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Information for Those Attending the Spruce No. 1 Mine Public Hearing on May 18 in Charleston, West Virginia

Release Date: 05/12/2010
Contact Information: Donna Heron 215-814-5113 / heron.donna@epa.gov

PHILADELPHIA (May 12, 2010) – There is still time for advanced sign-up to attend and/or speak at the Environmental Protection Agency’s May 18 public hearing, which will be held at the Charleston Civic Center – South Hall, 200 Civic Center Drive, Charleston, W.Va.

People wishing to sign up in advance can do so over the internet by going to https://www.epa.gov/region3/mtntop/spruce1hearing.html and clicking on the link, or by calling 877-368-3552.

Advanced sign up is not required to attend or speak at the public hearing. However, because of the large turnout expected, EPA is recommending that people wishing to attend the public hearing, and especially those who wish to speak, sign up in advance. Those who sign-up in advance will have expedited entrance into the Civic Center and should look for that line when arriving. Photo identification will be required.

On-site registration will be available at the Civic Center beginning at 5 p.m. Advanced sign-up via the internet or phone will end at noon on May 18.

The hearing will begin at 7 p.m. and end no later than midnight due to a City of Charleston ordinance. In order to accommodate as many speakers as possible during that time, each speaker will be allowed a maximum of two minutes and time will be strictly monitored. Those who have signed up to speak in advance will speak first.

Everyone entering the Civic Center will be required to show a photo I.D. and go through a metal detector. No large bags or backpacks will be permitted. Also, pocket knives, scissors or other objects that could be used as weapons are prohibited.

Posters or signs will not be allowed inside the Civic Center per facility rules. City ordinances prohibit loud speakers or other amplifying devices. Recording devices are also not permitted inside the Civic Center.

All oral comments provided at the public hearing will be recorded by a court stenographer. And all comments – both oral and written -- will be considered by the EPA in making its decision.

Written comments will also be accepted at the public hearing. Written comments can also be submitted until June 1 on the Spruce No. 1 Mine Proposed Determination, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R03-OW-2009-0985, by one of the following four methods:

1. Federal eRulemaking Portal (recommended method of comment submission):
http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.

2. E-mail: ow-docket@epamail.epa.gov. Include the docket number, EPA-R03-OW-2009-0985, in the subject line of the message.

3. Mail: ‘‘EPA-R03-OW-2009-0985, Spruce No. 1 Surface Mine,’’
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA Docket Center Water Docket, Mail Code 28221T
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460

4. Hand Delivery or Courier:
Director, Office of Environmental Programs
Environmental Assessment and Innovation Division
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III (3EA30)
1650 Arch Street,
Philadelphia, PA19103