Massey Corrects MSHA's Errors on UBB Flood Levels

JULIAN, W.Va., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Massey Energy Company (NYSE: MEE) today released the following statement to correct inaccuracies recently posted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA) website regarding water levels and flood rescission efforts in the HG22 and TG22 sections of the Upper Big Branch (UBB) mine:

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On Thursday, September 9, 2010, MSHA officials released erroneous and untimely information on the federal agency's website indicating that discharge lines are pumping water from the HG22 and TG22 areas and that flood levels are receding in these sections of the UBB mine.

As it pertains to HG22, flood levels are actually rising, not receding, in this section of the mine and no pumps will be installed on HG22 until the middle of next week at the earliest. The TG22 pump began pumping today.  

It should be noted that MSHA refused to punctually approve de-watering plans submitted by Massey Energy on August 17th and again on August 24th, which needlessly delayed the drainage of the flooded areas and postponed investigators from beginning their on-site examinations of HG22 and TG22. Had MSHA initially heeded the advice of Massey personnel and began the drainage of these sections several weeks ago, conditions would have likely been more favorable for on-site investigators in determining the cause of the UBB accident.  

"MSHA's investigation tactics and posting of incorrect information to their website can have the unintended consequences of misleading UBB families and the general public on the investigation process," said Massey Energy's Chief Operating Officer, Chris Adkins

Massey Energy Company, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, with operations in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia, is the largest coal producer in Central Appalachia and is included in the S&P 500 Index.  

SOURCE Massey Energy Company

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