The two Washington County communities where the violations took place can apply to use part of the nearly $200,000 fine toward local parks and pollution reduction efforts.
The industry argued that waste coal isn't high enough quality to meet the pollution standards. Environmental groups say the move is bad for public health.
They say miners are at particular risk: “They get dressed, travel down the elevator together…work in confined spaces, breathe the same air, operate the same equipment, and use the same shower facilities.”
