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What to Look for In a Permit
Water Users. Section J- 2
Who is using the water that may be impacted by the site? Are they listed in the permit, including stream water users? Look for the “Ground Water inventory.”
PHC: Probably Hydrologic Consequences -- Section J- 6
How might this permit impact the hydrology (the water) in the area? After this is submitted, the DEP will use this section to write up a CHIA (Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Assessment) and a “Bufferzone Analysis.” Be sure to take a look at those two things once they are written up and make sure they are right.
Surface and Mineral Owners -- Section C-5
The company is supposed to have a lease agreement with every one of the owners. There should be a list of people in the “Right to Mine” section. Check with each person on that list – do they know the company is mining their land? Is there a lease agreement? There is also a list of residents living within 300 feet of the mine site. Did they receive a certified letter telling them about the operation?
Cemeteries -- Proposal Map- Section X, attachment
Are all the cemeteries marked that you know of? Call the State Historic Preservation office and make sure they are registered- You can reach SHPO at (304) 558-0240.
Blasting -- Section T
The company is required to give everyone within 1000 ft of the permit area a pre-blast survey. Look at the blasting map to see who is in the blasting range. The survey is to document your property as it is, in case it is damaged in the future by blasting. This survey should include water testing. You have a right to a copy of the pre-blast survey.
Toxic Materials -- Section O-8
This should list if there is any plan to handle toxic materials coming off the site or being buried in valley fills. Did they take core samples? Do they know what is in the seams? Is there high selenium? How will people be protected from that?
Company Violation History – Section B
Here you will find a list of the company's past violations. Do any of these pose legitimate concerns for the company's future actions?
Community Impact Statement.
This is required before the permit is approved, but it is not filed in the permit. You can call the consultant (name and contact information are usually on the maps) and ask for a copy of it. Do you agree with it? Is anything missing?
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