Companies agree to join litter battle

BREAKS, Va. (AP) - Several coal and gas companies have agreed to participate in a battle against litter in three Virginia counties.

The Bristol Herald Courier reports that representatives of the companies met with litter officials Tuesday at Breaks Interstate Park to discuss the effort. The companies include coal producer Alpha Natural Resources and gas producer EQT.

Toby Edwards with the Cumberland Plateau Regional Solid Waste Management Authority asked the companies to prohibit their employees from littering.

Dickenson County litter control officer Lester Turner says litter officials aren't blaming the companies for litter. He says they're partners in the cleanup effort.