Ask DEQ to take another look at mine

Editor:

At a time when the United States desperately needs to develop clean alternative fuels, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality is fast-tracking the permitting process for Arch Coal's Otter Creek Mine.

Not only would the mine development seriously damage agricultural land and water quality, it would be a catalyst for building the Tongue River Railroad which would transport coal in open boxes to the west coast for export to China.

Air pollution from coal dust is a terrible health hazard. Regulations for containing the dust in open box cars are not consistently enforced. This mine and railroad threaten to drastically worsen the clean, healthful environment that we want for ourselves and our families in Montana.

Please take a few minutes to contact the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and ask for a very thorough and complete review of all costs and environmental consequences of the Otter Creek Mine and the Tongue River Railroad.

Judy Staigmiller

Bozeman