West Virginia Mines Get Database for Cleanup Duties
Published Date: 7/28/2025
Rule
Summary
West Virginia is updating its coal mining rules to keep better track of cleanup responsibilities, especially for water treatment, at mines permitted since 1977. The state’s environmental team will create a new database to manage these cleanup duties more clearly. This change helps protect the environment and makes sure mining companies stay on the hook for fixing their messes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
West Virginia must track mine cleanup duties
If you operate a coal mine in West Virginia that was permitted after August 3, 1977 and still has an SMCRA permit that has not been completely released, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) must develop and maintain a database that lists reclamation liabilities, including water treatment. The database will be used to inform the management and operation of WVDEP's Special Reclamation Program under House Bill 4758 of 2022.
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