Fayette County Commission Resolution Against Ansted Permit

"Whereas tourism is the fastest growing industry in Fayette County and the economic engine of our County; and

"Whereas the Midland Trail Scenic Highway, Hawks Nest State Park, the Gauley River National Recreation and the New River Gorge Bridge are central to that tourism; and

"Whereas the mining described in the above-referenced permits would be visible from or impact these essential tourism areas; and

"Whereas our rivers and wetlands are home to an abundance of wildlife, including trout and rare Peregrine Falcons, which would be negatively impacted by this mining; and

"Whereas the federally endangered Lampacilus abrupta – Pink Mucket Pearly Mussel – lives in the Kanawha River in Fayette County and is especially susceptible to changes caused by mining and acid mine drainage; and

"Whereas the permit area’s geology has very high levels of potentially deadly selenium and silica which would be released to the air and water if mining activities take place; and

"Whereas citizens in Ansted have grave concerns over the process DEP followed in granting the NPDES permit;

"NOW be it therefore RESOLVED that:

"We, the Commissioners of Fayette County, do hereby go on record in opposition to Permits SMA#S-3002-07 and NPDES#WV1022202 and strongly urge the Appeal Board of the WV Department of Environmental Protection to rescind same.