*About the group      *Goals and Objectives     *History Committee     *Recreation Committee     *Tourism Committee     *Preservation/Development    *Sponsors  *Contact us    *Links     *Home

PRESERVING WATER QUALITY

ON THE COAL

The Coal River Groups Preservation Committee has developed a goal designed to issue of water quality on the Lower Coal River pools.

The facts regarding water quality on the Coal have been clouded by the lack of current data and highly publicized charges of pollution by many groups with multiple agendas.

The most serious problem, that of Siltation has been used by national environmental groups to highlight the issues related to Mountain top removal methods used by the states coal mining companies. The charge that The Coal River was one of the most endangered rivers in the Nation first occurred in April of 2000. The American Rivers Group, a national environmental activist group, included the Coal in its annual report of endangered rivers. The fact that they ranked the Coal in the top ten most endangered rivers created much publicity and caused much confusion among state residents and others regarding the safety of the Coal for use as a recreational river.

The Coal River Groups preservation committee has conducted research into the American Rivers conclusions and has found that the facts do not totally match the rhetoric regarding the rivers water quality. Siltation was the only factor sited by the National Group yet many people interpreted the reports to mean that the river was unsafe to swim and use for recreational purposes.

The Preservation committee plans to assist in answering the lingering questions regarding the Coals environmental health. There are many Grant programs available that offer various types of assistance for small and rural communities along with non-profit groups serving these communities.

The committee is establishing a priority list of issues that need to be addressed in this area and once established the committee will attempt to generate funding and volunteer efforts to help build a base line of information. Is the Coal Safe? Is Coal mining causing the Siltation problem or are there other factors such as the change in the rivers flow caused by new locks and dams on the Kanawha part of the problem? What other factors are causing the siltation problems?

Clearly there are environmental issues on the Coal. The Committee has identified the following as priority areas of concern;

• Raw sewage
• Siltation
• Litter
• Chemicals from Mining operations, farms, homes and storm sewers
• Pollutants from the Kanawha and other tributary streams

The river must be carefully studied and the results of these studies will be used by the Group to develop appropriate remedial actions.

One of the key elements to be utilized by the Preservation committee to address these concerns is communications.

Communications with the appropriate environmental regulatory agencies as well as other public entities I.E. community water systems, Corp of Engineers, State Water Resources, Department of Natural Resources, can help to bring the attention to the river that it deserves.

Water Quality Testing Results

DEP Clean Up: Our hat’s off to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for cleaning up this illegal asbestos shingle dump at Blue Tom Tunnel on Little Coal River. Those of you who were with us on our recent float trip will remember pulling boats out over this mess. As of today 7/27/04 it’s gone. Thanks again DEP we love ya!

Thanks to the WV Dept of Highways for clearing this view at Upper Falls.

The committee hopes that its efforts to present an organized and focused," needs plan" to the respective agencies will result in a heightened awareness of the Coal Rivers problems.

Bill Queen & Jerry McCormick cleaning up trash at Lower Falls 

By working with the agencies the Coal River Group believes that it can be a strong advocate for solving any problems that may hinder the future development of the River as a major recreational resource for the Region.

The efforts of the Coal River Group are designed to ultimately bring about improvements in the quality of life and to spur economic development for the region.

The Group hopes that by focusing on the development of tourism and recreational activities related to the river it would generate new investments in infrastructure improvements that will benefit the entire river community.

The future well being of the area must include improvements and infrastructure development that are supportive of the wants and needs of the present population. Plans by the group will emphasis public input and inclusive activities that first and foremost benefit the inhabitants of the region. Without their support and involvement the efforts of the Group will be in vain.

.

The Group recognizes that its plans to increase the recreational uses of the river could foster improvements to the areas economic and physical infrastructure. Examples of such improvements include the following:

• Improved access roads and transportation arteries.
• Improvements in sewage treatment and drinking water availability
• Enhanced access to public utilities and communications services
• Availability of public transportation
• Enhancements to recreational, cultural and educational facilities
• Reduction in environmental contaminants and siltation in the river
• Availability of Capitol for new investments and business retention in the private sector
• Access to financial support for housing improvements and construction of new homes
• Expanded job opportunities for the local inhabitants
• Improved police protection and related crime deterrents
• Improvements in property values for residents residing in the region

River Scout discovers hidden Peachtree Falls on tributary of Coal River. Stream begins to descend

                                  Watch your step !                                                             Wow   !!!!!!!!!!!

The goals and aspirations of the Coal River Group are not achievable unless they are supported and pursued in unison with a coalition of the public and other similar development groups. Research by the Development Committee has found many such related sources of support. There is a surprisingly large pool of already established organizations that are working for many of the same goals as the Coal River Group. We plan to work with these groups to enhance our outreach and success potential.

Some of the already established organizations that the Group plans to work with include:

• The Rails to Trails Association
• The National Coal Heritage Institute
• The Midland Trail Association
• Others?

The Preservation Committee is looking for volunteers to assist in the many proposed projects. Volunteers should contact the Committee Chairman and express their interest in participating.

The Coal River Group Recreation committee is preparing a plan which will outline the many improvements which should be made to make the river more accessible, (light boat put-in locations) The state has built 5 designated put ins along the coal but many more are needed to truly make the river accessible for future visitors.

Samples of put-ins on the Elk River

The Group plans to conduct a cleanup and river beautification program.

Fish stocking programs are being pursued through the states DNR warm water-fishing program.

Efforts to encourage the acquisition of land by public entities at the most important historical sites is being planned to preserve and protect historical areas along the length of both rivers.  

The Group is developing river navigation signage, historical markers and river camping facilities.

Finally the promotion of this NEW recreational trail system through brochures, land demarcation sites, and publicity will be planned and coordinated with the state and federal tourism and parks groups.

Samples of desired river signage

*About the group      *Goals and Objectives     *History Committee     *Recreation Committee     *Tourism Committee     *Preservation/Development    *Sponsors  *Contact us    *Links     *Home