Court Orders Patriot Coal to Pay $45 Million to Treat
Toxic Selenium from West Virginia Coal Mines, Holds Company in Contempt

Environmental Leaders Declare Decision a 'Game Changer'

CHARLESTON, WV – In the most significant judicial decision to date to address selenium pollution from coal mines in Appalachia, a federal judge has ordered Patriot Coal to prepare $45 million in secured credit to cover the costs of treating the pollutant at two of its coal mines in West Virginia. Judge Robert Chambers of the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia held Patriot Coal in contempt Tuesday for the company’s failure to comply with the terms of an earlier court order, ordered the company to come into compliance with the selenium limits in its permits within approximately two and a half years, and ordered the company to immediately post a letter of credit for $45 million. Evidence presented at trial established that it will cost the company at least that amount of money and take approximately that amount of time to build a facility to treat selenium from three waste pipes at just one of the mines, the Ruffner surface mine in Logan County. Treatment at the Hobet 22 mine in Lincoln County is expected to cost at least an additional $15 million. This ruling sets important precedent for other coal companies to prevent their toxic mining waste from polluting nearby streams and communities.

It is with profound sorrow that we note the passing of one of South Carolina’s most valiant protectors of the environment.  Environmental lawyer Jimmy Chandler spent his life standing up to developers and corporations whose practices would threaten our precious natural resources.

Jimmy's non-profit South Carolina Environmental Law Project was responsible for many landmark decisions and set the tone for protecting our environment.  Jimmy was a gentle man who knew how to stand firm for what he believed while being respectful and caring at the same time.  He was loved by the whole environmental community and respected by those who opposed him.  There will never be another like him.  Rest in peace, beloved hero.

Susan Corbett, Chair, S.C. Chapter

Click here to read the State newspaper article on Jimmy Chandler.

A visitation for Jimmy will be held on Tuesday, August 10 from 6-8pm at the Mayer Funeral Home in Georgetown.  Directions and an obituary are available by clicking  here.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 11 at 2pm at Georgetown Presbyterian Church.  Directions are available by clicking  here.