Washington currently has NO active coal mines. Let’s keep it that way.
In 2018, the Pacific Coast Coal Company (PCCC) was granted a federal permit to resume mining at the John Henry No. 1 mine, right outside of Black Diamond, WA. The federal permit was granted with minimal environmental review and a finding of “No Significant Impact” on the environment, despite it being directly located in the Green River Watershed and the known impact of coal on climate and public health.
PCCC only needs a few more permits to recommence mining at the site, including a water quality permit from the WA Dept. of Ecology. Since the mine stopped operating in 1999, PCCC has failed to clean up its site as required by law. If the mine reopens, it will be the only active coal mine in Washington State and will pose major environmental and health risks to residents.
The John Henry mine will impact the health of our community and environment.
- Climate: Resuming mine operations would produce over 240,000 tons of carbon pollution per year, the equivalent of adding 51,000 additional cars to our roads. The mine’s total emissions over six years of operation would reach around 2% of the total annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in King County², a major step backwards for King County and Washington state’s climate change goals.
- Health: Mining operations would cause air pollution and coal dust which is particularly concerning for Black Diamond Elementary School children who are located just 2,000 feet away from the mine site.
- Water: Wastewater from the mine would pollute local waterways in the Green River Watershed, including Lake Sawyer – the fourth largest natural lake in King County – and downriver salmon spawning and rearing habitat. Lake Sawyer is already subject to a pollution cleanup plan.
- Local Environment: Daily trucks carrying coal through Black Diamond will cause noise and damage to roads, a nuisance and potential taxpayer cost.
No coal mine in King County!
Local officials have spoken out against the coal mine, including the Black Diamond City Council and County Executive Dow Constantine. Now it’s time for residents to speak up to protect our communities, environment, climate, and salmon from the harmful impacts of coal mining1.