Associated Press Published

Arch Coal Settles Pollution Discharge Violations

Coal Stock Pile

One of the nation’s largest coal mining companies will pay a $2 million federal fine for exceeding pollution discharge limits at Appalachian mines in several states.

The U.S. Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday announced the agreement with Arch Coal Inc. and its subsidiaries. It says excess releases of aluminum, manganese, iron and suspended solids occurred at mines in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia over the last six years. About 1,200 violations occurred, though 700 were resolved previously by state enforcement agencies in Kentucky and West Virginia.

Of the $2 million fine, $1 million will go to the government and $895,000 toWest Virginia.

St. Louis-based Arch Coal will also be required to improve pollution control systems and undergo independent monitoring at the discharge sites.