In the communities of Benham and Lynch, Ky clean water supplies are endangered by a proposal for a mine that would be 812 underground acres. Harlan Reclamation services which will soon be owned by Massey Energy wants to mine the coal there. This mine would be very close to a clean water reservoir, and it greatly endangers the risk of this water that is clean enough to be placed in a bottling agency.
Below is a letter that I sent to Mr. Campbell, Kentucky's director of Natural Resources. It is based off a standard model provided by Kentuckians for the Commonwealth.
Here is my letter
April 14, 2010
Commissioner Carl Campbell
Department for Natural Resources
#2 Hudson Hollow
Frankfort, KY 40601
Dear Commissioner Campbell,
I am writing to object to the state permit #848-5458. The proposed Massey mine threatens the water sources and the quality of life for residents of Benham and Lynch in Harlan County. Lynch and Benham have high quality public water. They will mine over and around Lynch’s water source. This proposal comes within 150 feet of the Benham underground water reservoir. Benham’s water quality is good enough to be considered for a water bottling facility. Residents want at least 1,000 feet buffer zone to ensure the protection of the underground water reservoir.
A third of Lynch’s water reservoir is fed by Gap Branch. This deep mine would go close to that water intake and underneath the creek. Mining should not go on east of Gap Branch to ensure the protection of Lynch’s drinking water.
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