Two lawsuits filed over runoff from reclaimed mines

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — Environmentalists are going after the owners of two more former mountaintop removal mines in West Virginia, hoping to hold them responsible for water pollution from the sites.

The Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, West Virginia Highlands Conservancy and Sierra Club sued Pocahontas Land Corp. and Hernshaw Partners LLC in U.S. District Court in Huntington Wednesday over alleged violations of the Clean Water Act.

The groups filed similar complaints over three other reclaimed mines last month.

The new complaints focus on two Mingo County operations, the former Southeast Ridge Mine and a former Chafin Branch Coal Co. site. The lawsuits say state and federal regulators are doing nothing to end water pollution from old surface mines after they’ve been cleaned up, graded and replanted with vegetation, so the landowners must be held accountable.

The litigation signals a new strategy from the environmental community, which has long sued coal companies over pollution but rarely sued after their operations are reclaimed and released from bonding and permit requirements

The groups say they’re trying to focus attention on the “full life cycle” of mines to dispel the myth that they no longer threaten the environment when they’re done producing coal.

Pocahontas Land Corp. of Bluefield is a subsidiary of Virginia-based Norfolk Southern Corp., which has said it won’t comment on pending litigation.

Directory assistance had no listing Wednesday for Hernshaw Partners, based in Gilbert.

The complaints ask a judge to stop the unpermitted discharges and to fine the defendants $37,500 per day for each violation.

They also demand monitoring and sampling programs to gauge the damage that’s been done, and restoration programs once that’s been determined.

 

101.5 FM welcomes the legendary Bellamy Brothers

RIO GRANDE — The Tri-State’s radio home for the country legends, Big Buck Country 101.5 FM, Bob Evans Farm and the Thomas Do It Centers, welcomes the legendary Bellamy Brothers, to the Bob Evans Farm, in Rio Grande this Saturday.

Part of the Bob Evans Farm Concert Series, this great night of music will open up at 8 p.m, with Julie Reeves.

The Bellamy Brothers have been making music and performing for more than 35 years and have recorded 11 #1 singles including “Let your Love Flow”, “If You Said I Had a Beautiful Body, Would You Hold It Against Me”, “Redneck Girl”, “Old Hippie” and many more.

Tickets are only $15, in advance, and $20 at the gate and are available at the Bob Evans Farm in Rio Grande, both locations of the Thomas Do It Centers, in Gallipolis and Point Pleasant and online at www.bigbuck1015.com.

There is free parking, plus free camping all weekend long, at the Bob Evans Farm. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a legendary night of music.

 

Chesapeake United Methodist Church announces menus for free children’s meals

The Chesapeake United Methodist Church celebrated continues to offer free lunches to all area children and youth.

All youth and children from age 1 to 18 are welcome, along with young adults with disability up to age 21. Serving time is from 12 to 12:30 p.m. The meals are provided in partnership from the Scioto County Community Action Agency, and are prepared at local school cafeterias.

The menus for the week of June 24 include (in order): Sloppy Joe, Fish, Pizza, Chicken Fajitas, and Hamburger on a bun. In addition, each day’s meal includes a vegetable, fruit, and choice of milk. Menus are subject to change.

The church is located at the corner of Second Ave. and Fifth Street in Chesapeake. Lunches will be available daily through Aug. 2, with the exception of Independence Day, July 4. Questions are welcome at 740-867-3848 or chesapeakeumc@gmail.com.

 

KDMC mobile mammography unit to visit Ironton

ASHLAND, Ky. – The American Cancer Society recommends women age 40 and older have a screening mammogram each year. Screening mammograms help detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable.

To help women meet this goal, King’s Daughters Mobile Mammography Unit will visit King’s Daughters Family Care Center Ironton, 912 Park Ave., beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 17.

Screening mammograms do not require a physician order, but an appointment is necessary. To schedule, please call King’s Daughters Centralized Scheduling at (606) 408-2742 or toll free 1-877-304-1935.