New Development Behind Cambridge Hall

Over the summer, the property behind Cambridge Hall began to be developed, but the company developing the land has not been identified. It is not yet known what purpose the developed land will serve.

According to a Frostburg State University spokesperson, “that development is not an FSU project. FSU property ends not far behind [Cambridge Hall].”

The spokesperson also stated that there is a strip mine on the mountain behind Cambridge. However, it is not yet known whether the strip mine is connected to the new development.

This strip mine, which can be seen from many areas on campus, is operated by Beechwood Coal, LLC and is located on Winners View Terrace in Frostburg, MD, according to the company’s page on manta.com.

Coal Age states that Jody Ritchie is the principal owner of the company. The website also reports that, “On a monthly basis, Beechwood Coal Co. mines and processes more than 30,000 tons of coal from their mining operations and also purchases some raw coal from other mining companies.”

Seeking information about the development, The Bottom Line contacted Beechwood Coal, LLC on Friday Oct. 3 and was told to call back on Monday, Oct. 6 to contact Ritchie.

According to the Encyclopedia of Earth, “Strip mining is a type of surface mining that involves excavating earth, rock, and other material to uncover a tabular, lens-shaped, or layered mineral reserve. The mineral extracted is usually coal or other rocks of sedimentary origin.” Explosives are often used to remove earth and rock. Strip mining is a popular form of mining that is used extensively throughout Appalachia.

This story is developing and may be updated.

Danielle Hill contributed to this story.