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Universities Form Appalachian Enviro. Research Initiative

Coal at a power plant (Sierra Club/Flickr)Seven universities in the Appalachian region of the U.S. have formed  a consortium to study environmental impacts of the production and use Appalachia’s energy resources, particularly coal. Virginia Tech in Blacksburg will house the new Appalachian Research Initiative for Environmental Science (ARIES).

ARIES is expected to involve researchers representing a range of disciplines from Virginia Tech, West Virginia University, University of Kentucky, Ohio State University, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania State University, and University of Pennsylvania.

The initiative will focus first on the coal industry. Its research will cover issues such as:

The effects of coal mining on streams and biological communities in the region
Methods for effectively minimizing water discharges through alternative water management practices and treating water prior to discharge
Analytical tools to allow mine planners to locate, isolate, and manage strata that may generate releases of environmental concern
Better mining engineering systems and practices that can improve environmental performance and accountability

ARIES was founded with a number of industrial affiliates that have committed to fund ARIES with a $12.5 million grant over the next five years. The industrial supporters include Alpha Natural Resources, International Coal Group, Massey Energy, Natural Resource Partners, TECO Coal Corporation, Patriot Coal Corporation, Cliffs Natural Resources, Mepco, and Norfolk Southern.

Read more: Funding Announced for Carbon Capture and Storage R&D Projects

Photo: Sierra Club/Flickr

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