Mining could destroy our County

We are about to see the destruction of Blount County as we know it.

Residences of Blount County have had previous generations of family living
in the County or have chosen to live here due to the serenity of the area.
THIS IS ABOUT TO BE DESTROYED!

Mcoal corporation, a Canadian based high risk resource exploration
corporation is in the process of obtaining a permit to mine nearly 3,300
acres. This is not only going to effect the County’s landscape, but also the
lives, safety, health and peace of the majority of County residences as well
as those who live in adjoining Counties.

Alabama Surface Mining Commission will hold a public hearing on the issue on
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
6:30 PM
Frank Green Building, Oneonta, AL

The local Government officials have decided mostly to remain neutral. We thus
need the support of each citizen who will be effected in a negative way,
and this includes YOU!

Specific concerns are as follows:

The water quality of local streams being effected by the 60+ waste water
discharge locations. These stations will discharge both coal sludge/slurry,
as well as toxic chemicals into local streams feeding into the Locust Fork
River which flows into the Black Warrior Watershed. This
water supplies Birmingham, Locust Fork, Oneonta, Cullman, Cleveland,
Allgood, and probably you if you live in this area.
The quality and quantity of water provided by private wells as this mining
operation will effect the water table itself. Toxic drainage is also a major
concern for private wells as toxic waste water will be seeping back into
underground water supplies.

The negative health effects. A study at West Virginia University found
there was a 70% increase in kidney disease, a 64% increase of chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and a 30% increase in hypertension
within a coal mining community. The study concluded,

“The human cost of a coal economy outweighs its economic benefit”.

At what price do we state the monetary gains of a group are worth the loss
of human life?

The loss of a natural forest, habitat and wildlife. The Rosa area was
mined last in 1978 and has only recently rebound from that mining.

There are ponds, creeks and rivers that are inhabited by fish which
will become endangered by toxic discharge and habitat destruction. Several
of these fish and amphibians are listed as federally endangered.

The safety of the mining facilities as well as county residents including
school age children. Mining facilities permits include a 10,000 gallon
diesel fuel tank, prep plant, a coal crusher, screener and a stockpile.
Our county does not have the equipment to handle an accident of any
magnitude. At least two schools, as well as the Cleveland Multi-Needs
center are in close proximity to these proposed operations, with bus travel
daily on the roads proposed for use by loaded coal trucks.
The air quality, as toxins are released into the atmosphere effecting not
only residents but also the school children in the area.

The quality of life for both families and their livestock in the area.
The negative effect on property values in Blount County “the coal mining
Community”, as well as the serenity and beauty of this County.

The concerns a foreign corporation will have, other than monetary, with
Alabama/Blount County land, its citizens, their rights/concerns, safety
and restoration.

“Few experiences affect and confound average citizens more than
having a coal mining operation under or near their homes or community”

A website has been established for information concerning this proposed
mining (www.rosamine.org). I urge you as a citizen, who will be affected by this
operation to write the (ASMC) Alabama Surface Mining Commission voicing your
objections or concerns. I also ask for your
attendance at the public meeting with the ASMC, while
bringing copies of your letters and concerns.

It is by the sheer number of protests and objections that we may be able
to prevail and avoid the issuance of this permit.

If you are unable to attend the hearing or feel uncomfortable
sending a letter to the ASMC , or you have any questions contact me
personally, as I am “A concerned citizen about the Rosa Mine”.

Darrell Clifton
1804 Mountain Gap Road
Blountsville, Al 35031

dlclifto@otelco.net

205-625-6206