The informational gathering is scheduled for March 11 beginning at 1pm local time at the Center Township Fire Hall in Rogersville. The mine is operated by Foundation Coal subsidiary Cumberland Coal Resources.

The longwall mine in Greene County will expand below the surface of six townships with its request to add 4677 acres to its underground permit area.

Cumberland’s application to the DEP also amends its subsidence control plan for the complex and notes the company's intention to perform stream restoration and remediation at two locations in the operation's vicinity.

“The environmental justice area in question with Cumberland Coal Resources’ application includes Franklin, Wayne and Jackson townships," the agency said, adding that it has mailed information on the proposed permit revision to impacted residents.

The DEP defines an "environmental justice area" as a whole or partial census tract where 30% or more of the population is minority, or where at least 20% of the residents are at or below the poverty level, according to government census records.

DEP representatives will be available to answer questions at the meeting, which is expected to last until 3pm, it said.