I have to say, there is just so much news in this one story, I had to share it everywhere I can share, including here. Reports that MTR increases flooding is nothing new, particularly from other states, but doing studies like this in Kentucky after our legislature declared they want to make this a "Safe Haven from the EPA", surprised me.
More below the fold..
Today the Lexington Herald Leader is reporting that four Kentucky coal companies settled with families in Breathitt County over flooding in that area caused by MTR. Here is an excerpt from that (bold emphasis mine)...
...The bulk of the evidence was a study done for the plaintiffs by a Virginia engineering firm. A model of the current topography of the Quicksand Creek watershed was compared with the watershed if no mining had been done. The study found that peak flows in the creek increased 77 percent to 81 percent during a rain like the soaking that occurred May 8 and 9, 2009.
"It has not been done in Kentucky before. This is the best engineering study that I've seen on this issue," said Jack Spadaro, a mine reclamation and hydrology expert hired by Pillersdorf. "It certainly is groundbreaking in Kentucky."
Two of the companies, Miller Brothers Coal and Appalachian Fuels, are in bankruptcy, so much of the negotiation was done with insurance companies, Pillersdorf said. The other defendants are Lexington Coal and ICG.
Phone numbers were disconnected Thursday at Appalachian Fuels, which previously employed state Rep. Rocky Adkins, D-Sandy Hook, and whose parent Energy Coal Resources pays state Rep. Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, to sit on its board of directors. A phone message at Lexington Coal was not immediately returned. Miller Brothers' property has since been purchased by Laurel Mountain Resources, which was not named in the lawsuit. ICG had no comment other than the settlement was confidential and ICG did not admit or agree that there was any fault or liability, said company attorney and Vice President Roger Nicholson...(MORE IN LINK)
I wanted to highlight that our Democratic State Speaker of the House and another member were connected to these companies, helps to shine a light on the whole "Safe haven" thing they want for these companies that are leaving people displaced who live on too low a ground.
So, how many studies and homes have to be washed away before someone steps up on this issue? In my opinion, too many have been lost already, similar lawsuit is going on in Pike County.
My apologies on a short diary like this, writing this from work. Will reply when I get home.