Stream Protection Rule is a Clear Step in the Right Direction, Recognizes Threat Coal Mining Poses to Local Water

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) released the final Stream Protection Rule (SPR) to protect streams, fish, and wildlife from the adverse impacts of surface coal mining operations nationwide. These clean water protections are the first major federal update of water protections governing the dangers of surface coal mining on waterways in 30 years and were the subject of much debate from clean water activists, local communities, and health experts.

In response to today’s release, Dalal Aboulhosn, Sierra Club’s Deputy Legislative Director for Land and Water, released the following statement:

“These clean water protections are a long overdue step toward guaranteeing every community in America is protected from the toxic water pollution caused by surface coal mining, which dumps dangerous heavy metals like mercury, selenium, and arsenic into local waterways and puts the health of families living near coalfields at risk.

“Though it isn’t perfect, the Stream Protection Rule does provide important protections that can help keep coalfield communities safe and takes steps toward holding coal mining companies accountable.

“Clean water is an essential ingredient to leading a happy, healthy life and must never be taken for granted. Protecting our waterways from polluters will require constant vigilance and making sure that we have the most protective scientific standards in place to guard against the worst public health impacts. Today’s rule is a clear step in that direction and we will work to strengthen it moving forward.”