By JORDAN NELSON
The Register-Herald
(Register-Herald photo by Jenny Harnish)
HELEN, W.Va. — Berry Branch, a small stream that runs through Helen into the Winding Gulf, is flowing black.
According to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the discolored water is coming from a discharge pipe from an abandoned Raleigh County mine. The DEP said nearby active mines are all in compliance and not the cause for the discoloration.
In a news release, the DEP said the initial investigation indicates the black water is due to coal dust being carried through the pre-law mine, meaning the mine ceased operation prior to 1977 and has no responsible party.
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