[Coach_Owens87]

Coach you ask why do I debate you, because it's fun and I really enjoy it.

Let's go back the the Thread titled "Are you against Coal Mining" and read post #62 where on 6/27/07 you said and I quote "Since Contour Mining is rarely used. I don't think it really plays an important role in this discussion. I know contour mining was used a lot in the 70's and is still being used somewhat in Tennessee. The reclaimation done on contour sites is no better than what is used on MTR, The highwalls cannot be filled in so they just remain there," You live in a area that has Contour Mining all around you and all you can say is that it's used somewhat in Tennessee. Contour mining has always been used, and is still used today, oh and by the way the Highwall's are reclaimed. That comment tells me you didn't know what Contour Mining was.

In the same thread look at post # 67 where you said and I quote"The sewage running into the water could have been an issue 20 years ago, but not today" I take that to say that you don't have a raw sewage problem.

Buffalo Creek happened in 1972 and is the main reason behind the Federal Act of 1977. That's why I said ponds built prior to 1980 could be poorly constructed.

It also feels good to see the many ministers, preachers, deacons, and church members working in and on the mine sites every day.

I have listed a couple of points that are not lies, if you don't believe me check them out for yourself. BTW I'll look for the others later, because I don't like to be called a liar.

Well im glad that your superior knowledge gives you pleasure when you debate with me.

I make a comment that in my opinion contour mines arent reclaimed, becuase simply putting back dirt and planting grass isnt reclamation, and you say that I dont know what contour mining is. To me thats making a stretch, I gave you an example of what a contour mine was, and how the method is used, so I think my understanding of it is complete. The point I was trying to make, and I failed to do so, is that in the 70's contour mining, and auger use was the typical surface mine, and the SMCRA wasnt signed until 1977, so thats why many highwalls are left and not filled in.

Again your taking my comments, and using your opinion on what I said as a basis for my knowledge and accuracy. The sewage problem still exist, but it's not as bad as it was in the past. Thats the only point I was trying to make.

You keep mentioning that good people work in the mines, which really has no meaning, I never said miners are bad people. So what if preachers work in the mining industry, that doesnt mean I have to agree with it, or that theyre right becuase they're "good people". Catholic preachers rape kids, does that make it right becuase they're preachers?

you keep mentioning that regulations are tight on slurry ponds. If that is so the cleanup of the spill in martin county should have been thorough, but instead most of the six toxic chemicals realeased in that spill remained. The Tug river still turned black when it rained, and sludge could still be seen on the banks. Many residents sued Massey energy for contaminating thier property, but it got nowhere. Most estimations say that they are over 500 "slurry ponds" are in appalachia, and some of those remain abandoned and unmonitored.

You also keep mentioning that coal mining does not affect water quality, whether it be well water, or run-off. The only info you provide for proof of this is first hand experience you have, and the few complaints your company recieves. Just becuase people dont complain doesnt mean there isnt a problem, and you cant speak for the industry as a whole based on only your experience.

here are a few stats, between 2000-2003 17,000 pollution violations in the kentucky river.

All kentucky waters have high levels of mercury, and women of childbearing age are warned not to eat fish, or drink from the water.

Silt or sediment from coal extraction accounts for 22% of impaired streams in Ky, and 34% in the cumberlands. I would call that damaging water quality.

Selinum levels exceed allowed amounts downstream in 13 of 15 mine sites studied by the EPA. Selenium is an essential element, and is healty in low amounts, but is toxic to wildlife and humans in large amounts exceeding 400 micrograms per day. So 13 of 15 sites studied have water issues, but you claim coal companies have a tight control over water quality. I just dont see how you get that.

I got these facts from http://windpub.com/kywatershed.htm check the bottom of that link to see thier refrences, they are all legit and trustworthy.