According to the Associated Press and local newspaper the Times News the state Department of Environment and Conservation, which issued the order on March 21, may also fine Premium Coal another $146,000 for regulatory non-compliance.
Premium owns the Baldwin coal preparation facility and the Gum Branch slurry impoundment, both in Anderson County.
Environmental department officials said the discharge from the properties into the neighboring New River occurred on January 3 for a period of 12 hours, though the AP reported no impact on drinking water.
The operator has 30 days to respond to the order or appeal.
A spokesperson for Premium could not be located for ILN comment.
According to federal data, nearly all of Premium Coal’s operations are classified as non-producing or temporarily idled.
The Baldwin plant is listed as active, as are the Mine No. 3 surface operation and the Turley Tipple No. 2 facility.
