That's where the fish are raised. The mine behind Lillybrook closed in the 1950's when the coal ran out. Steve Miller, Director of Operations for the state's Department of Agriculture, says it would take 40 years to realize it held another valuable resource. This water kept boiling out of the mines. They're always looking for some way to use that land that's not used anymore, when the research showed that it was clean and cold enough to sustain a trout operation that gave them a good opportunity.
Most mines have a high sulfur content, which produces high sulfur water, which is toxic to fish.
But southern West Virginia coal mines are unique because they have a low sulfur content, which is suitable for raising fish. Ken Semmens, an Aquaculture Specialist for West Virginia University says farming fish requires a large amount of water. The mine behind Lillybrook has more than 2,000 hectares of water more than enough for successful aquaculture. It's not like you need enough water to fill your trough to water your cattle. Trout require a good volume of water.