forren, Project Manager,

        I grew up in West Virginia. There is uo more beautiful stale, My lather ran many of the mines
        in West Virginia and Kentucky.  I strongly urge you to amend (lie EPA's draft environmental
        impact statement so as to slop tnounlainiop removal mining. 1 fmd it unconscionable (Thai the
        Bush administration pians to continue to let coal companies destroy Appalachia with mining
        practices that level moimtaintops, wipe out forests, bury streams and destroy communities.

        The Bush administration must consider alternatives that stop the mountsintop removal  mining
        and then implement measures to protect natural resources and communities in Appalachia. No
        amount of coa! is worth the destruction of streams, forests, wildlife and communities. I urge you
        to immediately amend the draft EIS accordingly.

        Sincerely,
        Jackie McQuadc Lancaster

        Jackie Lancaster
        3 39 East J Street
        Chula Vista, CA 91910
        dj melaneasie r@cox.ne1
                                                                                 1-9
                                                                                                                         	Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/09/2004 02:49 PM -—


                                                                                                                                                                  R3 Moimtaintop@EPA
To:
            Susan Lander
                      cc:
                          Subject; Amend EPA environmental impact statement
            01/01/2004 11:58
            AM

I am dismayed by the plans to continue to allow mining practices in
Appalachia which would level mountain tops, and do serious damage to
forests, streams, and communities.

According lo Ihe draft BIS, the environmental effects of mountaintop
removal are both severely damaging and permanent.  Despite this, there
seem to be no protections for either the natural resources (forests,
wildlife, streams) or for the communitie» that depend on these
resources.

Worst of all, the "preferred alternative'' for dealing with the massive
problems posed by mountain top removal mining ignores the
administration's own studies!

I urge you to turn to alternatives that protect natural resources and
communities on Appalachia.

Susan Lander
Ashland, Oregon
                                                                                                                                                                                              1-9
MTM/VF Draft PE1S Public Comment Compendium
                                                                                           A-1038
                           Section A - Citizens
-------
Jennifer Lantz
          John Forren
          U.S,EPA(3ES30)
          J 650 Arch Street
          Philadelphia, PA 19103
"REC'D  JAW 0 2 $M
          Mr, John Forren,

          I am writing to you, in defense of oar precious environment I will start oy saying I have never
          written so many environmental defense letters, as J have since Bush, Jr. took office. Daily I
          find myself wondering why this aduriuistratioH i&vors corporations over our environment, our
          future, our children's health and oar own. Is money that precious? How precious will it be
          when all of our natural resources, oar clean rivers, our clean air - are gone?  I have learned one
          tiring above all else while growing into an adult: Even if all material things we taken from you,
          and you still have your family, Mends and Mfe - then all is good because none of those material
          things were important; for they can be replaced.  Onr children cannot be replaced, our family
          cannot be replaced, and our mountains cannot be replaced.

          I am opposed to mountaintop removal mining and valley fiBs of any kind. How dare our          | i  n
          government allow corporations come iato our {brents, our wilderness" homes and diminish what    '
          little natural toven we have left in this world!  What we need is an alternative energy policy, not
          a more consuming energy policy Bke that of which Bash would like passed. More coat, more
          oil, more pollution, more chemical agents in the rivers and streams is what is happening wift
          these 'Bush Policies' - don't we have enough polluters already? The fish in the Ohio tee
          already labeled as unhealthy to eat, where we obtain our water - yet more development and
          energy sources are being planned. If we keep dumping more pollutants into these streams, and
          adding to the air pollution through coal and oil exploration, then what we have is a future health
          disaster on our hands. Is that what our government wants to happen to the American people?
          We already cannot ftce rising health care costs and our government will not give us national
          healthcare like the many other industrialized nations of fte world.

          Therefore, we are looking at disease, deformation, brain dysfunctions, bleak skies and blank
          futures - all over mosey and corporate power, because we cannot get enough - if this is allowed
          to keep happening. It is never enough is it? Tell you what,..If you stop the mining, I will talk
          to the people about being conservative and controlling the population. I personally could care
          less if we did ran out of fuel and energy, because it has caused chaos, war, violence, greed and
          hate. I do not need any of those effects, nor do our children. If we run out, we ran oot. Maybe
          if government coneenftated on educating people on the effects they are having on (he
          environment, instead of removing our environment to Make more money off people - we would
          not have these problems.  Instead, this could be a letter of appreciation for looking out for our
          environment and saving it from corporate destruction. I hope that  in the near future I will have
          the opportunity to write such a nice note to you.

           Page 1 of 2                        JL                                      12/28/2003
'••   '•                          T?ED'D JM ft 2 MR

 Furthermore, I do not support Alternatives #1,2 or 3 contained within the HS report. Hone of
 these options will protect our water or our communities. The only alternative to protect our
 water, wilderness and communities is to stop to mining and mountain removal. Enough is
 enough and the people, environment and future of America have a word on this issue. We have
 spoken. We hope our government will hear us.

 Thask you for your attention. Please read a short summation of sustainabiHty for our ftiture at
 http://wwwJsoscofifereace.org.au/papers/Sanders.pdf
                                                                                    Sincerely,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1-5
                                                                                   "Only wfaea Ute last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been
                                                                                   eaugt&,..wili we realise tfaat we can sot eat j&G&ey." *- Native American proverb
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                                             A-1039
                                                                    Section A  - Citizens
-------
        Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 11:18 AM

                     Jennifer, la ntz@m
                     sightbb.com        To:     R3 Mountamtop@EPA
                                          Subject: fust Say No To Mountain Top Removal
U.&. KPA (3KS3U)
             John H of tcn
             
-------
TimLarrick
                                                                                                           Jessica Lavin
                                                                                                          1-12
                                                                                                                                             First INamc:   Jessica Last Name;
                                                                                                                                                          City:  Httptwell
                                                                                                                                                                            :Siate:  MB
                                                                    letter Date:  .l./LV2EK)4
                                                                    Zip:   04079
                        This j*ast November I had the opportunity to attend a week long training .session for those who
                        work to create social change, On the 10 hottt drivy with one of my colleagues we discussed many
                        issues facing mn environment today. We titlked about the health md air issues associated wiih
                        US electronic waste heing^hippad to Asia, wy talked about the war ia Iraq, about glohatizatioft
                        and free trade, but the 'most intem.Ung Uiing we. Utlked about- was my cpifeaf ties work to stop the
                        destructive coal mining practice ol muimutifitop removal. He told me-about liviirg id Appalitdvia
                        with Korne families who's health, Bveliehood, home towns and pristine surroundings were being
                        threatened by con! coti^anie^. My rractioft -"Coal coftipaMies si.Hl do thai irt the United States!"
                        Of'course, my co-worker couldn't believe, I hatt never h^-aftf of such acfs, I guess I hsd been
                        living in my .isolated part of. the OS for way tootoeg. As the week progressed, 1 met more and
                        more people who worked to improve the lives of others through seeming 'low income housing in
                        the inner eitys of Philadelphia, chasing dtug dealers and prostietutes of ihs comers of thier streets
                        in Camden New Jersey, fightittg A10S in impoverished countries. A,nd ~ still the story that
                        struck my heart was the simple fact that even in the. US we,siil! allow-" coal-compaiiies to"
                        ptafttasratly devastate our people atid our efivironmefit. The US is one of the most sophisticated
                        countries in the world? At-the end of the  week the message- i t«ok away was there is stilt
                        opportunities for us to create change in society, it may noE happen fast, but if all do our part we
                        can make a difference. It's your turn i® do'tbs tight thing! Slop allowing coal companies to
                        destroy oiir nations soil and threatetvthe health of many people. I»ste&d of allowing mountaintap
                        removal to continue i«jd in msuiyeaws increaseJra^lefi^ntafterRJttjvtf me|tstires(- You CAN
                        reduce stream and forest loss by placing strong restrictions on Ihe sia® of valley fills. • You CAN
                        implement measures that require evaluating alter'Mtives for individual projects. - You CAN
                        implement measures thai require evaluating iregiotiaj alteiritauvi^ so that the t;urnulative impact of
                        the destruction «uised by motmtaiutop removal is addressed. For the sake of Appalachian men,
                        women and children, thier heritage and our environment PLEASE stop ibis devastating act?
                        Wouldn't Appalaehta be a great place for windmills?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     1-9
MTM/VF Draft PE1S Public Comment Compendium
A-1041
Section A - Citizens
-------
Phyllis Law
                                                                                               F. Carey Lea
               December 18,2003
               John Forren
               US Environmental Protection Agency
               1650 Arch Street
               Philadelphia, PA
               19103
               Dear Mr. Forren,
               I oppose any changes that would weaken laws and regulations that protect
               clean water in the stats of West Virginia. I oppose eliminition of the stream
               buffer zone that prohibits miring activity within 100 feet of streams.

               We  must adhere to  improving environmental  protection to aquatic and
               terrestrial  ecosystems.   We must  also eradicate  the widespread and
               irreversible damage the coal industry is doing to Appalachia, and the once
               beautiful mountains of West Virginia.

               The BIS draft must not be approved or accepted.
 1-10
 9-2-2
14-2
                            	Forwarded by David Ridei/RJAJSEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:42 PM -

                                        Carey Lea
                                                  cc:
                                                     Subject:
                                        12/25/2003 10:27
                                        AM
Dear Mr.Forren

1 am writing to tell you that 1 »m opposed
to mountaintop removal coal minii]g,I think the practice and
its results speak for th«mselves-unemployment,eimroiimental
destraction,and the destruction of local communities.Of
course the industry has its own self-serving rosy
scenario.but for those of us who live in the area,the rosy
scenario is laughable.I urge you to consider the will of
the peoplejiot the industry.

Sincerely,
F.Carey Lea
353 Groundhog Ridge
Spencer. WV 25276
                                                                                                       1-9
                Sincerely yours,
               Phyllis H. Law
               137 Loretta Avenue
               Mansbee, WV 26037
               304-527-1522
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
           A-1042
                                                            Section A - Citizens
-------
Elaine Leach
                                                                                                                    Carole Levenson
         —- Forwarded by Da-rid Rider/R3/USEPA/US OB 01/08/2004 01:59 PM	
                     "eleach@brainerd.
                     net" 
-------
Igal Levy
                                                                       Elizabeth Lewis
        	Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:42 PM	

                   "textract@attbi.c
                   om" 
-------
Norma Lewis
                                                                                                                              Tom Lewis
    "REC'D  M.,  2 5 20!
Notnia Lewis
Lincoln WV 25508
My 20,2003
"REC'D JAH 2 3
    Dear EPA,                                                 ">

    The BIS does not evaluate alternatives to valley fills, it should

    Other uses for the rock need to be considered. Economic development plans should have
    as a main focus ~ how to capitalize on another one of West Virginia's resources-
    sandstone. Other parts of the country mine sandstone. Glass manufacturers should be
    encouraged to build plants where the sandstone has already been mined for them. Block
    and stone siding companies should be encouraged to build factories in areas where they
    can use the rocks that otherwise would haw tnmed into valley fill.

    The streams and the mountain valley micro habitats are irretrievably lost when valley fills
    are constructed. This to an irretrievable and irreversible impact. Trie mitigation should be
    that the coal companies must develop markets, pay into a tad, or somehow encourage
    businesses that use the stone (block manufacturers, stone siding companies, manufactured
    stone products, glass manufacturers). China is a large stone manufacturer. Instead of
    importing these product"! from China, the US government should subsidize companies
    that produce products with coal mining overburden. If there was both, a federal subsidy
    and a coal company fund, then there could be an attractive business opportunity.

    Yes, this would require a different type of thinking. It appears to be a radical concept All
    industrial innovations seem far- fetched when first proposed. Who would have thought
    that chemical  companies could successfully use product substitution or sell their
    hazardous waste? It is part of everyday practice now but it was not twenty years ago.
    Please do not  dismiss this concept as a weird  public comment Please try to circulate the
    idea and see how it could be studied and implemented.
                         1-8
                         10-3-5
                         9-5-3
                                                  U.S.HPA
                                                  Attn: JohnFoiren
                                                  1650 As* Street
                                                  Wlactelptiia, PA 19101
                                                  Mr. J
                                                  0.S.EPA0EA30)
                                                  comnmnittes and do not weafcra environmental protections that an% to fl» companies tta»aie conducting
                                                  Thadi-jflEnvironmcsntal Impact Statement (EIS) on mountaintop removal should be rewritten to
                                                  m»ramend limits on the size of valley fills fliatbniysliEainsmdmipcrtl wildlife.

                                                  lie draft Environmental Ijrtpact Statement rfiould not do away with a surface mining Die that makes it
                                                  illegal for mming^etivities to distmtarEaswithia ICO feet of streains.
                                                     1-10
                                                  Tom
                                                  356FbteBd
                                                  Oroase Potato Fauns, MI 48230
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                   A-1045
                                                                                                                                                                                 Section A - Citizens
-------
BettaLeyland
                                                                                              EricLillyblad
                      bettaleyl@excite.
                      com          To:   R3 Mountairtoo@EPA
                                   cc:
                      01/05/200404:20    Subject: Comments on draft programmatic EIS on
            rnountaintop removal coal mining
                      PM
                               Mr. John Forren
                               Project Manager
                               U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (3EA30)
                               1650 Arch Street.   .
                               Philadelphia, PA 19103
                                                 ftEC'D JAN 05:
                                                                                                                  Subject:  Draft EIS on rnountaintop removal coal mining
            Mr. John Forren
            U.S. GPA(3EA3Q)
            1650 Arch Street
            Philadelphia, PA 19103

            Dear Mr. Forren,

            I find it unconscionable that the Bush administration plans to
            continue to let coal companies destroy Appalachia with mining
            practices that level mountaintops, wipe out forests, bury
            streams, and destroy communities.

            THIS IS A RAPE OF OUR COUNTRY BY THE PRESENT ADMINISTRATION.

            IT SEEMS THAT EVERYTHING THEY DO IS GEARED TOWARD TURNING THIS
            COUNTRY INTO A SERFDOM, RULED BY A SELECT FEW.

            I HAVE GRANDCHILDREN AND GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN, AND I WILL NOT LET
            THIS HAPPEN.
            Sincerely,

            Betta Leyland
            65 Franklin Drive
            Doylestown
            Ohio, Ohio 44230
            Representative Ralph Regula
            Senator George Voinovich
            Senator Mike DeVWne
1-9
                                                                                                                  12/31/03
Dear Mr. Forren,

I am writing regarding the EPA's draft environmental impact statement on
mountaintop removal mining.  From my understanding of this practice and
the findings of the draft BS, i believe that mountaintop removal mining
creates unacceptable hazards to human health and the environment.

As such, I do not believe that the Bush administration should advance plans
to allow this mining practice, which can level mountaintops, wipe out forests,
bury streams and displace communities.  Rather, at a minimum, I believe the
draft EIS should be strengthened to effect proper restrictions on the size of
valley fills and the number of acres of forest that can be
destroyed/stripped, and to ensure  protection of streams and associated
flora and fauna which can be damaged or destroyed by the mountaintop
mining removal and fill practice.

I do not favor the Bush administration's "preferred alternative", which
actually weakens environmental protections for human health and the
environment by allowing mountaintop removal and associated valley fills to
continue at an accelerated rate.  Ptease ensure that the Bush administration
is held to the high standard they espouse in the popular media, and earnestly
and honestly consider (and implement) alternatives that  reduce the
environmental impacts of mountaintop removal, in a way that protects
America's natural resources and the Appalachian communities where this
damaging approach to mining Is practiced (and proposed to be expanded).
                                                                                                        1-9
                                                                                                        1-5
                                                                                                        1-10
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
         A-1046
                                                                                                                                                                          Section A - Citizens
-------
                                                                                                                                                                                  JoanLinville
               Thank you for your time in considering my concerns and the concerns of the
               American people regarding the sensitive issue of protecting human health
               and the environment.
               With kind regards,
               Eric Ullyblad
               9505 207th St. N.
               Forest Lake, MN S5025-8903
               clillyblad@aol.com
                                                                                                                                                              REC'D QEC 1  1m
                                                                                                                                       Mr, John Forren
                                                                                                                                          U.S. EPA
                                                                                                                                         1650 Arch St
                                                                                                                                    Philadelphia, PA 19103
               I oppose the practice of mountamtop removal mining. This mining is destroying our
              communities, homes and lives. We are constantly flooded, in homes that we have spent
                 our lives in.  We are being pushed out of our homes by the destruction caused by
                mountaintop removal mining Our roads are being shut down ever time it rains this
                makes our rescue personal useless to us.  Our tax dollars ate what fixes all the mess
                caused by the mining going OB around us. No wonder mining is so profitable we as
               citizens pick up the bill OB the devastation caused by the mine companies. Please stop
              this insanity its killing out entire communities. Not to mention the effects it's having oa
              our environment The habitats of our animals are destroyed, running the wildlife away.
              Our streams are filled with rock that the mine companies pfle into these valley fills. The
                waters get ap and have no where to go but into peoples homes. Our mountains are
              exploding with water. These outbreaks come out into people's yard and underneath their
              homes. Our homes are literally being blasted off their foundations or the earth is opening
              up and swallowing them. Please stop the practice of mountaintop removal coal mining
                    and save our homeland, our children's fcture and very possibly our lives
                                                                                                                            Name

                                                                                                                            Phone
                                                                                                                                                                                         1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-1047
Section A - Citizens
-------
Joe Linville
         -— Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 11:39 AM	

                     "Linville, Joe"
                              cc:
                                  Subject:  Comment on Mountaintop Mining -- Draft EIS
                     01/06/200403:48
                     PM
                             I hope the out come of this process is in the best interest of all the
                             people.

                             Sincerely,

                             William J, Linville, II
                             698 Lick Creek Road
                                                                                                                  Danville, WV 25053
         Greetings,
         
               As a life loag resident of southern West Virginia I would
         like to make a comment regarding the regulations the EPA Draft EIS on
         mounteiiitop mining.

               First and foremost, COAL is West Virginia. Without COAL, the
         State of West Virginia would be economically depressed.

               The good Lord above has provided us with an abundance of
         natural resources and he has blessed our region with COAL, so therefore
         I feel we can find a happy medium for all parties involved.

         COAL is very vital and I am wondering if you can put a price tag on the
         economic impact this natural resource has on our state. The coal
         industry employees thousands of men and women in our state and what
         would happen to those jobs if stringent regulations were put into place,
         that forced mining companies out of business? Not only wcnild miners
         loose their jobs, but the thousands of support jobs as well.

         Bottom line  I feel with good regulations, coal companies can mine the
         coal effectively and feasibly, provide West Virginian's with good paying
         jobs, provide a good tax base for the state and continue to help balance
         the environment

         1 feel reclamation is a major factor in this equation. I have had the
         opportunity to see first hand many 'mountaintop removal' mine sites.
         before, during and after the fact. Yes, there is no doubt that during
         the mining process, the land is not one of the prettiest sights, but
         neither is the construction of a local highway or a neighborhood
         shopping mall. However the finished product is different story.
                             Joe Linville
                             Standard Job Administrator
                             C.I. ¥/alker Machinery Co,
                             (304) 949-6400 x2283
                             jlinville@walker-cat.com
11-4-2
11-1-2
19-1-2
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
         A-1048
Section A - Citizens
-------
Nannie Linville
                                                        Curt Livingston, Sr.
                     CM





                     f^
                                                                                                     CURT A. LlMNdSTON, SR.
                                                                                                                           DEC 2 (
                                                                                                                                          1-10
 MTMA/F Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-1049
                                                                                                                             Section A - Citizens
-------
Julie Longman-Pollard
                                                                                                Sherry Lorenz
         	Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USBPA/US on 01/09/2004 02:49 PM	

                     J1P
                                 cc:
                                   Subject:  Mountaintop removal for coal mining
                     12/30/2003 07:26
                     PM

         Mt. John Forren
         Project Manager
         U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (3EA30)
         1650 Arch Street
         Philadelpriifl, PA 19103
         Email: tnountaintop.r3@epa.gov
         Dear Mr. Forren,

         I understand that the EPA's draft environmental impact statement
         propose* no restrictions on the size of valley fills that bury streams,
         no limits on the number of acres of forest that can be destroyed, no
         protections for imperiled wildlife and no safeguards for the communities
         that depend on the region's natural resources for themselves and future
         generations. Yet according to the draft E1S the Bush administration lias
         released, the environmental effects of mountaititop removal are
         widespread, devastating and permanent. The social effects to the people
         and their communities are also aegative, particularly in the long term.

         According to the information I have read President Bush's administration
         will ignore their own studies and propose weakening existing
         environmental protections and allowing mountaintop  removal and
         associated valley fills to continue. Alternatives that reduce the
         environmental impacts of mountaititop removal would seem to make more
         sense  for the future of the human and wildlife communities of
         Appalachia, the companies that harvest this natural resource, and the
         American people, For these reasons I would urge you to consider amending
         the draft EIS with proposals for restricting the negative impacts of
         this type of mining.

          Sincerely,

         Julie Longman-Pollard
         PO Box 577
         St. Manes, ID 83861
         jlp@smgazette.com
1-5
                               Forwarded by David Rider/R3/l'SEPA/US cm OB/28/03 05:06 PM -

                                           Site-fry Lotenx
                                                       cc:
                                                         Subject; WVA Mouutaintop Removals..,
                                           08/24/03 06:36 PM
                               August 24, 2003

                               To: The EPA, Region 3
                               From: Sherry Loreiiz, Fort Mill, South Carolina
My name is Sherry Lorenz, I live in Fort Mill, South Carolina, and I am a
•member of the Henry's Knob Group of the Sierra Club m Rock Hill, SC. I am
an avid hiker/backpacker and outdoors enthusiast. I feel best when seeing and
hearing the sounds of nature, it is a wonderful respite from the everyday noises
find pressures of life, the honking of cars, non-stop music in  the stores,
telephones, beepers,, shrieking ambulances and police cruisers, and many other
noise-nuisances that disrupt and burden OUF cbtily lives. What more beautiful is
there than being able to take a break in the wings of nature and "recuperate" so
that we can all take on another week of stress and hardship,  However, in
^YOUR* Stale, the State of West Virginia, this birthright is being taken away
from its people. "They ate being terrorized by these horrible mountftintop
removals, & practice that ts unspeakable to say the least 1 have seen pictures
and have talked to people who live this nightmare day-in and day-out, people
who see nothing but dust when they step oxit of thek homes and look around,
total utter destruction and mayhem. You know as well as 1 know, that many
have died as a result of mudslides th^t are a part of mountaintop removals^
maiy have lost their homes due to damage from the blasting^, many were
forced to sell their properties for almost nothing, many simply have no place to
go and suffer silently, and many have developed health problems they would
never have had before these removals started.. Yes, I know, I have spoken to
people that live in Bob VX'Tiite, WVA and Dorothy, WVA.  And yes again, 1 am
awaire that the blastings and dumpings known as 'Valley fill"  occurs on private
                                                                                                         1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
          A-1050
                                                           Section A - Citizens
-------
                                                                                                               She r i. y Lor en z
         coal company load, however, the results extend far beyond it's borders,
         destroying; comrnunities alonst with the environment. It is nothing but a living:
              s   -zy                &                             *•&     *   ' *gj
         nightmare. Already, mote than 1,200 miles of headwater streams have been
         directly impacted by mountain top removal operations, and 724 of streams have
         been buried.  More than 300,000 acres of hardwood forest Imvc been removed,
         many of them just buried along with the rock and fill.  It's a total environmental
         disaster. I don't even live in West Virginia, but I  am horrified and feel the pain
         of the people that have to deal with this,  I so respect what God lias given us to
         protect, enjoy and cherish, I treat nature like it was a fragile flower.  Which it is.
         We all know that the Bush Administration is promoting and allowing this,
         however, common sense will tell us that this practice of MTRis totally
         unacceptable. Is our land free game for just a few of the rich and powerful?  Is
         this democracy? Is this hi the best interests of the land and of the people? I
         know '"you'*" know the answer to this. I am therefore kindly asking you to
         HELP STOP tliis insanity,  I will be traveling to Bob White, WVA, soon  to
         take pictures of the mined areas and I'll be showing them to m? fellow
         environmentalists here in Rock Hill. I know they will be shocked,

         I hope to hear from you, I would like a response—a response that makes sense
         and wiO give hope to me and the people of West  Virginia and the surrounding
         states.  I care about our Planet, I care about the future of my children and
         grand child ren, and what they will inherit, and I also care about the people of
         West Virginia, Virginia, Tenneessec, Kentucky and other places that are being
         dcstrncted. Let us all do what's right.

         Sincerely yours,
         Sherry Lorenz
1-9
Dear EPA,  Region. 3,

I apprsci.ate  your reply,  I **nesded**  to hear frots you. When  we dc
rec-eSv4; to be heard,  because **I CARE**  about
Planet.
                                                                                                          3-3
                                                 R5 MG'jntaintop
                                                 Seat by; David
                                                                                                               Se  very much appreciate your  eonyaenta on the MTK DEIS.   The cojKment
                                                                                                               period is  still open and vd.ll doss on January  &  ,  2004.      We plan
                                                                                                               to
                                                                                                               respond to cojaraentj after th.s close of the coraaeilt period  and during
                                                                                                               the
                                                                                                               preparation of the Final E1S.   Responses tc comments,  including yDarsf
                                                                                                               will be released to the public as  part of this Final  EIS.   Given the
                                                                                                               sssny hundreds of cciwseRts ws  have  received thus far,  and the many
                                                                                                               thousands  we expect to receive before the end o£ the  comment period, w
                                                                                                               will be responding categorically to ail coiftifsants He  receive on the
                                                                                                               Draft
                                                                                                               EIS.
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
          A-1051
                                                                                                                                                                              Secf/on A - Citizens
-------
                                                                                                                                                                       David & Marsha Low
                                                                                                                     Forwarded by David Rider/R3/US£PA/US on 01/08/2004 01:58 PM -
                                                                                                                               net           To:   R3 Mountaintop@>EPA
                                                                                                                                           oc:
                                                                                                                               12/17/200303:40    Subject;  Comments on draft programmatic EIS on
                                                                                                                     mountalntop removal coal mining
                                                                                                                               PM
    Mountalntop Removals
                                                      Subject:  Best Virginia
                                                                                   3-2
                        Mr. John Forren
                        U.S, EPA(3£A30)
                        1650 Arch Street
                        Philadelphia, PA 19103

                        Dear Mr. Forren,

                        I find it unconscionable that the Bush administration plans to
                        continue to iet coa! companies destroy AppaJachia with mining
                        practices that level mountaintops, wipe out forests,  bury
                        streams, and destroy oommuniies.

                        PLEASE CONSIDER LIMITING YOU  PLAN TO ONLY, SAY, 30% OF THE
                        MOUNTAINS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE DESTROYED,

                        The Bush administration really must consider alternatives that
                        reduce the environmental impacts of mountaintop removal.
                                                                                                                     Sincerely,

                                                                                                                     David and Marsha Low
                                                                                                                     8018 Hammond Road
                                                                                                                     Cheltenham, Pennsylvania 19012

                                                                                                                     cc:
                                                                                                                     Senator Aden Specter
                                                                                                                     Senator Rick Santorum
                                                                                                                     Representative Chaka Fattah
                                                                                                                                                                                          1-9
                                                                                                                                                                                          1-8
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-1052
Section A - Citizens
-------
Benjamin Lowman
                                                                                                      LoisLudwig
Dear Mr. Forren,

I am writing in regard to the public comments accepted for the Draft Programmatic
Environmental Impacts Statement on Mountaintop Mining/Valley Fills in Appalachia. I am a
professional biologist by vocation: therefore, my comments will be restricted to those areas in
which I am inherently familiar, I will attempt to be succinct in my points of criticism; however,
the breadth of the inadequacies of this report far exceeds the potential for a single, thorough
evaluation by any one individual.

First, I must bring to surface the fact that many of the leading regional experts in the fields of
science in which this study focused were not selected to participate.  These experts, particularly
those in academia, neither conducted the field research nor interpreted the data collected;
consequently, a study not completed by the preeminent experts will always be subject to
scrutiny.  It seems counterintuitive that a study of this magnitude, upon which so much emphasis
has been placed, would fail to incorporate these individuals, many of whom have devoted a
lifetime of study on the topics dealt with in this document.

I also have deep concerns with the language used in many portions of the scientific analyses and
conclusions. For example, the loss of habitat to organisms that specialize in and require such
habitat to complete critical  portions of life history will most certainly be impacted by the
proposed action. In this document, many habitat  specialists were considered to be "possibly"
affected, or "may be" detrimentally influenced by an action which will most certainly lead to
population declines.  Again, the scientific personnel must be both confident and competent in
order to make such assertions, but in this case, they were neither.

The study fails to consider the potential problems associated with large-scale land disturbance
and the encroachment of exotic and invasive species. In the realm of vegetation alone, the
potential for colonization of reclaimed mine sites by  aggressive nuisance species is extremely
high.  The establishment of such species (e.g. Ailanihus altissinw] in large monocultures will not
only cost taxpayers millions of dollars to control but  also stands to threaten the timber industry as
a whole.  Furthermore, species that are rarely encountered in the region due to range restrictions
cannot be considered as rare in regard to global, national, or state status.  If this were the case,
nuisance species such as Passer domesticus would have once  been considered rare under this
convention.

In conclusion, this study is incomplete.  It is strong on implications and conclusions that are not
supported by the research conducted in this study or documented in the scientific literature. It is
a perversion of true science, in which facts are established based on observations leading to
expertise—this study is vacant in both.

Respectfully yours,
Benjamin M. Lowman
 9-2-2
 18-2-2
4-2
                                  Mr.foBnFanen,USEPA                                J~^EC D  AUS 2 0
                                  1650 Arch Street
                                  Philadelphia, PA 19130
Bear Mr, Forren,

I am writing to comment on the EB OB Mountaintop Removal Scientific proof confirms
the knowledge of local residents that mountaintop removal/valley fill coal mining is
Irreversibly and substantially harming the forests toA streams of West Virginia and
Kentucky.

Throughout central Appalachia, some of the most productive and diverse temperate
hardwood forests in the world have been destroyed when coal companies blast off
hundreds of feet of mmmtaintops to get tha seams of coal. In most circumstances, the
fenner lash forests wll remain degraded as gassy, unproductive scrubland for at toast
several centuries. These unproductive grasslands cover nearly 20% of some southern
West Virginia counties.

Millions of tons of nibble from the former mountains are pushed into the adjacent
valleys. Coal companies have already buried hundreds of miles of Appalachian streams,
destroying not only the streams themselves, bat creating disastrous impacts to
downstream waterways and towns. As residents point out, mountaintop removal is also
devastating the culture and communities of the region.

Despite an Ms evidence of hum, (he BIS draft does not iBConunend curbing the
environmental harm caused by mountaintop removal, but asks the agencies that are
supposed to be regulating coal mining to streamline tte way they work together.

I love ow West Virginia mountains and qptnd a tot of time hiking, hiking, bird watching,
photographing, sad enjoying the beauty of our special state. I sat very concerned for my
children and 0»idchild»n who wfll hive mash fess space to recreate and recuperate. In a
world of ever increasing stress, these mountains and streams at all the more necessary
fiw daUy renewal of the spirit, not to mention Ufe-snstaining water without which ttate
can be no life.

I believe the EXS should show the real impacts of motmtaintop removal and offer real
solutions, not push forward a harmful agenda of destruction.
                                  Sincerely,
 1-9


 7-5-2


 5-7-2

110-2-2
                                                                                                                          Lois A Ludwig
 MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
           A-1053
                                                                                                                                                                                       Section A  - Citizens
-------
Tom Luther
                                                                    Grace Glaser-Lynch & Thomas Lynch
         — Forwarded by Dax-id Ridei/R3/lBEPA/US on 01/08/200401:59 PM.	
              "lutliert@asme.org
              " plied ketv. SQBZK of tfce erBscts of niaditfai' vwc we su^gated over buodxeds of years,
                               but war is still unacceptable. Government should work for the people now, with
                               regt}|a$ioi£s thai ijra&ct oar e
                                                                                                              which depends on the state retaining and protet-ring its natural besuity, provides more jobs
                                                                                                              than do "extractive industries" (Chiirleston Gsttette December 8, 2003). In addition to
                                                                                                              direct employment thn-e are many people that benefit from travel and tourism, such as
                                                                                                              moseuivolved in me arts, entertainment and the businesses involved in building and
                                                                                                              maintaining second homes. The conditions that promote tourism are negated by tlie
                                                                                                              realities of Mountahi Top Removal mining.  The draft EIS reports negative impacts yet
                                                                                                              recommends stre^milinmg the nerrratting process rather than setting rcEisonabte limits to
                                                                                                              the mining pi actice.

                                                                                                              We ovm a dMimiakii^ biBiness &tt uses WV liatdwoods. We ba^re so^pctfied ourselves
                                                                                                              and raised a family by responsibly har.-esting maple, hickory, cherry, oak and walnut,
                                                                                                              turning these native trees into "value added" furniture. We depend on tourism to market
                                                                                                              our products within the state. .
-------
AnnLynnworth
                                                                                                                                                      Lawrence Lyon
            — Forwarded fcy David Ridar/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 0158 PM —
            mining
Ann Lynnworth

            oe:
12/30/200305:12

PM
                                        To:   R3 MountaintopgEPA

                                        Subject: Strengthen draft EIS on mountaintop removal coal
                                                            January 2,2004
                                                       Lawrence B. Lyon, Jr.
                                                           114 Center Street
                                                Madison, West Virginia 25130
                                                             (304)369-2131
            December 30, 2003

            Mr. John Forren
            Project Manager
            U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (3EA30)
            1650 Arch Street
            Philadelphia, PA 19103

            Dear Mr. Forren,

            I strongly urge you to amend the EPA's draft environmental impact
            statement so as to limit the effects of devastating mountaintop
            removal mining
            Sincerely,

            Ann Lynnworth
            241 Main Street
            Littleton, NH 03574
            USA
                                                            1-9
Mr. John Forren
U. S. EJP.A.
(3 EA 30) 1650 Arck Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103

DearSfc

I could show you land that was surface mined fifty years ago, I would have to show ft to
you because it is covered wifli trees.

The reason so many people get flooded in West Virginia is because of the contour of the
land. Too many people live at the bottom of the drain. They need to move to higher
ground.

When the Stele Road Commission or a stopping mall fills a valley no one objects. When
a coal company plans to flfl a valley there are many objections. Water will find its level
regardless of valley fill.

America is too dependent on foreign energy and West Virginia needs level ground for
housing and industry above the flood plain.

                                           Sincerely,
                                                                                                                                                                                        1-11
                                                                                                                                                      Lawrence B. Lyon, Jr.
MTM/VF Draft PE1S Public Comment Compendium
                                                                     A-1055
                                                             Section A - Citizens
-------
Malcolm MacPherson
                                                                                                                                   Andy Mahler
                                 Malcolm R, MacPherson, Ph.D.
               Mr. John BOTCH EPA
               U.S. WA (3EA30)
               1650 Arch St
               Philadelphia, PA 19103
                                                                         January 2,2004
               Dear Mr. Porren:

               It has come to My attention that the EPA is Deposing rule changes governing mountaintop re-
               moval for mining ia AppalaeMa. This practice has buried whole valleys with tailings and other     1   „
               debits.  It has mandated streams, wiped oat forests, polluted water supplies, destroyed wildlife     1-9
               habitat, and negatively altered nearby communities. These mining practices are unethical and
               unprincipled

               We must have laws and regulations that protect clean water. We need to strengthen protections
               for rural people and the environment The federal government has ignored Its own studies in this
               regard.  It is time for sanity in mining practices.

               Therefore, I oppose all three alternatives listed in the Bnvironmenlal Impact Statement Report !   j  J-5
               tether oppose the proposal to change the stream buffer zone rule tint prohibits mining activity   L  ,   , />
               within lOOfeetof streams. This rule should be strictly enforced ftffsnytnintog activity.         j  I — 1 V

               Thank you for hearing my concerns.
                Sincerely,
                      . M^Phfirsoa
               34 Coyntt Mountain »d
               Santa Be, NM 87505-8178
               $t Coyote Mountain Road
               Santa Fe,NM87S05
Phoxe: 505-9»-95m
  fax: 505-983-8699
 Mr. John Forren                                          —.»»-»  i»u H % 1»Si
 US. EPA (3EA30)        '                             RpG D «»« u   «""
 1650ArchSt '   .              •                    .      .  •
 Philadelphia, PA 19103

 Dear Mr. .Forren

 Having witnessed first-hand the abpmhation euphemisficaltyrefeired to as
 mountalntop removal, 1 consider it to be the most destructive peacetime activity
 in human Msfary.. Were this level of destruction perpetrated against our country
 the work of a foreign power, it would be consfdored an ACT OF WAR, It is a
 desecration, a tragedy and an outrage. I am disgusted, but not surprsed to
 learn that the Bush administration plans to conf nue to let coal companies wage
 war on AppdacNa with mining practices that level mouniaintops, wipe out
 forests, bury streams, and destroy communities.

 According1 to the administration's draft Environmental Impact Stcrtementps) on
 mountalntop removal coal mining, the environmental effects of mountaintop
 removal are widespread, devastating, and permanent Yet the draft EIS           ,  _
, proposes no restrictions on the size of valley Ms that bury streams, no limits on the   1 -o
 number of acres of forest that can be destroyed, no protections for imperiled
 wildlife, and no safeguards for the communities of people that depend on the
 region's natural resources for themselves and future generations.

 The lush-Appalachian forests that are being destroyed are representative of the
 mixed mesophyfc forest, first described by pioneering forest ecologist E. Lucy
 Braun. The mixed mesophyfc Is the oldest and most biologically diverse
 hardwood forest in North America and one of the two most biologically diverse
 temperate forests on Earth. World WildBfe Fund says this area is a biodiversity
 hotspot that, if saved, wi go far in protecfina the vast variety of life on Earth.
 These forests provide habitat and breeding grounds for an incredible wealth of
 plant and orimal Bfe, including a melodious array of flitting, colorful neotropical
 migrant birds.        .    •        .•

 These verdant forests, sheltering mountains and stream-fed valleys have nurtured
 Appalachian culture for over 200 years, and before that were the hunting         I -y
 grounds of native peoples. They are our national natural heritage and must be
 protected for the abundance they provide if allowed to function as they have
 for thousands of years. Instead, in West Virginia alone, at (east SCO square miles
 of our temperate forests, home to so much dfversfly and beauty, have been
 permanenfly annihilated. Coal companies have forever buried over 1,200 mfes
 of biologically crucial Appalachian headwaters streams.

 The blasting has ruined homes and water wefe, as well as people's nerves. "Fly
 rock," mom aptly named fly boulder, con nain off mountafns, endangering
 resident's Jv« and homes. Hundreds of folk and entire communities are being
 displaced as homes get in the way of the 2Q-story-high draglines. Heavy rains
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
                                    A-1056
                                                                                                                                                                                               Section A - Citizens
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                                                                                                                                                                                               Craig Mains
       Wtiifcot
                                                                                                                                                               IRSC'D
                   can gush off the clearest, compacted MTR sites, flooding the commurttas
                   below. Coal trucks overloaded with twice the legal weight-limits are out of
                   control. Wiling people and tearing up roads and bridges which taxpayers hove to
                   paytoftc.                                                    ,

                   Mountaintop removal generates huge amounts of waste. While the solid waste
                   becomes valley Ms, Iquid waste is stored in massive, dangerous coal slurry •
                   impoundments, often built in the headwaters of a watershed. The slurry Is a
                   witch's brew of watej"us«d to wash the coal for market, carcinogenic chemicals
                   used in the washing process and coal fines {small particles) laderi with all the
                   compounds found in coal, including to»c heavy metals such as arsenic and
                   mercury. Frequent biackwaterspls from these impoundments choke the life out
                   of streams. One *

Mr. Forren, I live in north-c»ntral West Virginia. While surface mining It present in my
area, vary littis of it would qualify as mountaintop mining.  What wa do have, however,
are hundreds of stream miles thai are, for all practical purposes, biologically dead due to
acid mine drainage.  Every day when 1 drive by orange streams 1 am mmiffcfed of the
permanently damaged environment I live in. Many citizens group®, privati industry, and
state and federal agencies are now engaged in efforte to rehabilitate these "streams. We
are finding that It is very expensive and the efforts are almost always less Irian what was
hoped for.  I consistently hear people Justify the destruction of these stream^ by saying
that it happened during an earlier era when people didn't valua the envlronront as much
                                                                                                             7-2-2
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
          A-1057
                                                             Section A - Citizens
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                                         "REC'D JAN 0 2
                                                                                                                                                                                   O. Mandrussow
                                             {page 2 of 2, Craig Mains)

or that much of the destruction was an unpleasant, but necessary by-product of the
Worid War I and II efforts,

Mountalntop mining is a continuation of the same type of disregard tor the environment
that left us with hundreds of miles of dead streams in north-central West Virginia, The
difference Is that by now we should know better and that we cannot use the convenient   1  Q
excuse of It being a war sacrifice. Another important difference is that burying streams Is
permanent. We can always hold out hope that acid mine drainage streams will someday
be able to be truly restored since they at least still physically exist. There is no hope that
a stream will some day be restored once it is buried under thousands of tons of fill.

i encourage you to amend the drat EIS to include an option that allows for no valley fills. I ] _g
I believe that some day the technology will exist to mine the coal without removing      '
mountain tops and without burying streams. It will be a shame and a tragedy if, whan
that day comes, we have irreversibly filled in thousands of more miles of living streams.
W« have killed enough streams In Appalachia with acid mine drainage.  Let*s not bury
what's left.
            Sincerely,
            Craig I
            137 Hoffman Ave.
            Morgantown, WV 26505

                                                                                                                                                                                                   1-9
MTM/VF Draft PE1S Pubiic Comment Compendium
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Section A - Citizens
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Carli Mareneck
     -— Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01/08/2004 01:43 PM	

                 Carli Mateneck
                           cc:
                               Subject: E.I.S, comments
                 01/06/200401:06
                 PM

     Attention: Mr, John Forren- U.S. EPA

     This is the final day for commentary on the Environmental Impact Statement
     regarding nioxmtaintop removal. My last minute comments come oot out of not ox
     of negligence but rather the difficulty of facing such grim facts and the irresponsibl
     behavior that leads to them.

     It is IB? understanding that the purpose of the E.I.S. is to evaluate options for
     IMPROVING agency programs that would contribute to REDUCING the adverse
     environmental impacts of mountaintop removal mining.

     The E.I.S. clearly states that there has already been devastating impact from
     mountaintop removal including destruction of almost 7% of our region's forests
     andl,200 miles of pristine headwater streams now buried under fill front mining.

     The "preferred alternative" suggested within the E.I.S. is simply a travesty .Rather tli
     protecting or reducing the irrevocable impacts of MTR this "alternative will plainly
     make it easier for coal companies to get mining permits by eliminating the buffer 2C
     rule and changing the current limit on nationwide permits.

     I honestly don't understand how those responsible for this sham can live with your
     consciences. You are paid by our tax dollars for the express purpose in your agencii
     name: Environmental PROTECTION Agency yet you spend your waking hours
     dismantling the laws for protecting the envitonment.lt is a disgrace. The agency
     should be called Emrronmental Pollution  Agency. It is ironic that citizens must do;
     private funds to litigate against agencies supported with our tax dollars to iiphold la
     you are hired to uphold for us.

     The other irony is that it makes no sense. The coal achieved through these method;
     will not solve the long term needs for power and the damage is irrevocable. In Wes
     Virginia, our pristine water and scenic beauty are our stoagest asset for developmer
     of tourism and a strong economy. Your agency should be working on alternative
                       energy development not colluding with old king coal. For sbame on your sham, It-
                       would be instructive if it were your home which would fall to ruin under the bkstin
                       Only then might you act to protect these lands from wanton and unnecessary
                       destruction.

                       Sincerely, Carli Mateneck
1-5
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
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Peter Mareneck
                                                                                    Rog Marjay
  DeliveredDate: 01/06/2004 07:35:02 PM
                                                                                                    Mining
  Attention Mr, John Borren/US EPA:

    When you are. considering our citizen input on the wanton destruction called
  Mountaintop Removal Mining, please, act as if it is your family's home that is being
  rattled apart; as if it is your.mother's gravesite that is being buried forever,: your lifetime
  of hard work and dedication that is being leveled.

  This activity is nothing less than rape, .If you and your agency condones and permits this
  attrocity to  the. lives and properties of your fellow Americans, you might .as well be
  condoning and permitting the. rape of our daughters.  You have the power
  & responsibility to stop this horror, Mr. Forren.  We're counting on you to listen to your
  conscience and stand up to end this
  brutal and selfish nightmare.
                           Sincerely, P.A.MarenecM Sweet Springs, WV
1-9
Plss.se know that  cur church has a partner parish  church  in Appalachia,
and so
we have a special interest in the people.  Please do  evei y thiuy you can
to
protset Appalachian, streams snd rivers front rftoutaintofp mining
pollution.
It is
a disgrace  that raining companies can so easily remove a  whole
mountainLop to
get at the  coal and thc?n dump the debris into Appalachian wteis.
                                                                                             1-9
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Thomas Marshalek
                                                                               Martin
         .— Forwarded by David Rider/RMJSEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:42 PM	

                 "tom@btoomingiutt.
                 com" 
-------
     management at West Virginia University, where he taught fo:
     11 years. Maxey also'has worked 15 years as a forester for
     Westvaco Corp, and seven years for Georgia Pacific.
     Although the law requires mined land to be reclaimed for an
     equal or greater use than its pre-mining use, most becomes
     grassland, not a timber-rich forest, Maxey says. And procedti
     that could make the land good for trees are not being widely
     used, he says.
         Timber is  the only renewable natural resource and the
     industry  employs more than 30,000 people, Maxey says. By
     comparison, the coal industry employs about 18,000, includ:
     about 4,400 at surface mines, according to the WestVirginla
     Coal Association.
         Maxey also says that Underwood has never consulted hi
     on forestry issues during the governor's two-year tenure.
     "For 44 years I went to work with enthusiasm. I couldn't wait
     get to work. The last two years I had to force myself," says
     Maxey, 64.
         The  only contact he had with Underwood's office was af
     Secretary of State Ken Hechler, an opponent of mountaintop
     removal,  quoted Maxey as saying the  practice had "destroyec
     250,000 acres of forest.
         Two Underwood aides called him and ordered him to
     issue a rebuttal, Maxey says. Instead, he put out a statement
     saying 300,000 acres of forest had been "disturbed."
         "I had to, against my will, really,  say that it could be
     properly  reforested.... That isn't what I really wanted to say.
     That's what I was told to say," Maxey says.
         "Absolutely untrue," says Underwood spokesman Dan
     Page, one of the two aides Maxey says pressured him.
     Page says he called Maxey to see if Hechler had quoted him
     correctly.
         He and Jimmy Wedge, who says he called Maxey on an
     unrelated matter, say they suggested Maxey clarify his positi
     if he believed Hechler had misrepresented it.
         "I've never ordered anybody to do anything against his
         will and wouldn't," Page said.
             Maxey would not have been fired for publicly opposing
         mountaintop removal, he said. Neither he nor Wedge knew
         why it took Underwood so long to reappoint Maxey.
             If he could not live with the Underwood administration's
         opinion on mountaintop removal, "Why did he take the job?"
         Wedge asked.
             Maxey also says he was pressured by the state DEP and the
         federal OSM to approve a phrase Maxey says would justify
         leveling mountains. The agencies wanted the phrase to be
         included in specifications written by the Division of Forestry
         for voluntary reclamation of mines into woodlands.        	
             The phrase, which is in 1997 state surface mining
         regulations, says flat or gently rolling land on a site reclaimed
         to woodland is "essential for the operation of mechanical
         harvesting equipment."
             Maxey says the idea that timber can be cut only on flat
         land is ridiculous because loggers have used automated
         equipment on West Virginia's hills for decades.
             John Ailes, chief of the DBF's Office of Mining and
         Reclamation, says someone in his office may have asked Maxey
         to include the phrase only to emphasize the existing law.
             "We want to try to get more reforestation. That's
         important," Ailes says. "I don't understand where he's coming
         from at all."
             Dennis Boyles, regulatory programs specialist at the OSM's
         Charleston office, denied his agency pressured Maxey.
         Boyles says the phrase refers to an exception  to the 1977 law
         that requires mountaintop removal mines to be reclaimed to
         their "approximate original contour."
             Coal operators do not have to do that if they prove the site
         can be logged only with equipment that cannot be used on
         hills.
             Maxey says few mines are reclaimed to their "approximate
         original contour."
             Also, most mines strip topsoil and do not replace  it, Maxey
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Section A - Citizens
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     says. The soil that Is returned is covered with lime and
     hydroseeded with grasses, which makes the ground too
     alkaline for trees.
          "In other words, our valuable hardwood forest is lost for
     the next 150 to 200 years," Maxey says.
          Coal companies also compact the soil. "Then you are
     trying to plant a tree in concrete. It doesn't work," Maxey says.
     If coal companies returned the  topsoil, including several feet of
     weathered sandstone that was not compacted or leveled, the
     land would immediately be ready for seedlings, Maxey says.
     "If we can't get it stopped, this is the next best thing,  a last
     resort We need to stop mountaintop.removal," Maxey says.	
           MOUNTAINTOP REMOVAL HURTS STATE'S PAST AND ITS
           FUTURE MAN ON THE MOONSCAPE
           THE CHARLESTON GAZETTE 01/28/2000
           By WILLIAM MAXEY
                As director of West Virginia's Division of Forestry, it was
           1996 before I fully realized the magnitude and permanent
           elimination of West Virginia's forestland in the southern and
           central coalfields by mountaintop femoval of coal. A helicopter
           tour of these areas and the results of an updated forest
           inventory disclosed not only the size and rate of deforestation,
          . but the loss of West Virginia's mountain culture.
           	Since the federal_Surface Mining Act of 1977 was enacted,
           all of West Virginia's governors and legislators of both parties
           have been very supportive of the illegal variances in this law
           that allowed mountaintop removal of coal. I served at the
           pleasure of governors of both parties from 1993 to 1998.
                I wish to make it clear that while I was head of the Forestry
           Division I attempted to work within the system to encourage
           the West Virginia Mining and Reclamation Association and the
           West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to
           prevent further devastation. The only concession was to make
           my professional proposals an option, as opposed to
           mandatory.
                Mountaintop removal has already caused long-term
           problems and until Judge Charles Haden's II ruling, the rate
           was increasing. I resigned as a matter of principle, for I did not
           want to share in the  blame nor guilt for the loss of West
           Virginia's heritage through the loss of our
           forested mountains.
                In West Virginia, from 1977 to 1997, 300,000 acres were
           made into a moonscape by the decapitation of our mountains.
           Vast areas of our Mountain State are made uninhabitable for
           our citizens.
                The rate of decapitation of our mountains had increased
           to 30,000 acres annually. It will take 150 to 200 years before
           trees would become re-established following such a drastic
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-1063
Section A - Citizens
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       mining practice.
            All native plant and animals are practically eliminated
       (not to mention the impact on
       threatened & endangered species).
            The headwaters of hundreds of miles of our streams are
       filled with millions of tons of
       mountain tops (overburden.)
            This irresponsible excavation of coal makes the landscape
       so unsightly that it ruins tourism. (I can't envision tourists
       coming to  see these barren wastelands!) Isn't tourism supposed
       to be our growth industry?
            The timber and wood products industry, employs some.
       30,000 in West Virginia. Prior to mountaintop removal, all of
       West Virginia's 11 million acres of forests were producing
       substantial volumes of high-value timber. Trees are our only
       renewable natural resource.
            There are about 17,000 jobs in coal mining. The mining
       industry projects the coal reserves to be depleted within 20
       years.
            Mountaintop removal of coal employs just a few hundred
       of these workers. It is a sad irony that mountaintop removal
       actually destroys more coal mining jobs than it creates; union
       miners are expediently replaced by relatively few  heavy-
       equipment operators.
            Maxey resigned as director of the Division of Forestry in
       November 1998.
                                 Bill Maxey on Mountain Top Removal
                                    source; Ths Charleston Gazette

                    Bill Maxey served as director of the Division of Forestry from 1993 until 1998
              whan he resigned In protest against mountain top removal. Maxey was a tsnurad
              associate professor of forest management at West Virginia University, where he taught
              for 11  years. Maxey also has worked 15 years as a forester tor Westvaco Corp., and
              seven years for Georgia Pacific.

              The following quotes were taten from two articles in The Charleston Gazette

              "I think mountaintop removal Is analogous to serious disease, lite AIDS..." Bill Maxey,
              Former Director of the WV Forestry Division fn the Charleston Gazette
              "...most mines strip topsoii and do not replace it."

              "It will take-ISO to 200 years Before trees would become re-established following such
              a drastic" mining practice."

              "It Is a sad Irony that mountaintop removal actually destroys more coal mining jobs
              than It creates; union miners are expediently replaced by relatively faw heavy-
              equipment operators."

              "This irresponsible excavation of coal makes the landscape so unsightly that it ruins
              tourism. (I can't envision tourists coming to see these barren wastelands!)"

              "All native plant and animals are practically eliminated."

              "in West Virginia, from 1977 to 1997,300,000 acres were made into a moonscape by
              the decapitation of our mountains. Vast areas of our Mountain State are made
              uninhabitable for our citizens."

              'Timber is the only revewable  natural resource and the industry employs more than
              30,000 people..."
                                                                                            "I resigned as a matter of printoiple, for I did not want to share in the blame nor guilt for
                                                                                            the toss of West Virginia's heritage through the loss of our forested mountains."

                                                                                                 In an interview with Bill Maxey (Not in The Charleston Gazette):
                                                                                                 The over 300,000 acres already destroyed by mountain top removal would
                                                                                            have grown 60,000,000 board feet of timber every year forever. 60,000,000 board feet
                                                                                            of timber could have been cut every year forever, without reducing the timber mass, on
                                                                                            what has already been destroyed.
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
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Section A - Citizens
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Julia Martin
                                                                                     Julian Martin
      — Forwarded by David Ridet/R3/USEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:32 PM - —
                  o.com"           To:    R3 Mountaintop@EPA
                  •^paintedtoes       cc:
                                Subject: Please Stop Destructive Mountaintop
      Removal Mining
                  01/06/200403:18
                  PM

      Dear Mr. John Fatten, Project Manager,

      Please amend the EPA's draft ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT so as
      to limit the effects of harmful mountaintop removal mining.

      Hie J3ush administration should consider alternatives that reduce the environmental
      impacts of moimtaintop removal and theti implement measures
      to protect natural resoxirces and communities in. Appalachia, such as restrictions on
      the sifce of valley fills to reduce the destruction of streams, forests, \\rildlife and
      communities. 1 urge you to immediately amend the draft E1S accordingly.

      Sincerely,

      Julia Martin

      |ulia Martin
      220 West 107th St. 2H
      New York, NY 10025
      ptsintedtoes@yahoo.com
1-5
                Julian  Martin
                Date:  1/09/2004
                City:   Charleston
                    State: WV   ,Zip:-.25314
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the alternatives, offered in the BIS, to regulate
fnd.imtaintop: removal mining "cannot be interpreted as ensuring any improved
environmental protection." One alternative should be the banning of the filling of any
streams with mine waste and-please don't th
-------
Namon Martin
                                                                                              Rev. Mary McAnally
   U.S, Environmental Protection Agency (3ES30)
   1650 Arch. Street
   Philadelphia, PA 19103

   Dear Mr, Forren:
    I live in eastern Kentucky, In this region we experience the negative impacts of mining every day. Many
    of us have water wells that have nm dry or turned orange or black, due to mining. More than 1,200 miles
    of our headwater streams have been buried or destroyed by valley fills. Almost 7 percent of our forests
    have been — or will soos be — leveled by moustaintop removal. Hooding is our communities is
    increasingly common and severe. We fear the day when the sludge ponds above our homes break - as
    they did in Martin County, KY ia 2000 ~ burying us at the bottom of hundreds of millions of gallons of
    toxic sludge. Our quality of life has been shattered by excessive blasting that shakes our homes, cracks
    our foundations, and wrecks our peace.

    Some call this area a national sacrifice zone. living here, it feels more like a war zone.

    It doesn't have to be this way. There are laws on the books K> protect clean water, public safety and the
    envtroaraetit It is perfectly clear that mduntaintop removal and valley fills are a violation of the federal
    Clean Water Act and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act These practices should be
    banned. The coal industry must not be allowed to destroy our homeland.

    The draft Environmental Impact Statement on mounteintop removal and valley fills is a dangerous gift
    from the Bush administration to the coal industry. Instead of recommending ways to stop the
    destruction, the EIS proposes ways to make it easier for coal companies to level our mountains, bury our
    streams, and wreck our homeland. This is shameful and wrong.

    I know first hand the terrible impacts of tnountaintop removal and valtey fills. I also believe we can
    build a better future for eastern Kentucky. We can have clean streams and a healthy forest and restore
    our quality of life. We can create good jobs for our people that don't wreck t&e environment. Aad we
    have to start down a different road now.

    Take a stand. Enforce the law. Ban mountaintop removal and valley fills. Stop the coal industry from
    destroying everything that we value most Start making choices that win benefit our children and yours.

    Sincerely,

    Name
10-4-2
1-9
                                                              RECTO
                                                                             1 0 8 214

                                                                                    Januarys, 2004
Mr.JbhnForren
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1650 Arch Street
•Philadelphia, PA 19103

Dear Mr. Foirem
I'm writing you out of my concern about the Bush administration's apparent lack of
commitment to our natural environment. His priority seems to be to sacrffiee natural
resources fcr the sake of corporations and practices geared toward profit motive instead
of human, animal, and land weliare.

Specifically, I'm upset about PLANS TO CONTINUE TO LET COAL COMPANIES
DESTROY APPALACBIA WITH MINING PRACTICES THAT LEVEL OUR
MOXJNTAINTOPS, WIPE OUT FORESTS, BURY STREAMS, AND DESTROY
COMMUNITIES. This is an abuse of oar lands, waterways, habitats, and humanity!

This admtaktratios's draft E&vfroaaental Intact Statement (BS) oa isoustaintop removal
coal mining, sates that the environmental effects of moumaintop removal are widespread,
devastating, and permanent Yet the EIS draft proposes no restrictions on the size of
valley fills that bury streams, no limfts OB the number of acres of forest that can be
destroyed, no protections for imperiled wBdHfe, and  no safeguards for the communities
of people that depend on the regkm'» natural resources for themselves and their fiiture.

The Bush adraMstratfat's "preferred alternative" ftraddressbg the problems caused by
njountasjtop removal coal mraing is to 'weaken existing environmental protections. This
ignores the administration's own studies detailing the devastation caused by mountainlop
removal coal tnfeing. These include:
      --over 1200 nates of streams have been damaged or destroyed by it
      — fcrest tosses in West Virginia have the potential of direo% unpaeting as many
            as 244 vejtbrate wildlife species
      — witteut new Softs on ntouataiatop removal, an additional 350 sq. at of moun-
            tains, streams, and forests wil be flattened and destroyed by it

In H$it of these firets, I URGE YOU TO CONSIDER ALTEKNA1TVBS THAT
REDUCE THE ENVTROmfflffAL IMPACTS OF MOUNTASNTOP EEMOVAL.  I
am hopeful that the Environmental Protection Agency witt place the welftre of the land,
water, and habits, as weU as the luimans depending on them, before the welfare of
corporations that wffi destroy them needlessly and cntefly.
                                                                                                                1-10
                                                                                                                                  Tuba, OK 74110-5214
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
          A-1066
                                                                                                                                                                                               Section A  -  Citizens
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James McCarthy
                                                                                                                                                      Dora McCarty
 First Name:
James  Last Name:
City:   Fartningdale
McCarthy          Letter-Date:  1/2/2004
State:  NY    Zip:          11735-B12
 It is unconscionable that the Bush administration plans to continue, to let coal companies
 destroy Appalacbia with mining practices that level motmtaiatops, wipe out forests and.
 bury streams in the valleys below. Monntaintop-removal mining and valley .fills should
 not be allowed and the laws and regulations that ptoteet clean water Must not be
 weakened. In particular, I oppose the proposal to change the stream buffer zone rule that
 prohibits mining activity within 100 feet of streams. This rule should be strictly enforced
 for valley fills and in all other cases. Mountain top mining for coal is a destructive
 method for coal extraction. This was made evident in an episode of Nova seen on PBS
 stations. The waste front .the .mountain top was dumped into a nearby valley. This in turn
 dammed the creek that tan.throngh.the. valley. The damming of the creek changed the
 nearby town forcing residents to move. Eventually enough people moved, from, the town
 to cause business that were there for generations to close due to lack of business.

 Eventually this town will become a bust leaving and .additional scar to a once beautiful
 ecosystem and community.• The mining company even had the audacity to say that they
 leave the mined mountain top better than when the found it. If they feel a flat mountain
 top is better then they have a perverse sense of beauty. What makes this request the most
 saddening is that I have write to you Mr. Forrfen, an administer within the EPA, about
 protecting the environment, I think yon and all of .the EPA political appointees  have
 forgotten what the purpose of the EPA is. On -your webpage the mission of the EPA is:
 clearly stated; EPA's mission is to protect human health and to safeguard the natural
 environment ? air, water, and land ? upon which life depends. For 30 years, EPA has
 been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people. Please
 remember this mission when you are making  your recommendations about how we as a
 country can not allow mountain top mitring. That instead of making it easier, we should
 be, patting further restrictions. Finally, lalso want to remind yew that you and everyone
 from Mr. Mike Leavitt on down works to protect the environment and not to facilitate
 President Bush wishes on nullifyin'g the great work that has been :done over the last thirty
 years at protecting our environment.

 Respectfully, James Me Carthy
                                                                    1-9
                                                                                                                                           10-4-2
                                                                                                                                                               11-3-2
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
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                                                                                                                        ErikaMcCarty

                                                         10-5-2
                                                         17-1-2

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                                                                                           . 3)ei\HgAtv,r-fiVy
                                                                                              kVsf •
                                                                                    rv

                                                \r\ o
                                                                                                           ^m^\\\\^L
                                                                                                                               16-1-2
                                                                                                                              5-2-2
                                                               17-2-2
MTM/VF Draft PE1S Public Comment Compendium
A-1068
Section A - Citizens
-------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Kerry McClure
                            January 5,2004

                            Mr. John Forren EPA
                            U.S. EPA (3BA30)
                            1650 Arch St.
                            Philadelphia, PA 19103

                            Dear Mr. John Forrea EPA,

                            It is unconscionable that the Bush administration plans to conthMie to let coal companies
                            destroy Appalachia with mining practices that level mountaintops, wipe out forests and
                            bitry streams in (he valleys below. Mountaintop removal mining and valley fills should
                            not be allowed and the laws and regulations that protect clean water must not be
                            weakened. In particular, I oppose the proposal to change the stream buffer zone rule that
                            prohibits mining activity within 100 feet of streams. This rale should be strictly enforced
                            for valley fills and in all other cases.

                            Tm disappointed and angry that the federal government ignored its own studies when it
                            proposed weakening, rattier than strengthening, protections for people and the
                            environment.  1 do not support my of the three alternatives contained within the
                            Environmental Impact Statement Report. All three options will make it easier for
                            companies to destroy streams, endangering wildlife and nearby communities.

                            May 1 make a fourth, better option which will solve the problem of acquiring needed
                            mineral resources, reduce hannful mining effects, and create tens of thousands of new
                            jobs instantly? It boggles my mind that so few in charge of government understand the
                            simplicity of national mandatory recycling programs to recover the huge amounts of
                            resources that so often go to waste to some landfill. All manufacturers must be required
                            to "take back" their own products for reconditioning or dismantling. Since they made
                            them, they know best what is in them, and how best to break it down into recyclable raw
                            materials. Product design should facilitate easier steps to accommodate it's eventual
                            demise.

                            The EPA or any number of agencies could share responsibilities for enforcing this "post-
                            use decommission and dismantle" program.  Sure, consumers and manufacturers will
                            have to share shipping cost increases associated with returning all expired products back
                            to their maker, but this cost would be  ofiset by the creation of jobs. The end result is
                            more economic expansion and less ecological destruction, and wouldn't that make the
                            EPA look good?

                            We would be following in the footsteps of other "greener" nations who believe
                            sustainable living requires less consumption and more recycling. The minor cost increase
                            will be worth every penny, because the alternative (more permanent environmental
                            destruction and habitat loss) is unthinkable. I challenge you to take these sustainable
                            ideas and press them forward to your  superiors. Dont do it just for me, or for your own
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             1-10
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             1-5
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-1069
                                                                                                                                                                                                             Section A - Citizens
-------
                        career enhancement; do it for all the generations yet to come.
                        1501W Washington St
                        Rm203
                        Phoenix, AZ 85007-3222
                       — Forwarded by David Ridet/R3/USEI?A/US on 01/09/2004 02:51 PM —-

                                   kmcdure@courts.sp.
                                   smte.az.us         To;    R3 Mountaintop@EPA
                                                  cc:
                                   01/05/200404:11 PM    Subject: Don't fill our streams with waste materials

                       Dear Mr. John Forreri EPA,
                       It is unconscionable that the Bush administration plans to continue to
                       let coal companies destroy Appalachia with mining practices that level
                       mo-untaintops^ wipe out forests and bury streams m the valleys below.
                       Mauntamtop removal mining and valley fills should not be allowed and
                       the laws and regulations that protect clean water must not be weakened.
                       In particular, I oppose the proposal to change the stream buffer 'zone
                       rule that prohibits mining activity within 100 feet of streams. This
                       pile should be strictly enforced for valley fills and in all other
                       cases. I'm disappointed and angry that the federal government ignored its own
                       studies when it proposed weakening, rather than strengthening,
                       protections  for people and the environment.  I do not support arty of the
                       three alternatives contained within  the Environmental Impact Statement
                       Report. All three options will make it easier for companies to destroy
                       streams, endangering wildlife and nearby communities.

                       Don't fill our streams with waste materials  It is unconscionable that
                       the Bush administration pkns to continue to let coal companies destroy
                       Appakchia with mining practices that level mountain tops, wipe out
                       forests and bury streams in the valleys below, Motmtamtop removal
                       mining and valley fills should not be allowed and the laws and
                       regulations that protect clean water must not be weakened, In
                       particular, I oppose the proposal to change the stream buffer zone rule
                       that prohibits  mining activity within 100 feet of streams. This rule
                       should be strictly enforced for valley fills and in all other cases. I'm
                       disappointed and angry that the federal government ignored its own
                       studies when it proposed weakening, rather than strengthening,
                       protections  for people and the environment  I do not support any ot the
                       three alternatives contained within  the Environmental Impact Statement
                       Report. All three options will make tt easier For companies to destroy
                       streams, endangering wildlife and nearby communities.

                       May I make a fourth, better option which will solve the problem  of
                       acquiring needed mineral resources, reduce harmful mining effects, and
                       create tens of thousands of new jobs instantly?  It boggles my mind that
                       so few in charge of government understand the simplicity of national
                       mandatory recycling programs to recover the huge amounts of resources
                       that so often go  to waste in some kndfill.  All manufacturers must be
             1-9
                                                                                                                                                                                                  1-10
                                                                                                                                                                                                  1-5
                                                                                                                                                                                                  1-10
                                                                                                                                                                                                  1-5
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-1070
Section A - Citizens
-------
                                                                                                                                                                            Chelena McCoy
             how best to break it down into recyclable raw materials. Product design
             should facilitate easier steps to accommodate it's eventual demise.  The
             EPA or any number of agencies could share responsibilities for enforcing
             this "post-use decommission and dismantle" program. Sure, consumers and
             manufacturers will have to share shipping cost increases associated with
             returning aE expired products back to their maker, but this cost would
             be offset by the creation of jobs. The end result is more economic
             expansion and less ecological destruction, and wouldn't that rnstke the
             EPA look good?  We would be following in the footsteps of other
             "greener" nations who believe sustainable hvtng requires less
             consumption and more recycling. The minor cost increase will be worth
             every penny, because the alternative (more permanent environmental
             destruction and habitat loss) is unthinkable. I challenge you to lake
             these sustainable ideas and press them forward to your superiors.
             Don't do it just for me, or for your own career enhancement; do it for
             all the generations yet to come.

             Sincerely,

             Kerry McClure
             1501 W Washington St
             Rm203
             Phoenix, AZ 85007-3222
                	Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USB?A/US on 01/12/2004 02:49 PM —
                           mcjwva@aoi.com
                                        To:
                           01/06/200411:02
                               R3 Mountaintop@EPA
                               cc:
                                           Subject: Comments on draft programmatic EI.S on mountain!
            AM
removal coal mining

Mr. John Forren
U.S. EPA (3EA3Q)
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Dear Mr. Forren,
                It is completely ridiculous for anyone to tMnfc that hundreds of
                acres of mountaintops can be devastated with earth moving
                machines, and the surrounding inhabitants, INCLUDING HUMANS, of
                that area wont also be devastated as well!!!

                We have had it with the polution in our water, air, and the
                disastrous flooding!!!

                Do something that you know is right!!! Sleep in peace tonight!!!
                Don't let money rule over human and environmental rights!!!

                PROTECT WEST VIRGINIA'S NATURAL BEAUTY, ITS VALUABLE AND LIFE
                SUSTAINING RESOURCES, AND THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF IT'S
                RESIDENTS
                                                                                                                                                                                       1-9
                                                                                                           Sincerely,

                                                                                                           Chelena  McCoy
                                                                                                           218 Ely Pork Rd
                                                                                                           Sumerco, West Virginia 25567
                                                                                                            Senator John Rockefeller
                                                                                                            Representative Nick Rahall
                                                                                                            Senator Robert Byrd
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-1071
                                                             Section A - Citizens
-------
Harold McCurdy
                                                                                                        Howard McFann
                                                                                                       	Forwarded by D*vid Ridet/RS/USEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:42 PM -—
                                     796 W Outer Drive
                                      Oak Ridge, TN
                                     December 16,2003
REC'D DIG 2 2;
           John Forren
           U.S. EPA (3ES30)
           1650 Arch Street
           Philadelphia, PA 19103

           Draft Environmental Impact Statement, on MountEiatop Removal Mining, May 20Q3

           I am opposed to the proposed role changes that make it easier to get permits for
           mountmiatop removal and to eliminate protection for streams. I am also opposed to
           the three alternatives in the DEIS; none of these wiE protect our water or our
           communities.

           The communities and mountains of AppalacMa are too precious to subject to the
           devastation of mountaintop removal.

           The nation needs stronger protection from impacts of mining instead of expedited
           permitting. The coal removed wfll be burned once (with further damage to the
           environment), but damage from the mining will persist.

           I urge EPA to redo this impact statement giving more weight to the long term
           interests of the country.

           Sincerely,
                    1-5
                    1-9
           Harold MoCurdy
           cc:   Pres. George W. Bush
                 Rep. Zach Wamp
                 Sen. Bill Frist
                 Sen. Lamar Alexander
             "lesmcf@jtnio.com"
             
-------
JohnMcFerrin
                                                                                             Scott McGarrity
   — Forwarded by David Rider/R3/USEPA/US on 01 /OS/2004 01:43 PM	

               Joh n n ic feran@.ao!,
               com             To:    R3 Mountaintop@EPA
                              cc:
               01/06/2004 03:43      Subject;  Draft Environmental Impact Statement
               PM

   Dear Sir or Madam:

      Please consider these as my comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on
   Mountain top Removal/Valley Fills.

      While the technical portions ot the draft contain some useftii information, the recommendations
   and pcoposed alternatives are an embarassmenL The agencies involved gathered all this data on the
   harm ml environmental effects of mountaintop removal mining. They responded to these effects by
   proposing alternatives for reshuffling permitting responsibilities among agencies.

      What is the point of that?  Why go through the entire NEPA process if all you am come out
   with is a reshuffling of agency responsibilities. There are no alternatives suggesting how we could
   do mountaintop removal ui a more environmentally sound manner. There is no alternative that we
   not do it at all.  The only alternatives proposed are that we keep doing it in the same way we always
   have, causing the same damage the Draft documents.  The pseudo-alternatives offered are that we
   choose among different agencies to preside over the environmental devastation.

      If the agencies involved are not embarassed by this then I cart only conclude that they have
   reached the point where they are beyond ernbarassment

      The only way the agencies can fix this Draft is to shred it Havmg done that, they can try again,
   including proposing specific actions that would minimize the environmental effects of mountxintop
   removal mining. The alternatives should include not doing it at all.  By "actions" I do not mean
   more suggestions for paper shuffling or ponderings on which agency should preside over the
   present course of
   environmental devastation. 1 mean real, on the ground,, action  that change the way we mine,
   including whether we mine by this method at all.

      1 am familiar with the comments filed by the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy.  I  agree with
   those comments and wish to adopt them as my own.

                           Sincerely,

                           lohn McFerrin
                           114 Beckley Avenue
                           Beck!ey,WV 25801
1-5
January 3,2004

Mr. John Forren EPA
U.S.EPA(3EA3Q)
1650 Arch St
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Dear Mr. John Fatten. EPA,

It is unconscionable Ait the Bush administration plans to continue to let cod companies
destroy Appaiachia with mi&i&g practices that level mouutaiHtops, wipe out forests and
bury streams m the valleys below. Motiataifttop mmrval mining and valley iftls should
not be allowed and the laws ssd regulations that protect clean water most &ot be
weakened la particular, J oppose the proposal to change tfae s&eam buSer ssose rule that
prohibits nrintog activity wittta 100 feet of streams. This rale should be strictly enforced
for valley fills and in an oflw e
                                                                                                 JAH
-------
Carol McGeehan
                                                                           M. McGeorge
                                                                              1-10
                                                                                             "M, McGeorge"
                                                                                                                      cc:    IMAGINEMEW@aol.com
                                                                                                                      Subject: Mountain Top Removal
                                                                                                         08/16/03 11:45 PM
                                                                                             Mr. John Fort-en, USEPA

                                                                                             It is grossly unfair to the citizens of West Virginia to pollute and defonn our beautiful
                                                                                             state by scraping off the tops of mountains and dumping the rubble in our mountain
                                                                                             streams. In the process, owners of adjacent lands have their property values
                                                                                             destroyed as well.

                                                                                             The interests of the state and the majority of its people are being trampled in order to
                                                                                             enhance the profits of the coal industry.

                                                                                             West Virginia's fotufe is in marketing our beautiful mountain places for tourism and
                                                                                             these very places are being destroyed as we discuss it.

                                                                                             I believe that the majority of WV voters will remember this blatant
                                                                                             hi justice the next time we go to the polls.
                                                                                   11-3-2
                                                                                   11-7-2
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-1074
Section A - Citizens
-------
Margaret McGirmis
                                                                                 Judith McHugh
                                                                                                                    Forwarded by David RiderfRS&JSEPAMS on 01D8/2004 03:55 PM —

                                                                                                                              jfimwvB@aol. com
                                                                                                                                           To:   R3 Mountairtop@EPA
                                                                                                                              01/02/2004 06:51    co:
                                                                                                                              PM           Subject; Comments on Draft programmatic Environmental Impact
                                                                                                                    Statement on mountalntop
                                                                                                                                           removal coal mining
                                                                            I-IO
                                                                                                                    Enviromental Protection Agency Environmental Impact Statement
                        Dear Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Impact Statement,

                        Everyone knows how destructive mountaintop removal mining is to
                        forests, streams and wildlife. I find it hard to believe that my
                        President is not trying to find some way to reduce its impact,
                        but instead is encouraging it to take place faster.

                        Please try to find some way to protect our natural resources and
                        communities In West Virginia instead of encouraging their
                        destruction.

                        Thank you sincerely,

                        Judith McHugh
                                                                                                                                                                                 I-9
                                                                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                                                                    Judith McHugh
                                                                                                                    2008 Nortrvwood Road
                                                                                                                    Charleston, West Virginia 25314
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-1075
Section A - Citizens
-------
Meagan McKay
                                                                           Catherine McKenzie
  	Forwarded by David Ridet/R3/USEPA/US on 01/30/2004 11:21 AM	

             Meagan McKay
                         cc:
                          Subject:  Mountain Top Mining Draft EIS Comments
             01/14/2004 08:26
             AM

  Meagan McKay
  8B Hickok Place
  Burlington, VERMONT 05401
  January 14,2004

  ]ohn Forten
  US EPA (3EA30)
  1650 Arch Street
  Philadelphia, PA 19103

  Dear Forren:

  I oppose the Bush administration plans to continue to let coal companies destroy Appalachia
  with mining practices that level mountaintops, wipe out forests and bury streams in the
  valleys below. While I have no loyalties to any one particular party, I am a registered voter
  who takes environmental issues very seriously, as do many of my peers. Please take the time
  to objectively consider this issue, and ask yourselves if the benefits from environmental
  destruction can honestly outweigh a global cost that is immeasuteable.

  Sincerely,
1-9
                     — Forwarded by David Ridet/R3/USEPA/'US on 01/08/200401:59 PM	

                                 "camckeozie@y~ahoo
                                 .com" 
-------
Bonnie McKeown
                                                                              Cathe McLaughlin
                           Bo n n i Me Keown
                                       Subject:  Mountaintop Mining

                                        08/20/03 08:25 PM
      Cur beautiful state has been devastated by raountaintop  removal Joining.
      Whatever the technicalities, cutting off mountains and  fllllna streams
      and
      valleys v«lth waste is environmentally harmful and a crime against
      nature.
      '1 he n*~w envi remittent, a 1  impact, .^at^m-enf. needs to ref 1 e?ct, the monimienta 1
      cumulative effects of this  type ot mining,

      E-onni KcKeown, i?,O, Box M,  Capon Springs WV 26823
9-2-2

Please stop mountaintop mining in West Virginia or anywhere else for
that matter. It is iasaae to destroy perfectly natural environments For
the sake of justifying jobs. The impact of these action are very
destructive.  Including flooding potentials, contaminating waters,
destroying streams, animal habitats, as well as human beings.

Please stop!!'!

Cathe McLaughlin
100 Saddlerock Road
Lynchburg, VA 24503
                                                                                           1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
        A-1077
                                                  Section A - Citizens
-------
Corinna McMackin
             	Forwarded by David Rider/RMJSEPA/US on 01/12/2004 02:49 PM	

                         Corinna Therese
                         McMackin           To:    R3 Mountaintop@EPA
                                  Subject: Draft MTR/VF EIS comment

                         01/06/200411:41 AM

             Corinna McMackin
             lOSOLoraneHWY
             Rugene, OR 97405
             Mr. John Forren                        January 6,
             2004
             U.S. EPA (3EA30)
             1650 Arch Street
             Philadelphia, PA 19103

             Dear Mr. Forren,

             1 am writing today to share my comments on the draft Environmental
             Impact Statement on mountaintop removal mining/valley fills released
             May 29, 2003. The DEIS claims to work toward "[effecting] better
             environmental protection for mountaintop mining and valley fill
             operations." The draft's studies articulate the widespread,
             irreversible ecological damage caused by MTR/VF practices.
             Nevertheless, the alternatives proposed in the draft suggest a
             weakening of current laws and regulations in favor of developing a
             more efficient mining process.  This stated purpose of and the
             recommendations made within the DEIS are in conflict with one another.
                                    Appalachia, a No MTR/VF Mining alternative should be a consideration
                                    in the DEIS.

                                    The MTR/V'F BIS is the product of community opposition to conditions
                                    created by MTR/VF operations. These same eomrminity groups call not
                                    for a stop to coal-mining in general, but rather for an end to the
                                    destructive nature of MTR/VF operations. I believe that if the EIS is
                                    going to fulfill either it$ commitment to the original plaintiffs in
                                    the Bragg V. Robertson case or its obligation to a full-range of
                                    alternative as provided by NEPA, then the EIS is required to analyze a
                                    No MTR/VF Mining alternative.

                                    The agency-sanctioned terms overburden and inlerburden reflect an
                                    official climate that has favored a vision of Appalachia as coal.
                                    These terms reduce the mixed mesophytic forest to a burden above or
                                    between seams of coal. This narrow vision of the use and value of
                                    Appalachia's coalfields is reproduced in the DEIS.  It is reflected
                                    in the federal and state agencies failure to consider alternatives to
                                    MTR/VF coal-mining. It is due to the agencies' inability to we or
                                    evaluate alternatives to MTR/VF coal-mining, as required by law under
                                    NEPA and requested by citizen-action groups, that I feel the current
                                    DEIS should be deemed insufficient.  I believe the study should be
                                    continued with additional attention paid to community-identified
                                    impacts as well as community-based alternatives to MTR/VF mining.

                                    Sincerely,

                                    Corinna McMackin
          l-j
          4-2
             I oppose the alternatives outlined in the DEIS. I disagree with the  |  1 "5
             suggestion to dismiss the application of the 100-ft stream buffer zone
             identified in SMCRA to valley fill construction, and I challenge the
             legitimacy of a DEIS that fails to examine a full-range of
             alternatives as required by NEPA.  The May 2003 DEIS does not analyze
             real alternatives to MTR/VF mining.  The 2003 DEIS dismisses
             alternatives proposed in the preliminary draft (January 2001), which
             analyzed placing real limits on the size of mountaintop removal valley
             fills. Furthermore, the draft fails to include a No MTR/VF Mining
             alternative. Considering the permanent ecological damage of MTR/VF,
             the falling coal-related employment rates, and the disproportionately
             high rates of poverty in top-coal producing counties across
1-10
4-2
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
              A-1078
Section A - Citizens
-------
Elizabeth McMahon
                                                                    James & CarlaMcMillin
                                              is        /
                                                         JAH2,
                            fa
     ~tS
                       o&TL&ff
-ZtLtg'-ot^SL (2^1 eU^^Lf_
      &<9~r*tf>
         ,/
&0~r*tf>Msrt£j!i** ^,"^
                                                 H^s**?
                                                                                 1-10
                        - Forwarded by David Ridet/R3/USEPAAJS on 01/08/2004 11:39 AM	

                                James McMiilin
                                         co:
                                            Subject,: Mouutaintop removal
                                12/30/2003 03:07
                                PM
                      Mr. John Forren
                      Project Manager
                      U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (3EA30)
                      1650 Arch Street
                      Philadelphia, PA 19103
                      Email: mountaintop.r3@epa.gov

                      I, along with most other Kentuckians want you to stop destructive
                      mouiitaintop removal mining.

                      Mountaintop removal coal mining is a form of strip mining in which
                      coal
                      companies search for coal throughout Appalachia by literally blasting
                      hundreds
                      offset off the tops of mountains, pushing millions of tons of mining
                      waste
                      rubble into surrounding valleys and burying hundreds of miles of
                      streams. The
                      Bush administration has released a draft environmental impact
                      statement
                      assessing the effects of mountaintop removal mining that confirms that
                      the
                      resulting environmental and social harms are severe and mostly
                      irreversible.

                      More thaa 1200 miles of streams already have been buried, damaged or
                      destroyed;
                      hundreds of square miles of forested mountains flattened;  and
                      generations-old
                                                                                                                                                                             1-9
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
A-1079
                                                                                                                                   Section A - C/feens
-------
                                                                                                                                                                                         Janet McReynolds
                communities of coalfield residents have been forced from their homes
                by this
                extremely destructive mining practice. To avoid additional and
                significant
                devastation of the Appalachian region's natural resources — and of
                the
                communities that depend on those resources — mountaintop removal must
                be much
                more strictly limited. Indeed, without new limits on mountaintop
                removal, an
                additional 350 square miles of mountains, streams, and forests will
                soon be
                flattened and destroyed.

                Although the administration's environmental impact statement is
                supposed to
                suggest, ways to limit the environmental harm caused by mountaintop
                removal, the
                Bush administration is proposing just the opposite: it wants to allow
                mountaintop removal to continue and even make it 'easier* for coal
                mining
                companies to obtain permits for this form of mining.
                This kind of typical double speak from this administration and
                trashing of decades of beneficial environmental work has got to stop
                from the inside out or we will be forced to change it from the outside
                with our votes in the next election.
                Sincerely,
                James and Carla McMillin
                                                                                                                                                                                  ,'REC'D AU8 2 g
1-10
John Forren                                              August 18,2003
US.EPA(3ES30)
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Dear Mi. Forren:

I find it completely astonishing that anyone could read the recent Environmental Impact Study
regarding mountaintop removal and yet still believe that the solution is to further weaken the
current lukewarm regulations that apply to all aspects of coal mining in the Appalachian region.

The report clearly documents the extensive damage done to our land, forests, water and
ecosystems by mountaintop removal and valley fills. Not only that, but the report provides strong
evidence for banning mountaintop removal altogether. Yet the recommendations in the report
itself totally ignore the findings of the study and instead propose actions ttet would mean more
mounfaintop removal with even fewer protections for people and the environment.

As I understand it, the original purpose of the report were to look for ways to IMPROVE agency
programs under the Clean Water Act, Sur&ce Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA)
and Endangered Species Act (ESA) that will contribute to REDUCING the adverse
environmental impacts of mountaintop removal operations and excess spoil valley fills in
Appalaehia. Then, when the report was finished in 2000, the Bush Administration refused to
release it because it didn't like the results!!! This is a travesty of uie democratic system. When an
administration denies public access to information it is very clear that the administration is not
interested in the public welfare but is in collusion with the big corporations mat own ttie coal
companies and other entities in charge of the devastation of the environment

This lack of concern for the people and the environment is made even clearer when one reads the
"Alternatives" #1,1 or 3 contained within the EIS report, which are no alternatives at all, but
simply more ideas to make it easier for the coal companies. None of these recommendations will
protect our steam and forest ecosystems. They will not protect our cotmnunitjes. In fact, the
recommendations have no relation to the problems caused by mountaintop removal mining and
valley fills as documented in the studies.

Instead, in its continuing quest to go down in history as the presidential administration with  the
worst environmental record, the Bush administration has used the EIS process to propose rule
changes to make it even easier for coal companies to get permits for mountaintop removal and to
eliminate protections for streams. Doing away with the "buffer zone" rule that protects streams
ftom the eflecte of coal mining is merely an early Christmas present to the coal companies that
makes it even easier for them to get permits for mountaintop removal and valley fills, the most
blatantly destructive mining method ever used. It ignores the science and evidence about what
mountaintop removal mining is doing and ipores the public's demand for clean water, healthy
environment and safe communities.

The report itself is misleading for several retsooj.
•  It calls for "harmonizing" federal regulations, which simply means reducing all regulations to
   the lowest common denominator and therefore the least effective and meaningful roles; and
   requires "science-based methods," which is a particularly devious way to ensure that
                                                                                                                  1-10
                                                                                                                                                                                                        1-5
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
             A-1080
                                                                     Section A - Citizens
-------
                                                                                                                                                                                     Shawn Meagher
      coalfield residents cannot strengthen regulations to prevent more damage by the coal industty
      without "conclusive" scientific proof.

   •  The report rejects withort any meaningful consideration alt proposals that would have
      restricted the use of valley fiils or enforced existing laws. There is plenty of scientific
      evidence - and a strong legal case - that documents the widespread and irreversible damage
      the coal industry is doing to our region. Leveling mountains and burying streams is wrong
      and must stop.

   «  The report recommends weakening existing laws and regulations that protect clean water,
      including doing away with the 25-year-old "stream buffer zone" rule because it calls into
      question the use of valley fills and creates "confusion," and re-defining some streams out of
      existence,

   If mountaintop removal is allowed to continue, there will be no streams - and hence no water
   sources - left in the Appalachian region. As it is, we have lost 724 miles of streams, and another
   1,200 miles have been adversely affected, due to both mountaintop removal and the concerted
   effort at lack of enforcement by all the agencies involved. Even without further relaxing the
   regulations, the Appalachians will lose 2,200 square miles of forest by 2012, as a direct result of
   coal-mining operations. In addition, 600 square miles of land and another 1,000 miles of streams
   will be destroyed This will make the land uninhabitable, rendering thousands more people
   homeless. Hundreds of people have already lost homes, water, and property due to
   uncompensated damage by coal companies.

   It is imperative that the government pay very close attention to its own report Not only can we
   not relax the current regulations, we also need additional restrictions and enforcement
   requirements. Mountaintop removal cannot be allowed to continue as a coal extraction method.
   Even beyond the environmental devastation, it is economically the least beneficial method to the
   communities in which it occurs.

   I moved from middle Tennessee to eastern Kentucky ten years ago and was impressed by the
   beauty of the mountains of Appalachia. Those mountains are disappearing, being plowed over
   into the green valleys to leave a brown treeless moonscape (reclamation laws are rarely, if ever,
   enforced). This is the legacy of mountaintop removal. The people causing this rampant ruin-
   including President Bush - do not live here, do not have to see it, and are at no risk of having
   their homes, property, and their very lives destroyed by it We must stop mouutaintop removal
   before there are no mountains left to remove.

                                                             Thank you for your time,

                                                                  0
   cc: President George W. Bush
                                                          Janet Comperry McReynolds
                                                                       Krypton, KY
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                           Mount® in topi EPA
                           Kou n t,a i n t op Mini ng
                            December  05,  2003

                            John E'orren,  Environmental Protection Agency
                            U.S.  EPA  (3EA30)
                            1650 Arch  Street
                            Philadelphia,  PA 19103
Dear  Hi. Forren,

Will  you please  stop the  uiove to weaken regulations on  mountaintop
mining in
the Appalachian  Mountains?   I am a biologist who has recently
vacationed
in West
Virginia.  I was struck by  the beauty of this  region.   Mcimtaincop
mining destroys
biodiversity and harms the  health of our people.
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                           As a US citisen/ I ask you to please implement stronger NOT  weaker
                           regulations
                           for this practice, and I wholeheartedly  support  the recommeudaclons
                           from
                           the organization/
                           American Rivers  (attached below).

                           Thanks for  your tints«

                           Shawn Meacfhei*

                           AMERICAN RIVERS SAYS:
                           I  am opposed to any  change® that  would weaken th
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                                                                                                                                                                    Colby Mecham
                                                              1-5
    xoux draft EIS contains  indisputable evidence of the devastating  and
    irreversible
    environraental harm caused by mountaintop mining.  Other agency studies
    also show
    that isoimtaintop mining  contributes to flooding disasters in mountain
    c oitasurn iti.es.
    Unfortunately, each of the alternatives in the draft E-IS ignores  the
    findings
    of the.?e studies and the very  purpose of the EIS- to find ways no
    m.utisfij.ze, Lo
    Ihtt maximum extent piacuical,  lhs$  environmental consequences of
    mountaintop mining.
    The draft EIS does not eKaiKine a single alternative that, would reduce
    those impacts.
    Worse, your "preferred alternative" would clearly increase the damage
    f r ore no u. n tain top
    raining by eliminating thr>  Surface Mining Control Rrid Reclamation  Act's
    buf ter
    zone rule that prohibits mining activities that disturb any area  within
    100 feet
    of larger streams,  eliminating the current limit on using nationwide
    permits to
    approve valley fills in West Virginia that are larger than 250 acre^f
    and giving
    the Office of Surface Mining a significant new role in Clean Water Act
    permitting
    for mountaintop mining (a  role it does not have under current law).

    Ou.c enviroamsntai laws require, and the citizens of the reqion deserve,
    a full
    evaluation of ways  to reduce the unacceptable- impacts of mountain tot)
    mining.
    I urge you to abandon yout "preferred alternative" and to rDevaluate a
    full range;
    of options that wil 1 rainincise th^ enormous eiivicotimental and economic
    damage caused
    by n,oi;ntaintop mining and  valley fills.

    Than k you for your  co n s i der a t i oil *
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                          (Lt-nMAT^,
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                                                                                                          ^uuyiM
                                                                                                          0
MTM/VF Draft PEIS Public Comment Compendium
         A-1082
Section A - Citizens
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Elaine Melnick
                                                                    Barbara Mendelsohn
                                      REC'D JAN ? 8
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                   	Forwarded by David Rider/E3/USEPA/US on 01/07/2004 03:42 PM -—

                              "Baitoara@Storylin
                              eArts.com"       To:    R3 Mountaintop@EPA
                              
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