To the Editor:
Carroll County is facing a new challenge today as the potential of mining is brought to our community.  Carroll County is a beautiful area and can be degraded and face many challenges if mining permits are approved by the EPA.  Many people have given up the hope of stopping the mining in the area but the fight should not stop.  The citizens of Carroll County have the opportunity to comment on the mining in the area for 30 days after the last date of publication of a legal notice, and raise the concerns to the EPA who has the right to deny the permits to the mining companies.  As an environmental scientist I have seen firsthand the problems that mining can bring to an area both in the short term as well as long term.  As mining begins the area could see air pollution and a problem with mercury contamination in the area surrounding the mining process as well as in the area where the coal could be transferred to for storage.  In the long term mining can cause devastating effects on ground water which all of Carroll County uses as a drinking water source.   Acid mine drainage is a real problem in the area and not only can affect groundwater but also could affect surface water such as Leesville Lake.  I urge everyone who is concerned about mining in the area to comment on the issues they are worried about to the EPA and make your voice heard.  It may be the only way we as a community can protect Carroll County.

Lindsay Snedden
CHS graduate and former
Carrollton resident

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