Many people in state government work tirelessly to make sure that services are rendered in proper form to the citizens they serve. However, lest we should think for one minute that environmentally the tax payers are being served well in the good state of West Virginia, there is this little reminder.
CONSOL Energy will be allowed to resume discharging coal mining waste water into Dunkard Creek. Provided of course that they build treatment facilities by May of 2013. That's about three and one-half years worth of waste water being dumped into the creek. Let's remember that a large part of this creek was killed off last year by this very same company doing the very same thing. Oh, but not to worry. West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) says there is "little risk" for another kill.
Yesterday, I spoke of Climate Criminals, such as CONSOL Energy and drew a line to state agencies such as WVDEP, as being part of the criminal enterprise known as longwall mining. In the above paragraph, that line becomes a superhighway. Not only are they (WVDEP) going to allow CONSOL to resume dumping waste water into the creek, thereby setting up the scenario for a repeat of the Golden Algae bloom of last summer. But, they are going to allow them several years to do this without making any changes to operation whatsoever.
That might seem like good government oversight to some. But, in fact, it is simply collusion. One side commits a crime. Then they meet with the other side. After an exchange of ideas and possibly something more substantial, the two sides agree to continue as partners in a criminal enterprise. This, in the name of the taxpayers of the state. In this case, one that jeopardizes the very health and welfare of those taxpayers.
This isn't the only state where such things are happening. Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Wyoming and Montana are some of those who are actively involved in such enterprises. Climate Criminals are located all over the world. Thy have extremely deep pockets and have very powerful positions. Pizarchik and Rockefeller come quickly to mind. It is long since time for these people and their various enterprises, such as longwall mining to be exposed for what they are. And, those who participate in such activity to be held accountable.
3 comments:
Have you read the order? I suggest you read the order before you make blanket statements about the company not having to change anything its doing - especially if you are going to call the company or anyone criminal.
Another great coal post... Thank you, Rusty! Particularly appreciate your comments on collusion. Hadn't ever thought about DEP from that angle before and find the approach rather thought provoking.
Thanks, Cassie. Began to think of the collusion angle when I started looking at how often CONSOL, and their ilk, were given sternly worded letters and the like, but they continued their operations unabated. In order for that to happen, either DEP is filled with with inept paycheck collectors. Or, there is some sort of wink and nod thing going on. Hmmmmm...maybe, both.
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