This news story originally provided by WTOV9

September 1, 2005

Conservationists Demand Apology For "Black Tuesday"

Those at the American Energy Corporation say last week's slurry spill into Captina Creek is cleaned up, but that's not enough for environmentalists who say the creek was once one of the healthiest in the state.

"Overnight, this stretch of Captina Creek went from a natural wonder to an environmental disaster," said Larry Mitchell, president of the League of Ohio Sportsmen.

About 30,000 gallons of slurry seeped into the water last Tuesday, but crews were able to confine the spill to about a half a mile area.

Wednesday, members of the Ohio Environmental Council, League of Ohio Sportsmen and Ohio Smallmouth Alliance called for the American Energy Corporation to apologize and make restitution for the fish killed and habitat damaged. They're calling the accident "Black Tuesday."

"American Energy Corporation owes the people of Ohio a public apology and full restitution," said David Celebrezze, outreach coordinator for the Ohio Environmental Council. "This very stretch of Captina Creek was one of the most pristine of any waterway in the state."

Representatives say they want Ohio industry and government to seize this opportunity to better protect natural resources.

The groups praised the rapid response of the Ohio DNR and Ohio EPA, but called on the agencies to evaluate the worthiness of all coal slurry lines, require coal operators to file spill prevention and containment plans, and increase fines for fish kills.

According to the Ohio Environmental Council, the contaminated portion of Captina Creek had more than 1,200 fish representing 32 species. They say the section of creek in now void of any life.

Public relations officials with the American Energy Corporation did not return calls requesting a comment.

Jill Del Greco, NEWS9