Two groups are challenging the state Department of Environmental Protection's renewal of a permit for a Consol Energy strip mine in Fayette County.

The Ansted Historical Preservation Council and the Sierra Club appealed the permit's renewal to the state Surface Mine Board. Their appeal claims the Bridge Fork West Surface Mine has repeatedly exceeded water pollution limits.

The appeal also alleges that other violations haven't been corrected.

Consol Energy subsidiary Powellton Coal operates the 465-acre mine.

DEP spokeswoman Kathy Cosco declined comment.

Consol Energy spokesman Tom Hoffman says the company would defend the permit's validity and believes it was renewed appropriately.