Rosa Mine discussion...

Approximate location of tracts proposed for mining by MCoal Corporation. The small, dark shapes with alphanumeric codes assigned are sediment basin sites. The stippled areas show where the surface was altered by previous strip mining. Representatives of MCoal Corporation are expected to appear before the Blount County Commission work session tomorrow to discuss aspects of the firm’s application with the Alabama Surface Mining Commission to mine coal in the county at a number of sites on the previously stripped Rosa Mine. The company, headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, has applied for permits to mine a tract of several hundred acres, beginning as early as this fall if applications are approved.

At the work session, discussion is expected to focus on access permits required to use county roads in the process of removing and transporting coal. The county’s requirement for a bond to be posted to cover needed repairs following the mining operation will probably be discussed as well, according to county engineer Richard Spraggins.

No public Q & A time alloted

“This purpose of their appearance is to deal with the mining operation’s likely impact on county roads and how that will be handled,” Spraggins said.“It is not a public hearing intended for individuals to come and ask questions of coal company executives. I want to make sure everyone understands that, because there will be no opportunity provided for questions or comments from the audience.”

Spraggins said he has requested a public hearing for the purpose of allowing citizens to express their concerns regarding the project. That hearing, he said, will be held in August according to what he has been told by the Alabama Surface Mining Commission, who will organize and chair the meeting. The date, time, and place will be announced later, he said.

Citizen comments, objections, requests for a public hearing to be held locally if desired, should be mailed to the Alabama Surface Mining Commission, P.O. Box 239210, Jasper, AL 35502-239210 before Aug. 1.

A copy of the company’s mining application is available for public inspection at Oneonta Public Library.