A New Study Provides More Evidence on the Detrimental Effects of Mountaintop Mining

January 11, 2010

Washington, DC – A new study published by Dr. Margaret Palmer and several of the nation’s leading river scientists details in no uncertain terms, the harmful and unavoidable affects of mountaintop mining on rivers, streams, and freshwater resources.  American Rivers renews its call to end this egregious practice.

The peer reviewed findings, which were published in Science Magazine, have been covered by The Washington Post and NPR.  American Rivers applauds both stories for outlining the detrimental effects of this harmful practice.

American Rivers has profiled several rivers threatened by mountaintop mining in its annual report on America’s Most Endangered Rivers, including the Coal River in 1999 and 2000 and the Big Sandy River in 2001.  More recently, American Rivers profiled the North Fork of the Flathead River in Montana in 2009 as threatened by similar mining practices.  Proposed mountaintop removal mine and a coal bed methane projects in Canada threaten the river’s clean water, fish and wildlife, and overall health.

Those small mountain streams being damaged by mountaintop mining are the capillaries of our nation’s circulatory system.  They provide clean drinking water and healthy, resilient, ecosystems, which will become even more important as we face the impacts of climate change. We must invest in 21st century energy solutions and stop relying on 19th century approaches that poison our water, destroy our natural treasures, and make us more vulnerable to climate change.
 

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American Rivers is the leading conservation organization fighting for healthy rivers so communities can thrive. American Rivers protects and restores America's rivers for the benefit of people, wildlife and nature. Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and supporters, with offices in Washington, DC and nationwide.