Dec. 22, 2005
 
New Look for Coal Impoundment Web Site
 
By HNN Staff
 
Wheeling, WV (HNN) – The Coal Impoundment Location and Warning System Web site (www.coalimpoundment.com) has a new look, making it easier for West Virginia citizens to find the latest information on the coal impoundments in the state.
 
“The redesigned site features the latest information on coal impoundments in West Virginia, and offers easy navigation so residents can find the latest news or information and related evacuation plans,” says J. Davitt McAteer. “This site also provides specific information about the impoundments in residents’ communities, and identifies technologies to improve the safety of these impoundments,” he added. McAteer is Director of the Coal Impoundment Project and Vice President for Sponsored Programs at Wheeling Jesuit University. McAteer is former chief of the U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration.
 
The Coal Impoundment Location Warning System Web site is part of the CoalImpoundment Project, a pilot project developed by the National Technology Transfer Center, the Center for Educational Technologies®, Wheeling Jesuit University, West Virginia University and the National Energy Technology Laboratory, and funded through the efforts of Sen. Robert C. Byrd. Coal impoundments serve a basic need to the coal-mining industry: to store water and waste created during the mining process. Inherent in their existence, though, are risks, including potential breaks that can jeopardize citizens, wildlife, and the environment.
 
“Thanks to the efforts of Sen. Robert C. Byrd, the Coal Impoundment Location and Information system has emerged as a resource to identify coal impoundments in West Virginia, to alert residents of emergency situations and related evacuation plans, to improve safety, and the latest information on legal actions and alternatives for impounding coal waste,” says McAteer.
 
Partners in the project are National Energy Technology Laboratory; International Union of Operating Engineers; Mine Safety and Health Administration; West Virginia University/ National Mine Land Reclamation Center; Office of Surface Mining; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection; Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy; Pennsylvania Bureau of Deep Mine Safety; Kentucky Department of Mines and Minerals; West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training; West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey; The Pennsylvania State University; Consol Energy; Peabody Energy; Arch Coal Inc.; Massey Energy Co.; West Virginia Highlands Conservancy; Coal River Mountain Watch; Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition (OVEC); Verizon; and Raleigh County 9-1-1.
 
Support for the project comes from the Altria Foundation, Ford Foundation,Senator Robert C. Byrd, and the Rockefeller Foundation. At Wheeling Jesuit University: Contact: J. Davitt McAteer, VP for Sponsored Programs, at 304-671-2512; or Steven Infanti of University Relations at 304-243-2308 or sinfanti@wju.edu.