Associated Press Published

Coal Company Seeks OK to Expand Slurry Impoundment

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A Murray Energy company wants to expand a coal slurry impoundment in Harrison County to increase its capacity.

The former Consolidation Coal Co., now called Murray American Energy Inc., is seeking state approval to broaden the impoundment by 103 acres and increase its height by 70 feet.

Department of Environmental Protection permit supervisor Randy Moore tells The Exponent Telegram that the company’s proposal would be a substantial expansion.

At current mining conditions, Moore says the expansion would extend the impoundment’s life span an estimated 11 to 12 years.

Murray acquired Consolidation Coal from CONSOL Energy in December 2013 and changed the company’s name.