Permitting Guidance for Surface Coal Mining Operations to Protect West Virginia's Narrative Water Quality Standards

​On August 12, 2010 the WVDEP released the Permitting Guidance for Surface Coal Mining Operations to Protect West Virginia’s Narrative Water Quality Standards (revised May 11, 2012).  This guidance document assists WVDEP permit writers in developing site-specific NPDES permit conditions for surface coal mining operations using a holistic watershed monitoring approach through the use of biological and chemical monitoring, whole effluent toxicity (WET) testing, and the development of Aquatic Ecosystem Protection Plans (AEPP) and, where necessary, Adaptive Management Plans (AMP) to protect the state’s narrative water quality standards.

Below are resources to assist NPDES permit applicants & their consultants in complying with the requirements instituted by the Narrative Guidance.

Stream in WV