Corps Suspends Nationwide Permit for Mountaintop Removal Mining

"WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today suspended the use of a fast-track nationwide permit, Nationwide Permit 21, for mountaintop removal mining operations in the six states of the Appalachian region.

Now, proposed surface coal mining projects that involve discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States will have to go through the individual permit process to obtain Department of the Army authorization under the Clean Water Act.

The individual permit evaluation procedure provides increased public involvement in the permit evaluation process, including an opportunity for public comment on individual projects.

Nationwide Permit 21 is used to authorize discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States for surface coal mining activities."

Environment News Service had the story June 17, 2010.