West Virginia Department of Commerce Office of Coalfield Community Development

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Office of Coalfield Community Development



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The Office of Coalfield Community Development (OCCD) was created during the 1999 legislative session to assist communities affected by surface mining activity throughout the state.

The legislation was effective June 11, 1999, and the OCCD became operational July 1, 2000.

In July 2007, the OCCD became part of the new West Virginia Division of Energy, under the West Virginia Department of Commerce.

The OCCD is responsible for collecting Community Impact Statements from coal mine operators applying for new or renewed surface-mine applications.

 As of July 1, 2009, counties with surface-mined properties will be required to produce a Land Use Master Plan for coal operators to use for post-mine development within their mining permits. This plan is to specifically deal with uses of mined properties in accordance with West Virginia Code and approved rules of the U.S. Office of Surface Mining. The legislation requires the Office Of Coalfield Community Development to assist in the creation of these plans and to review them to ensure they meet certain criteria. The office will provide assistance in the following ways:
  • The office has gathered information for each coalfield county that will help initiate this partnership. Click here for specific county information. Upon request, the office will provide a representative to assist in evaluating this information.
  • Upon request, the office will assist with research, study and information gathering.
  • A partnership between the Office and the Brownfields Assistance Centers at Marshall and West Virginia universities is another benefit provided to county development officials for Land Use Master Planning as well as for evaluating uses for individual surface mines.
  • This site will be the repository for information helpful in the planning process.
For more information about the Land Use Plan Assistance Program or the Office of Coalfield Community Development, contact Rachel Lester at (304) 957-2000 or (800) 982-3386 or via e-mail at Rachel.A.Lester@wv.gov.

West Virginia Division of Energy
Coalfield Community Development
Building 6, Room 650
State Capitol Complex
1900 Kanawha Blvd. East
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 957-2000
(800) 982-3386
Learn more

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