EPA: New mining policy would protect water quality

By TIM HUBER AP Business Writer

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - The Obama administration has set tighter water quality standards for surface coal mining permits across Appalachia in a move that could curtail mountaintop removal mining.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson said Thursday the EPA hopes the policy will clarify the water permitting process for Appalachian mountaintop removal mining - a highly efficient method that environmental groups claim is too damaging.

The agency also released two reports discussing the damage to watersheds by the mining practice.

EPA says burying streams with mine wastes increases salt levels in waterways downstream, hurting fish and other aquatic life.

Luke Popovich of the National Mining Association says the policy will cost a lot of jobs.