======================================================== Tuesday, August 23, 2011 @ 5:18 PM ============================================================

In response to today’s earthquake, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Mining and Reclamation plans to inspect all Class C coal-related impoundments in the state by tonight, DMR Director Tom Clarke said.

Class C impoundments have high hazard potential. Inspections will be done in consultation with the DMR’s regional dam engineer. All other impounding structures and embankments should be examined within 72 hours, Clarke said.

All of the DMR’s inspection staff and engineers were certified or re-certified in impoundment inspection earlier this month.

Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.