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?
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