Current Permits and Hearing Permits and Hearings
Mining Permits: Coal companies must have at least three permits before mining. They must have a permit for the mining operation from OSM. They must also have at least two water permits from TDEC, which concerns mining effects upon water quality. If they are going to fill or conduct other alterations to a stream, the company must have a permit from the Army Corp of Engineers. Citizens concerned about mining impacts can request a public hearing on these permits.

To learn about new and pending mining permits or to request a hearing on mining permits contact:

Doug Siddell
Office of Surface Mining
530 S. Gay St. #500 
Knoxville, TN 37902

OSM hearing requests must be in writing. In your request, state the issues you want to bring up at the hearing and why you will be negatively affected by the mining.You may also request to be allowed to visit the site of the mine. Be sure to get your request in before the deadline.

Water Permits: To learn about new and pending water permits issued by the state of Tennessee, or to request a hearing on these permits contact:

Dave Turner: dave.turner@state.tn.us

TDEC, Knoxville Field Office
2700 Middlebrook Pike
State Plaza Building, Suite 220
Knoxville, TN 37921
FAX: (865) 594-6105

TDEC hearing requests must also be in writing and should include: why TDEC should hold the hearing, how the permit will affect water quality, why you will be negatively impacted, and that there is a lot of public interest in the permit. Be sure to get your request in before the deadline

Look for permits: Scan your local newspaper for new permits in your area and ask for a public hearing, alert your neighbors. You can make a difference.
  

Blasting Rules
Coal companies in Tennessee can only use explosives between sunrise and sunset according to the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) regulations (30 C.F.R. 942.816 (h)). Except in emergency situations, companies can only blast at the times set forth in their blasting schedule which can be obtained from OSM. Companies are required to publish the blasting schedule in a newspaper in the area where the blasting will take place at least 10-30 days before beginning to blast. In addition, each resident within a half mile of the blasting site must receive a copy of the blasting schedule.

Companies are not allowed to blast if it will injure people, damage public or private property outside of the permit area, cause damage to underground mines, or change the course, channel, or availability of surface or groundwater outside the permit area (30 C.F.R. 816.67 (a)).

Flyrock traveling in the air or along the ground must not be cast from the permit boundary or more than 1/2 of the distance to the nearest dwelling or occupied structure (30 C.F.R. 816.67 (c)).

Report blasting violations or complaints to:

State Fire Marshall's Office
(865) 594-5719
dennis.thorne@state.tn.us

Office of Surface Mining
530 S. Gay St. #500
Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 545-4039


Water Quality, Floods, and Landslides
Coal companies must not pollute Tennessee’s waters, either above or below the ground. Some examples of pollution include: flooding, muddy water or acidified water (aquamarine colored), bulldozed or filled waterways, chemicals dumped or leached into the water, fish kills and landslides impacting waterways. Permits from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) are required in order to change surface or ground water in any way.

Report Violations to:

Dave Turner at TDEC
(865) 594-6035
dave.turner@state.tn.us


Trucks, Traffic, and Safety
Coal trucks may not cause damage to public road surfaces and must obey all traffic laws and regulations including speed limits and rules of the road (no reckless driving). Coal trucks must have a permit from TDOT to operate which must be in the driver's’s possession.

Report threats or intimidation, safety violations, damage to your property to your local sheriff's department. Make sure to maintain records of violations.