After mountaintop removal coal mining began near their eastern Kentucky home, the Halberts saw their water quality and quality of life plummet. Three years later, they continue to seek answers.
Blog Archives
A Family’s Troubled Water
TAGS: beryllium Kentucky Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet mountaintop removal coal mining Water Pollution Water quality
Kentucky Sees Growth in Bald Eagle Population
Bald eagles are navigating a continued recovery in Kentucky. Reports made this August by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife observed 131 nests, a promising increase from the 42 nests found in 2005 and the single nest found in 1986.
A First-Hand Look at Emerging Opportunities in Eastern Kentucky
When eastern Kentucky residents shared their regional vision at Appalachia’s Bright Future Conference this September, they could point to real examples. The main highlight of the conference, which attracted more than 100 people from across Appalachia, was a collection of 20 tours of local businesses, farms, music and art venues, tourist attractions, and community cooperatives.
Employees of DEP-certified lab conspired to violate Clean Water Act
An employee of a state-certified company pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the federal Clean Water Act after he faked compliant water quality samples for coal companies between 2008 and 2013. While we’re appalled by this discovery, it is hard to be surprised.
TAGS: appalachia Clean Water Act Coal EPA Kentucky Mountaintop Removal Water Pollution West Virginia
Mountaintop removal is the 800-pound gorilla at the SOAR Health Impact Series
Mountaintop removal’s health impacts were the number one concern of eastern Kentuckians that participated in the SOAR Health Impact Series, but the topic was barely addressed at a recent SOAR gathering in Hazard. If they hope to soar beyond political rhetoric, Rep. Hal Rogers and Gov. Steve Beshear must take those concerns seriously, and support more research into the connections between mountaintop removal and health.
TAGS: Appalachian Water Watch Coal Environment Health Kentucky Mountaintop Removal Water Water Pollution
Endangered Species are New Focus in Legal Case against Kentucky’s Water Quality Protections and EPA
Contact Appalachian Voices: Eric Chance, 828-262-1500, eric@appvoices.org Kentuckians For The Commonwealth: Suzanne Tallichet, 606-776-7970, stallichet1156@aol.com Center for Biological Diversity: Tierra Curry, 971-717-6402, tcurry@biologicaldiversity.org Sierra Club: Adam Beitman, (202) 675-2385, adam.beitman@gmail.com Defenders of Wildlife: Melanie Gade, (202) 772-0288, mgade@defenders.org Kentucky Waterways…
TAGS: Appalachian Water Watch Clean Water Act Kentucky Kentucky Litigation Mountaintop Removal Selenium Water Water Pollution
Head in Clouds, Feet on Trail: Kentucky’s Cloudsplitter 100
By Amber Ellis Come Oct. 4-5, folks from all over the United States and the world will be arriving in Pine Mountain, Ky. for the state’s first 100-mile race. The Cloudsplitter 100 is endorsed by USA Track & Field as…
Quarry Opposition in Ky.
By Amber Ellis Citizens in Powell County, Ky., are not taking kindly to the threat of a new rock quarry atop Furnace Mountain courtesy of Red River Materials. More than 150 people discussed their questions and concerns at a public…
Ky. Proposes Updates to Coal General Permit
By Brian Sewell New permitting rules could have far-reaching implications for Kentucky coal mines, processing facilities and the streams that carry away their waste. The state’s “general permit,” which is updated every five years, is available to coal companies seeking…
Expecting Justice: The backward priorities of a billionaire coal baron
In recent years, outstanding violations and unpaid fines have weighed down coal companies owned by West Virginia billionaire Jim Justice and burdened the communities where they operate. But rather than paying his debts, Justice just spent $30 million to build a lavish sports complex on the grounds of the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia.
