A Kentucky coal mining operation owned by Jim Justice was cited for conditions that Kentucky regulators say contributed to a mudslide and flooding that damaged six homes near the town of Meta in Pike County. The area had been under threat of torrential rains and flooding on Thursday, June 2.
Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet spokesman John Mura told The Courier-Journal that regulators learned on Friday about the damages and sent investigators to the Bent Mountain surface mining operation. Mura said violations on the citation issued Monday involve sediment control, off-permit disturbance, failure to notify, failure to pass water quality and a diversion ditch failure.
The mining operation is part of Kentucky Fuel Corp., which is owned by Jim Justice, billionaire coal producer running for governor of West Virginia as a Democrat.
In a news release, Kentucky Fuel said it’s offering residents located on Bear, Bent Branch and Open Fork roads with temporary housing, and is providing large equipment and workers from nearby operations to help property owners with the cleanup. The news release stated: “Kentucky Fuel Corporation wants to again demonstrate its commitment to the local community by providing some relief to those who have been impacted.”
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Local U.S. Air Force staff sgt. promoted to technical sergeant. Staff sgt. Thad Bowman with the U.S. Air Force was recently promoted to the rank of technical sergeant. Bowman is presently assigned with Air Force One, Presidential Support, at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, DC. He joined the Air Force in 2004.
Bowman and his family reside in Owings, MD. He is the son of Tom and Cheryl Bowman of Organ Cave and is the grandson of Delbert and Sarah Morgan of Second Creek.