Anti-Mountain Top Removal Mining

Mountaintop removal mining is bad for the environment as well as the residents in the area.
MTR contaminates streams, involves forceful blasting, increased flooding and sludge impoundments. Residents often leave their towns because of the negative effects of MTR. The general health to the residents in the towns is deeply effected. Through water decontamination, residents experience various health problems such as tooth enamal damage, gall bladder removal, chronic stomach pains, and even death. The blasting ruins the foundations of buildings around the area, and lowers the value of a resident's home. The lack of trees in the area, allow run off water to become more prominent. The run off accumulates faster and with more intensity. This creates flooding and erosion. Sludge is another factor. When the coal is separated from rock, it creates sludge. This sludge contains dangerous metals. If a sludge impoundment fails, homes, schools, stores, entire communties can be destroyed. Mountain top removal's risks don't out weigh the marginal increase in my opinion. While it may be safer to the miners and cheaper for mine owners, at what cost do the residents suffer and pay?

Pro Mountain Top Removal Mining

Mountain top removal mining is not such a bad thing. Sure, the environment is changed but the economy relies on mining. Mountain top removal is so popular because its cheap and safe. People need to have jobs in order for our economy to work. Nature was created to be able to take care of itself. Nature can adapt but people need jobs to take care of their families. Mountain top removal not only just effects the miners, but also effects the economy as a whole. Coal generates electricty that provides jobs for all the people who need electricity: electricians, grocers, teachers, mechanics, all need electricity. Without coal, how can these jobs be sustained? There are benefits to mountain top removal, although they are more marginal than environmental, nevertheless they are still benefits. Delegate Mitch Carmichael of Jackson County says "Extracting and using natural resources is essential to the health  and well being of our communtites and American economy."