MINING NEAR PINE MOUNTAIN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL
Source: From The Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY.)
April 9, 2001
Being on a world tour sure can make a guy think a
lot about home. I've been thinking about Kentucky
a lot lately and wondering what I can do to
improve some things, namely the condition of our
water, soil and air. I'm concerned about what the
environment's condition means for us and for our
kids. I learn more every day about the
environment and how our actions and beliefs
can affect its health. And I hear from others how
every day someone is challenged to strike a
balance between preserving our resources and
jobs.
One such issue is the Pine Mountain ''lands
unsuitable'' petition, which, if approved, would
declare the lands surrounding the Pine Mountain
Settlement School in Bledsoe unsuitable for
surface coal mining.
Growing up in the mountains of the Daniel Boone
National Forest, I gained a lifelong appreciation
for the outdoors and the lessons nature has to
offer. The Pine Mountain Settlement School is a
local treasure that helps teach those lessons.
Besides a history dating back to 1913, an
undisturbed view of the Appalachians, and a clean
drinking water source originating at Pine
Mountain, the school has a tradition of providing
a year-round retreat and education center for the
citizens of Kentucky. Over the years, the school
has also provided the community with important
social programs - from an elder hostel to the
building of leadership and teamwork skills
through youth sports and activities.
Unfortunately, the school's very existence is now
threatened by pending surface coal mining
operations around its perimeter. Noise,
vibrations, flyrock, potential contamination of
Pine Mountain's drinking water, loss of trails
near the school and loss of visual scenery will
all potentially damage the Settlement School's
ability to provide a quality educational
experience to the 3,000 kids who attend its
programs each year. Ironically, while creating a
few temporary jobs, a surface mine threatens to
wipe out more steady jobs at the Settlement
School.
I understand that in today's world coal plays a
vital role in meeting the energy needs of
Kentucky and the United States, while providing
important jobs. But before we blast off
mountaintops at Pine Mountain and other
Kentucky treasures, we need to look at the
long-term impacts these actions will have on our
land for the one-time economic gains of small,
shortlived surface mines.
The Natural Resources and Environmental
Protection Cabinet will make the very important
decision to either grant or deny the petition.
I've voiced my concern by submitting a letter to
Secretary James Bickford, asking him to
grant the petition and declare the lands
unsuitable for surface mining operations. I hope
he will share my viewpoint that there is value in
preserving the school and its surroundings for
the community and the state.
Win or lose, I know this will not be the last
tough decision we face. There will be more, and
it's up to us to be aware of these issues and
educate ourselves and each other about the
impacts we have on our home. We have to
find ways to balance the interests of
resource-based jobs and our kids' future. And I
guess that's why I'm writing today. If
businesses, governments and communities work
together, a good solution will be found so that
blasting for coal near schools becomes history. I
urge that we all get involved, make smart
decisions and educate ourselves so the next
generation of Kentuckians inherits a home worth
having and a Kentucky they can be proud of.
KEVIN RICHARDSON
Lexington, Ky. 40503
Mr. Richardson is a member of the Backstreet
Boys. - Editor.