THE LATEST FROM WVLSC

RECLAMATION OF TWO MINING SITES COMPLETED

This Summer we wrapped up our reclamation efforts at the former Energy Marketing mine site in Barbour County. Over the past year, contractors closed off an old mine entrance, removed large amounts of debris, and grouted several large channels to funnel acid mine drainage into treatment ponds.

Our contractors also completed and began treating water in a new water treatment facility at the former LaRosa mine site next to the Monongahela River in Marion County. Engineers designed a system that neutralizes acid mine drainage by adding lime to the water before feeding it into a clarifier where metallic solids drop out. The WV DEP will monitor and maintain this facility indefinitely.

MOBILE WORKSHOP A SUCCESS

The WVLSC was a bronze sponsor and exhibitor at the WV Brownfields Conference in Morgantown last week. We introduced new people to the WVLSC, strengthened existing connections, and attended educational sessions to further our knowledge about brownfields redevelopment.

As part of the Conference, we hosted a mobile workshop to the Morgantown Industrial Park to highlight a property we expect to take into the WVLSC Land Bank in the coming months. Over 30 attendees joined us to learn about the Park’s environmental history, its past and current uses, and the redevelopment plans for a 2.8-acre parcel that contains 4 historic smoke stacks.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT SELECTED FOR WORK UNDER US EPA BROWNFIELDS ASSESSMENT GRANT

Last month we received several high-quality proposals for environmental consulting services under our US EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant. Our selection committee chose to work with a team that includes a licensed remediation specialist, environmental scientists and engineers, professional planners, and a strategic funding consultant. The team plans to complete the first Phase II assessment this Fall.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS!

We would like to welcome three new members to our Board of Directors:

Patricia (Tricia) Clark, who is a citizen representative on our Board and a Certified Public Accountant with Suttle & Stalnaker, PLLC,
Allen Nelson, who represents the AFL-CIO and currently serves as the Training Director for the Local 132 Chapter of the International Union of Operating Engineers, and
Bill Hamilton, who represents the WV Senate and is a Hunter Safety Instructor with the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources.

We look forward to working with these new members.