CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Massey Energy does not yet have several key approvals needed before it can begin blasting apart a mountain where environmental groups had hoped to instead encourage construction of a large wind-power operation, officials confirmed Tuesday.
"If they blast, they do so illegally in our opinion," said Randy Huffman, secretary of the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Massey had announced late last month plans to begin blasting at its Bee Tree Surface Mine in Raleigh County as early as sunrise today, and Gov. Joe Manchin on Tuesday rejected a request by citizen groups that state officials intervene.
Citizen groups are promoting construction of 220 2-megawatt wind turbines on Coal River Mountain ridges. A wind study, funded by North Carolina-based Appalachian Voices, concluded the spot is a good location for a wind farm. The project, Whitesville-based Coal River Mountain Watch says, would create enough wind power to "keep the lights on" in 150,000 homes "while preserving the mountain for future economic and community benefits."
But Richmond, Va.-based Massey Energy holds two strip mine permits in the area, and is seeking two more, for a total mine area of more than 6,000 acres.
Earlier Tuesday, Manchin communications director Lara Ramsburg said the governor would not get involved because Massey already had the necessary regulatory approvals.
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