This is why you cannot give carte blanche on all deep well mines. The Mayor
is a retired coal miner, BTW.
best, paul
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Public News Service <wvns(a)publicnewsservice.org>
Date: Jul 17, 2007 9:52 AM
Subject: WVNS story for July 17, 2007. WV Mayor: Proposed Mine Threatens
Only Source of W
To: pjgrunt(a)gmail.com
West Virginia News Service
A statewide news service for West Virginia
5312 MacCorkle Avenue, SW, #315, South Charleston, WV 25309
Phone: 800.317.6705 Fax: 540-301-0801 E-mail: wvns(a)publicnewsservice.org
July 17, 2007
WV Mayor: Proposed Mine Threatens Only Source of Water
Bayard, WV - A proposed coal mine would cut through the watershed that
supplies all the drinking water for two Grant County towns. The mining
company says the water won't be affected - but Bayard (BAIRD) mayor Steven
Durst says he wants an independent survey before the mining starts, to make
sure the town's drinking water will stay clean.
Suggested Script: A West Virginia mayor is sending out an S-O-S for his
town's only supply of drinking water. A proposed coal mine in Grant County
would dig into a watershed that supplies two towns in the area. The Wolf
Run Mining Company has said it can get the coal without hurting the water.
Steven Durst is mayor of Bayard and a retired coal miner - he says he and
most area residents aren't taking the company's word that their drinking
water is safe.
Actuality Cut 30777 (:07) "The problem is that if they're wrong about what
they say, they're going to destroy a water system for nine hundred
families."
Suggested Tag: He's calling for an independent geological survey before
mining starts - he'd like that to come from a third party, not affiliated
with mining interests or with the state's Department of Environmental
Protection. The mine is waiting for a permit from Environmental Protection;
they're expected to rule in the next two months.
****
Second Cut: Durst says when it comes to small towns like his that don't
have a lot of political clout, the state government tends to put business
interests ahead of protecting the quality of life of local citizens.
Actuality Cut 31777 (:10) "Our concerns, of course, are that the Department
of Environmental Protection will not protect us, they're not gonna be
concerned as to whether or not our water system is endangered." (ends)
OPTIONAL REPORTER WRAP - uses first soundbite:
LEAD: A West Virginia mayor is sending out an S-O-S for his town's only
supply of drinking water. Rob Ferrett has more.
Actuality Cut 32 777 TRT: 35 Q...in the next two months.
Editor's Note: Durst is at 304 693 7300.
Still available: scripts and sound on the web page, or call toll-free # and
use the cut # listed below followed by the 3-digits in the web ID above.
Cuts 45-47: Few Treatment Options in WV for "Signature Wound" of Iraq War -
Comments from Hilda Heady, associate vice president for rural health at West
Virginia University.
---
To be removed from this list please send an e-mail to
remove(a)publicnewsservice.org and put the word "remove" in the subject line.
--
Paul Wilson
Sierra Club
Wildlife & Endangered Species Comm.
504 Jefferson Ave
Charles Town, WV 25414-1130
Phone: 304-725-4360
Cell: 304-279-6975