Ohio American Energy has been mining in the area of Township Road 163 near the Cardinal Plant for less than a year.

The contract is to last several more years, which has some residents bothered. George Jackson, a nearby resident, said mining has cracked the walls and ceiling of his home.

He said he's worried that his property value has declined as a result. Further, he said trucks are constantly going up and down township Road 163 at all hours of the day, leaving behind sludge and tearing up the road.

Jackson said residents met with representatives of the coal company to air their concerns.

"One of those options was to buy out all the homes … but it was all or none. Everybody had to sell or (the coal company) won't (buy them)," he said.

However, mining officials said they have conducted their work within the law and according to plan.

Rob Murray, vice president of Murray Energy, which owns Ohio American Energy, said, "We're very sensitive to the needs and concerns of the residents. We're working to alleviate their concerns."

The company has agreed to make all the necessary repairs to the road at no cost to the taxpayers.

Township trustee John Goosman said the road will be better than it was originally once the work is completed. Further, he said the coal company will replace mailboxes on the road that have been damaged.

"The coal company has been good on following through on helping citizens affected by the mining," Goosman said.

Goosman said the trustees and the coal company will do everything they can to help the residents along township Road 163. He also said Ohio American Energy has had a positive economic in place on the community by hiring workers, paying for fuel and providing low-sulfur coal to the Cardinal Plant.