Violations of Clean Water Act will Cost Arch Coal $4 Million

Arch Coal, Inc. Agrees to $4 Million Settlement

In a judgment for its violations of the Clean Water Act, Arch Coal Inc. has agreed to a $4 million dollar settlement. The news came in an announcement this week from the EPA and the Justice Department which handled the case.

Under the terms of the settlement, the second largest supplier of coal in the U.S., will pay half of the money to the Federal Government and the other half will be shared between West Virginia and Kentucky where the bulk of the violations occurred.

“Violations at mining operations can have significant environmental and public health consequences, including the pollution of the waters that people use for drinking, swimming and fishing,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “It is critical that companies operating next door to homes, schools and other businesses meet the standards established to protect the health and the environment for these communities.”

The suit, filed jointly by federal and state agencies in U.S. District Court, sited deficiencies in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment systems at four of the company’s mining facilities. There were concerns over excess discharges of iron, total suspended solids, manganese and other pollutants. The company agreed to put additional safeguards and processes in place, as well as periodic audits to ensure compliance in the future.

“The measures required by this settlement will prevent pollutants from entering waterways and bring wide-ranging improvements to mining operations in four mining complexes across three states,” said Ignacia. S. Moreno, assistant attorney general of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice. “These changes will mean a healthier environment for local communities and will help ensure Arch Coal’s compliance with the Clean Water Act.”