Good news for a change

Massey to add safety checks as part of settlement

By Ken Ward Jr.
Staff writer
Massey Energy Co.'s management will beef up its oversight of mine safety and environmental compliance as part of a deal to settle one of two pending lawsuits against Massey President Don Blankenship and other board members by corporate shareholders.

A Massey board committee will begin more thorough monitoring of safety violations and accidents, more closely examine environmental problems, and mandate reforms in both areas, according to the proposed settlement filed in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Massey will also create new corporate vice presidents for Best Environmental Practices and Best Safety Practices, and issue a new annual "Corporate Social Responsibility Report" to inform shareholders about environmental and worker safety compliance.

The changes build on other environmental compliance reforms Massey is mandated to institute as the result of a landmark Clean Water Act settlement reached earlier this year with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

http://www.wvgazette.com/latest/200806250266

Sounds like a win/win!