Ky. Proposes Updates to Coal General Permit

By Brian Sewell

New permitting rules could have far-reaching implications for Kentucky coal mines, processing facilities and the streams that carry away their waste. The state’s “general permit,” which is updated every five years, is available to coal companies seeking pollution discharge permits judged to have a lesser environmental impact than larger operations.

Currently, pollution discharges within five miles of a public water intake are not eligible for the general permit, but the new proposal would change that and instead ask coal companies to create response plans for “catastrophic releases” into public water supplies.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency must also sign off on the changes. The previous general permit expired on July 31.