Mountaintop removal is terrible. Even though it provides jobs, it is slowly destroying homes, habitats, and health.
- MTM destroys natural habitats and landscapes. Tops of mountains are literally cut off the mountain, leaving a huge, unwanted gap behind.
- It screws up water systems. Product of cleaning and obtaining coal finds its way to streams, killing plant and animal life.
- Toxic sludge, a product of coal, is "secured" in one area, usually near the site. This sludge is very harmful, and if it's not contained, can cause serious damage. See: Southern West Virginia circa 2009.
- Coal is dirty. It's known as the "dirty" energy source in America. Coal dust covers homes and landscapes, making air and surroundings dirty. Since the seams are open, it is easier for the coal dust to spread.
- Due to blasts to obtain the coal, loose rock flies in various directions. Sometimes, rock can even land on homes. See: child that was killed because of falling rock.
- When mountains are no longer needed, coal companies try to "reclaim" them, planting grass, trees and other plant life. Even then, the plants look different and not as healthy.
- Like stated earlier, since the seams are open and dust is allowed to fly wherever, more health problems arise in coal communities.
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