Consol Blames Activists for W.Va. Miner Layoffs
Charleston Gazette
8 December 2009
By The Associated Press
BICKMORE, W.Va. -- Consol Energy will lay off nearly 500 workers and
idle a mountaintop removal mining operation near Bickmore.
Pittsburgh-based Consol notified workers today. The action affects 104
miners at Little Eagle Coal Co. and 378 at Fola Coal Co.
The layoffs will begin Feb. 7 and be completed within 14 days.
Consol blames the shutdown on a legal challenge the Ohio Valley
Environmental Coalition mounted to permits granted under the federal
Clean Water Act.
U.S. District Judge Robert Chambers recently suspended Fola's permit
for the Ike Fork portions of its operations. The order is effective
Jan. 23.
Consol says it's unfortunate that energy producers are being attacked
with what it calls "nuisance lawsuits'' and court appeals.