Pattern of Violations at Alpha’s Middle Ridge Mine

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection ordered Republic Energy, a subsidiary of Alpha Natural Resources, to “show cause” for why it should be allowed to continue operating Middle Ridge Mine after a third violation of the same type was issued at this coal mine within a year. The mine has been issued four additional violations since July 2016. According to local citizens’ group Coal River Mountain Watch, Alpha has requested a hearing and CRMW has requested to intervene. — Elizabeth E. Payne