Mountaintop mining hurtful, scientists say

Trade group says some data ignored

Credit: AP File Photo

A group protesting mountaintop-removal mining is seen at Massey Energy in Mammoth, W.Va., in this Oct. 12 photo.

By: JournalNow Staff | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: January 09, 2010

A group of scientists called on the federal government this week to stop mountaintop-removal mining, arguing that dozens of existing studies on the practice prove that its ecological effects are "pervasive and irreversible."

In a Policy Forum opinion piece for yesterday's issue of Science, 12 researchers from North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia argue that the effects are clear and that federal regulators must stop ignoring what they call "rigorous science."

The piece's lead author, Margaret Palmer of the University of Maryland, acknowledged that it is unusual for scientists to offer a political position on their research but said that her colleagues "all agree the evidence is overwhelming."

Carol Raulston of the National Mining Association said that some of the scientists have testified as expert witnesses for environmental groups and have "a long-standing feud" with the industry.

Palmer acknowledged that she and two other scientists have testified in mining cases but said that the team's time was donated and that its work was not paid for by any group.

Raulston also said that the scientists chose data selectively, ignoring water-quality information that didn't support its theories. They are entitled to their opinion, she said, but "they're incorrect in saying this review ... points to any new conclusions."

The scientists say that mountaintop mining destroys forests and streams that can never be replaced, threatening both aquatic life and human health. Palmer also argues that there is no evidence to suggest that current reclamation methods are effective.

The scientists say that some of the oldest, most diverse forests in North America have been destroyed, along with 1,500 miles of Appalachian headwater streams.

The loss of trees and topsoil and the compaction of the earth by heavy equipment worsen historic problems with flooding, they argue, while runoff tainted with selenium is causing deformities in fish and could ultimately threaten human health.

The article is based on more than 30 studies that Duke University researcher Emily Bernhardt said federal regulators should view collectively. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers should adopt a holistic approach, she said, rather than regulating individual contaminants.