Massey Energy is committed to the protection and preservation of our land, air, and water.
Our environmental activities are multi-faceted and focused on continual improvement. We utilize what we consider the best and most environmentally friendly methods available to reclaim our surface mined land.
For example, we reclaim disturbed land as we mine it, rather than waiting until mining on each site is completed, and we build fills from the toe up because it reduces sediment runoff. We strive to keep abreast of all new reclamation trends and to experiment with different methodologies, such as the planting of hardwood trees for reforestation rather than grasses.
Engineers and environmental stewards at each of Massey Energy's resource groups meet monthly to review problems and issues to determine whether environmental procedures and methodologies need adjustment.
We have completed a comprehensive analysis of all our slurry lines to make sure they meet or exceed our high standards. This was a time-consuming, but critically important project, since Massey pumps over 5 billion gallons of slurry annually.
The project included the development of computer simulation models of each individual slurry line. This assists us in predicting estimated operating pressures for current operational needs, as well as anticipated future expansion, and allows us to experiment with various monitoring and flow devices that would provide early detection of leaks.
Pictured below is the Elk Run Dome.
It is a first-of-its-kind air supported vinyl building to cover coal stockpiles, preventing coal dust from reaching nearby communities. The building is supported by air pressure supplied by an electric blower. The blower also supplies fresh air while equipment is operating inside the facility.
It is equipped with two additional back-up blowers and a back-up power generator to insure that no mechanical failure or power outage will cause the dome to deflate. The dome is the size of several football fields.
Massey was pleased to be one of only 14 companies participating in the first Environmental Management System Pilot Demonstration Workshops offered by the Department of Innovation at the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. This year-long program has assisted Massey in the implementation of our sustainable environmental management system, in accordance with ISO 14001. This system incorporates our commitment to pollution prevention and to continual improvement, as well as to maintaining or exceeding regulatory requirements, and prepares us to act as mentors to other environmentally aware companies.
Massey continues to devote time and resources to mitigation efforts and community improvement projects.
For example, Massey donated the land to facilitate the construction of the Earl Ray Tomblin Center, a conference and meeting facility, in Logan, West Virginia and created both Indian Rock Creek Park near Craigsville, West Virginia and Grant’s Branch Park in Stone, Kentucky, recreational areas utilized by local residents.
Massey Members, financial contributions, and equipment have also supported a variety of highway and stream clean-up efforts. Shown, at left, are members of Massey Coal Services participating in the West Virginia Adopt-A-Highway program.
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