EPA Releases New Water Quality Regulations

Getting a permit for surface coal mining just got a little more difficult. The Environmental Protection Agency is tightening language to protect water quality that is affected by the surface coal mining process. By burying streams with mine waste the EPA says downstream water ways see increases in salt levels hurting fish and other aquatic life. Coupled with the release of the new standards the EPA has also released two reports that addresses the damage done to waterways as a result of mining practices. The EPA expects the language changes to protect 95 percent of aquatic life in central Appalachia.