Another mountaintop removal site is being proposed in East Tennessee- this time on King Mountain in Claiborne County. Take action now to stop this destructive practice.
With your help, we have an opportunity to stop a mountaintop removal site and stand with downstream communities in opposition to strip mining.
Kopper Glo, LLC has applied for a permit to begin strip mining on King Mountain in Claiborne County. The proposed mine is 578 acres with 13 sediment ponds. Downstream from King Mountain is Straight Creek, which is designated an Exceptional Tennessee Water (ETW) and the Clear Fork of the Cumberland River - another ETW. Within these streams are the Blackside Dace (a species of fish that is listed as threatened by the Federal government), and state-listed habitat for the Silverjaw Minnow.
Now is the time to speak up and tell the Office of Surface Mining that we do not want any more strip mining in the state of Tennessee. In order to defeat this permit we need to show our collective opposition to strip mining the mountains of Tennessee. Our major concerns are as follows:
- Tennessee's resources are its residents, not extractable coal! Downstream communities from strip mining sites may face higher risks of flooding and pollution because of additional strip mining on King Mountain.
- No more mining! There has already been too much destruction of our mountains and forests. There are other strip mines on King Mountain and in the area; additional strip mining would further degrade the streams that make our state unique.
- Regional history over out-of-state profit! Any family cemeteries in the area must be protected and families must have access to cemeteries on King Mountain.
Now that you know some more about the issue, is it time you to do your part to help save Tennessee's mountains.
Any comments can be sent to:
Jeff Corker
RE: Clear Fork Surface Mine OSM proposed permit #3221
701 Locust Street
Knoxville, TN 37902
Email: jcoker@osmre.gov
OR attend the public meeting:
Thursday, November 29th at 6:30 p.m.
Jacksboro Municipal Building
585 Main Street
Jacksboro, Tennessee
All comments need to be in by Thursday, November 29th at 6:30 PM. For additional information concerning this mine contact Sierra Club Mountaintop Removal Organizer Bonnie Swinford at mtrintn@yahoo.com.
Thank you for helping save Tennessee's mountains.
