Through the years, Truman Hurt says he's done what he can to have clean water at his perry county home.

"They are just trying to legalize what they have been doing illegally for years" Hurt said.

Truman says the rule change that would ease restrictions on mine dumping would make things tougher.

"Of course I have used about two thousand dollars worth of filters on my water to be able to drink it" The Perry County Man admits.

The new rule would also require mining companies to minimize the debris they dump as much as possible.

"The news where they are wanting to do some clarification on this I think that is good news for us," Coal Our Future Member Haven King said.

Mining companies would also be able to skirt the 100 foot protective buffer requirement if compliance is determined to be impossible.

"I think there is a happy medium out there," King said.

Coal mining our future member Haven King says the use of hollow fields as dump sites work and is safe for the environment.

But Truman Hurt, who is a retired coal miner, says adjustments to the system need to be made with the beauty of the mountains in mind.

"Underground mining is a way to get coal. I am an underground miner, and I think that is the way we ought to get the coal so the mountains are not destroyed" Hurt said.