Why Worry About Sludge Impoundments?

Breaks in coal slurry impoundments can threaten the lives and health of area residents, destroy homes and businesses and contaminate water supplies. This dangerous potential looms over coal mining regions in West Virginia and throughout Appalachia.  --Senator Robert C. Byrd.

Well Water Quality Near a Mingo Co. Impoundment

Jack Spadaro: Under Mined 

History of Sludge Impoundments

Frequent Blackwater Spills and Releases

Lists of Impoundment Spills

Heavy Metals Naturally Present in Coal

Health Concerns Over Heavy Metals

Health Concerns from the Processing Chemicals

Stream and Groundwater Contamination

Loss of Business

Coal Slurry Impoundments: Another By-Product of Mountaintop Removal

Summary of Results: Mingo and Wyoming County Survey on Coal Sludge Impoundments

Full Report: Mingo and Wyoming County Survey on Coal Sludge Impoundments

1985: EPA finds slurry injection endangers human health