"EPA Report: Streams Near Mining Toxic"

"CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Water quality downstream from surface coal-mining operations in West Virginia and Kentucky greatly exceeds recommended toxicity limits, according to previously unreleased sampling data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

EPA scientists found toxicity levels as high as 50 times the federal guidelines in water downstream from mining operations. In-stream water samples from 14 of 17 sites EPA tested exceeded the agency's guidelines.

Government officials took the samples in 2007 and 2009, but have never released their own report to outline the findings."

Ken Ward Jr. reports for the Charleston Gazette March 15, 2010.