West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 207 - Coalfield Community Development
Overview
Agency 207 is part of the West Virginia Code of State Rules and governs coalfield community development. Its main purpose is to ensure that communities affected by coal mining—especially surface mining—are properly evaluated, planned for, and supported. The focus is on sustainable community development, infrastructure planning, and mitigation of mining impacts.
1. Community Impact Statement (CIS)
Any coal mining operator who applies for a mining permit in West Virginia must submit a Community Impact Statement (CIS).
The CIS includes information such as:
Location and size of the mining operation.
Expected environmental and social impacts on the community.
Potential effects on housing, businesses, schools, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The goal is to assess both short-term and long-term impacts on local communities, particularly in coalfield areas.
Purpose: To help the state and local authorities plan mitigation strategies and promote community development alongside mining activities.
2. Public Notification and Comment Process
Once the CIS is submitted:
The mining operator must notify local authorities:
County and municipal governments.
Regional planning councils.
Economic development authorities.
Notifications are sent via certified mail, ensuring records are maintained.
Operators must also publish a public notice in local newspapers, which includes:
A map of the mining site.
A summary of the CIS.
Local residents, businesses, and stakeholders are invited to submit comments or concerns within 30 days.
Purpose: To ensure transparency and give communities a voice in the planning process.
3. Role of the Office of Coalfield Community Development
The Office is the central agency responsible for managing and coordinating coalfield community development. Its responsibilities include:
Evaluating community viability: Assessing whether local communities can thrive during and after mining activities.
Inventorying community assets: This includes:
Water and wastewater facilities.
Roads and transportation infrastructure.
Recreational facilities and parks.
Land suitable for residential or commercial development.
Educational and healthcare services.
Identifying community needs: Determining what improvements or resources are necessary to support residents and mitigate mining impacts.
Integrating community planning with mining operations: Ensuring that development plans consider both mining needs and long-term community sustainability.
4. Coordination with Local Authorities
The Office works closely with county development authorities and other local organizations to:
Incorporate public feedback from CIS review.
Integrate community development considerations into master land use plans.
Recommend infrastructure investments or social programs to help communities adapt to changes caused by mining.
Purpose: To align mining development with broader community planning and ensure residents are not adversely affected.
5. Community Development Procedures
The rules under Agency 207 outline procedural steps for coalfield development:
Submission of CIS → Review by the Office of Coalfield Community Development.
Public notification and comment period → Ensures transparency and community participation.
Assessment of impacts → Social, economic, and environmental.
Coordination with local authorities → Integrate findings into land use and infrastructure planning.
Implementation of community programs → Infrastructure upgrades, recreational facilities, housing, and business support.
Key Principle: Coal mining operations must balance economic benefits with the well-being of affected communities.
6. Objectives of Agency 207
Protect and support communities affected by coal mining.
Ensure responsible land use and community planning.
Promote economic development in coalfield areas.
Minimize negative environmental and social impacts of mining.
Foster long-term sustainability for local residents and businesses.
Summary
In essence, Agency 207 is a legal framework that:
Requires coal mining operators to submit detailed impact statements.
Ensures public participation in mining decisions.
Assigns a central role to the Office of Coalfield Community Development for evaluating, coordinating, and planning community development.
Mandates collaboration with local authorities for sustainable development.
Promotes the welfare of coalfield communities while allowing economic activities like mining to continue responsibly.
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