On Nov 18, 2009 Landon Medley wrote

Mary,

SOCM has been involved with the Highlands Land Company's exploration drilling permit #3201 for over three years. Highlands finally started drilling a few weeks ago. The drill site is located in the northern portion of the 1987 designated watershed between Skiles Creek and Reel Creek. Under SMCRA regs, companies are allowed to do exploration drilling in lands unsuitable areas.

We understand the Highlands and Americas Energy Company are planning to join together, and MAY apply for a SMCRA permit in 2010; and start mining operations in 2011 for a 1700 acres surface coal mine operation in the headwaters of Rock Creek.

SOCM is not aware of any new technology for surface coal mining that will meet the 1987 designation for the watershed. The gorges are completely off limited to surface coal mining, but the Rock Creek watershed has a separate designation as well.

SOCM is waiting for the test results from the core sampling, just completed. They are schedule to be completed in about 60 days, or sooner. Meanwhile, we are rallying the troops to get ready for the proposed SMCRA permit application in 2010.

Skiles Creek and Reel Creek are the headwaters for Tier 2 Hall Creek. They runs together to create Hall Creek. And, Tier 2 Suzanne Branch is in headwaters on Hall Creek too. The Fish and Wildlife Service is currently getting really to seek endangered species listing for the Laurel Dace which is found in Horn Creek. Hall Creek runs into Rock Creek just above the crossover bridge on the Cumberland Trail. It is considered the last stream with quality water on Walden Ridge.

Check out Wanda Hodge on YOUTUBE. Just write in Rock Creek or Walden Ridge. This is the same coal seam that OSM considered as the most toxic coal seam in Tennessee [SEWANEE]. SOCM is not waiting until 2010 to attack this issue. After 22 years of water quality improvement in the Rock Creek watershed which has resulted in Hall Creek and Suzanne Branch being declared as Tier 2 streams; the creation of the Cumberland Trail in the LUMP area; the Laurel Dace pending designation as an endangered species, and the increase of small recreational businesses and jobs and state wide groups seeking its protection for water supply and water resources for the future, means everyone such seaboard in trying to stop was such SMCRA permit.

Ann League can give you more details.

Sincerely,
Landon