Oct 20, 2013 1 min read

Ramaco plans to build a new deep coal mine along Little Mingo Road, Finleyville. Homes in Nottingham and Peters townships will be undermined, and there will be negative effects for many others in the Mon Valley.

If you’ve ever enjoyed the Mingo Creek area for fishing, biking, walking or picnics, you can imagine the impact this industrial site will have on the air and water quality. The noise from the operation and the dangers of coal truck traffic will affect everyone from the park area to the Monongahela River. Children wait for buses along these narrow country roads. Much of the planned route for the huge trucks is designated as a Pennsylvania Bike Route. Will we be safe?

What can local citizens do? Get informed. Visit www.protectorsofmingo.org or call Center for Coalfield Justice at 724-229-3550 for information. Once you know the facts, come to ask questions and voice your concerns at a public hearing held by Protectors of Mingo and Center for Coalfield Justice at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Nottingham Township building. Join me in letting the DEP and Ramaco know we are concerned about keeping our children, citizens and environment safe.

Laurie Franks

Finleyville