What is one major environmental issue affecting West Virginia?

Mountain top removal coal mining is a significant environmental issue affecting West Virginia due to its profound impacts on the landscape, ecosystems, and local communities. This method of mining involves removing the summit of mountains to access coal seams, which leads to extensive habitat destruction and alteration of the physical landscape.

The process not only eliminates forests and wildlife habitats but also affects water quality in surrounding areas. The runoff from these mining sites can contaminate streams and rivers with heavy metals and other pollutants, leading to further issues for aquatic life and those who rely on these water sources for drinking water.

Moreover, mountain top removal has substantial social and economic ramifications for communities in West Virginia, as it is tied to the coal industry's fluctuations and creates tension between economic interests and environmental preservation. This makes it a central issue in discussions about sustainable resource management and environmental health in the state.