July 7, 2013
FOCLA update on activities, legislation
BECKLEY — The mission of the Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary is to enhance public support of and understanding about the West Virginia coal industry.
Our goal is to increase public awareness about the realities of the coal industry and its economic and social impact on our state.
Our efforts are dedicated to educating our citizens and preparing leaders within the coal community to assure future growth of both the coal industry and our state.
In keeping with these statements the auxiliary sends e-mails to our members to keep them informed of the ongoing changes in the coal industry. Sometimes we find our lives so hectic there is no time for daily reading of these e-mails.
For those who fit this category or just don’t care for the wireless system, we have an update on a bill that was passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Tomblin on May 22.
The selenium bill to alter the enforcement procedures for selenium use by coal mines will result in the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) using a state-specific standard, rather than a national standard, for the amount of selenium discharged into the water from a coal mine operation.
Prior to this passage, the federal EPA had been considering, but had not yet adopted, a standard for selenium levels in streams. The selenium level criteria which are currently used will become the threshold standards; the coal operations which exceed the level will be required to monitor the impact on fish populations.
The results from the monitoring will be reported to the WVDEP with assistance from the West Virginia Water Research Institute at WVU.
Standing beside Tomblin at the ceremonial signing was Delegate Linda Sumner, a sponsor of the bill and co-chair of the coal caucus which meets during the legislative session.
The bills under the subject heading “Mines and Minerals” that passed and were signed into law by the governor this year included:
– HB 2352 — Clarifying that the WVDEP does not assume a mine operator’s obligations or liabilities under the Water Pollution Control Act.
– HB 2579 — Revising state water quality standard for selenium.
– HB 3042 — Including methane monitoring equipment as eligible safety equipment for tax credit purposes.
– SB 462 — Extending time for informal conferences on surface mining permit applications.
Thank you, Delegate Linda Sumner, for your service to the residents of southern West Virginia and your concern for the jobs provided by the coal industry in West Virginia.
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The Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary is continuing its efforts at the Veterans Hospital in Beckley by decorating hallways on the second floor. The veterans chose area sports as the theme. Donated photos will be framed and placed throughout the area. Wish list items are supplied as needed for their “Treasure Chest.” This chest holds gifts for the winners of activities such as bingo and other games.
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Coal in the classroom was concluded in May with another successful term. The third- and fourth-grade students of St. Francis De Sales Catholic School in Beckley and Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School of Oak Hill were taken on a field trip to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. Lunch provided by the auxiliary and served in the reconstructed schoolhouse at the coal camp.
Students also toured Caterpillar Industries located on Ragland Road. J.D. Fairchild was our guide and answered many questions concerning the huge equipment. A coal mine rescue chamber was provided for the students to examine.
The Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary received a grant from the Boy Scouts of America for three individual projects. Doug Harper of Harper Enterprise served as project manager and the Citizens Conservation Corps provided labor. After two full days of steady work the projects were completed as planned.
If you would like to view our landscape project drive by St. Francis De Sales in Beckley and Sts. Peter and Paul School in Oak Hill.
Do you like to help others? If so join us. For additional information visit our website: www.friendsofcoalladies.com, call 304-255-1457 Ext. 20 or e-mail ladiesauxiliary @friendsofcoal.com.
We meet on the fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at 144 Whitestick St. Mabscott. There is no membership fee.
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