TCEQ: 2013 TEEA Winner, Innovative Operations/Management - Texas Westmoreland Coal Company, Jewett

Driving down FM39 southeast of Waco, the first thing you might notice in the distance are the massive drag lines and displaced earth indicative of surface coal mining operations; just as quickly though, it becomes apparent that much of the landscape exhibits a simple beauty of open rolling terrain with pockets of surface waters, free grazing land, and glimpses of wildlife. Inspired, a team of civil engineers, wildlife biologists, landscape architects, and executive management has diligently worked to integrate this beauty into everyday operations. By working with landowners to demonstrate the importance of native species—both vegetative and wildlife—and by dedicating operations to achieve that goal, the Texas Westmoreland Coal Company is establishing itself as an industry leader in innovative conservation. Meet our winner in the Innovative Operations/Management category: Texas Westmoreland Coal Company, Jewett.

The Texas Environmental Excellence Awards--a program of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality--celebrate outstanding waste reduction and pollution prevention projects.