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...