This LTE originally provided by The Herald-Dispatch

June 25, 2006

Don't put sludge pond near school

I was raised in Raleigh County and the elementary school was the junior high school when I lived there. We also had Marsh Fork High School, which has been closed for several years, and those students bused several more miles upriver. I would hate to see that happen to those elementary students.

But anyone who thinks a sludge pond and a silo can ever be considered completely safe is in denial and very irresponsible, as this belief means they will share the blame when or if a catastrophe occurs.

Even if the sludge impoundment never breaks, why take that chance? Even a remote possibility that one child could be harmed should be enough to make the entire community concerned enough to protect those kids -- whatever the cost.

History has proven to us that nothing is completely safe, such as the "unsinkable" Titanic, and the 125 people who died at Buffalo Creek.

I am 56 years old, and over the years, I have seen a once beautiful area turn into something ugly, filthy and dangerous, due directly to mining. When you are away for a while, and go back, you can tell the difference. My hometown back there is now a coal slurry impoundment.

I have been around coal all my life, and it is filthy, and I know you can't be close to it and not have the dirt and soot blow your way.

Gracie Stover Golden
Wichita, Kan.