Ohio coal group opposes mine-near-park lawsuit

COLUMBUS (AP) — An Ohio coal industry group is opposing a federal lawsuit trying to shut down mine tunnels being developed within the watershed of a state park reservoir.

The Ohio Coal Association argued in a court filing Wednesday that the government’s lawsuit is based on speculative claims coming after extensive permitting work by state and federal authorities.

Buckingham Coal Co.’s project would link an existing mine with new coal reserves.

The mine is about two miles from the reservoir at Burr Oak State Park in southeast Columbus.

Last week’s lawsuit by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says Ohio’s decision to issue a permit to Buckingham violated a 1948 state-federal agreement that created the park and reservoir.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources stands by its decision to issue the permit.