Per Senate Joint Resolution 258, the Virginia Department of Energy is conducting a study on the economic and environmental impacts of eliminating waste coal piles in Southwest Virginia. The Department will be examining various use case scenarios ranging from capping all existing waste coal piles in place to combusting all the material at the Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center (VCHEC) or other approved facilities. Each scenario considered by the Department shall contain an analysis of the direct and indirect economic and environmental benefits of that scenario. 

Virginia Energy will be taking public comments on the study and the issue of waste coal piles in Southwest Virginia through October 27. Commenters may submit their comments through the comment portal linked within this notice. 

Public comment will also be accepted on October 2 at 6pm at 139 Highland Dr (Room 115), Lebanon, VA 24266. The public meeting for the coal mine methane evaluation that Virginia Energy is conducting pursuant to HB 1643/SB 1121 will also be taking place at this event.