Today the threats and potential destruction of the 83 acres that the Morgans bought in 1946 are even more immediate.  International Coal Group (ICG) has filed for a mining permit to add 923 acres of surface mining to its existing operation, for a total of 4,045 acres. 

The ridge behind Daymon has been scalped
in preparation for mining, which is already
taking place on the back side of the
mountain.  The hillside on the far left of the
picture is where ICG wants to mine next.

This addition includes the mountain about 500 feet from the Morgan's home and just across the creek from their garden. Also included in the proposed expansion is about 30 acres of the Morgans' land that a neighbor has been trying to claim since last year, and which is tied up in a court case.  The Department of Natural Resources is not supposed to issue a permit when there is a pending lawsuit related to a property dispute since a coal company is supposed to illustrate that it has a legal right to mine the coal.  But as a former DNR permit reviewer told KFTC recently, “The Division of Permits has not been honoring this position without some encouragement.”

    The Morgans. KFTC and others have objected to this permit expansion and there was a permit conference on May 9 at which many people expressed support and admiration for Daymon and Betty and outrage at such disregard for their home and safety.

    Currently, the state is reviewing the mine expansion application.  Concerns about this proposal may be sent to:

            Paul Ehret, director
            Kentucky Divisin of Permits
            FAX:  502-564-6764
            paul.ehret@ky.gov an email

Reference permit number 866-0281, amendment 8