Patriot is yet to complete a 2010 court order to clean up illegal selenium discharges at three of its mining complexes in southern West Virginia, including the Eskdale facilities that employ more than 750 people.
The mine is rumoured to have been discharging runoff into Slaughters Creek for decades.
Officials said Patriot intended to pipe mine runoff that currently ended up in the creek to the Kanawha Public Service District for treatment.
Before any final deal is reached between the company, the public service district and the state Public Service Commission, county officials are keen to make sure the plan is safe and feasible.
After Patriot agreed to foot the bill for the engineering study, approval was granted at a specially called meeting on Monday.
However, it wasn’t all good news for Patriot.
County Commission president Kent Carper warned coal company officials: "This is just a beginning stage. This is not a chequered flag."
