May 10, 2026 - A federal judge ruled against a mountaintop removal permit on Coal River Mountain.

In April, a federal court ruled against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, effectively blocking a Clean Water Act permit for the Turkeyfoot Surface Mine in southern West Virginia.

The permit would have allowed the dumping of mining waste into over 3.5 miles of streams through valley fills.

The court found the Army Corps failed to fully consider evidence of the permit’s threat on water quality and aquatic life, as Mountain State communities depend on clean water for drinking, recreation and livelihoods.

Officials said the ruling is a major step toward protecting waterways as permits for large-scale mining projects continue to be issued around the state.

“The court has ruled in a common-sense way to protect West Virginia’s most valuable natural resource, water,” said Bill Price, chair of the Sierra Club West Virginia Chapter. “Clean water is essential for good health, sustainable communities and economic vitality.”