1,000 jobs in jeopardy if 2 mines are closed

CLEVELAND (AP) — Coal mining company Murray Energy Corp. has warned that two southeast Ohio mines could be forced to close as a result of the company’s dispute with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency over waste being dumped into a watershed.

Closings could end about 1,000 jobs at the two mines — American Energy Corp. Century Mine in Monroe County and Ohio Valley Coal Co. Powhatan No. 6 Mine about a mile away in Belmont County.

A plan the suburban Cleveland-based Murray Energy has for a new coal preparation refuse site puts at risk natural habitat for fish and a rare form of salamander, the Ohio EPA says.

The agency has proposed that a water quality certification be denied. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is joining the Ohio EPA in opposing the certification, which would allow Ohio Valley Coal to use Casey Run in the Captina Creek watershed.

Any final order can be appealed.

The Ohio EPA wants the privately owned Murray Energy to find another location for coal waste and refuse to replace a site nearing its capacity. Although Ohio Valley Coal made the application, the site is also vital to Century Mine, said Robert Edward Murray, Murray Energy vice president.

The two mines will be forced to permanently close if the Ohio EPA decision stands, Murray said Thursday in a news release.

The mines produce about half of the coal in Ohio, he said.

The suggested location is the best option for the company and water quality standards would be maintained, said Michael McKown, Murray Energy general counsel. He said Murray Energy expects the Ohio EPA to balance environmental issues with employment needs of coal miners.

The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority has estimated approximately 2,300 Ohioans work as coal miners.