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Tennessee Coal Ash Spill | " The Largest Environmental Disaster of its Kind in the US"

Last Monday in eastern Tennessee a retaining wall, which held back an ash pond, gave way and released 5.4 million cubic yards of coal ash.  The New York Times reported, "enough to flood more than 3,000 acres one foot deep."  The ash pond was located near the Emory River and a residential area.   Three houses were destroyed by the rush of muddy ash.

Coal Ash, also known as fly ash, is defined as the residue created from the combustion of coal.   Coal ash contains carcinogens as well as toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and mercury.

A river near the spill was tested and the results confirmed elevated levels of lead and thallium.  A spokesman for the Tennessee Valley Authority reported that such high levels of these metals in the river can cause "birth defects and nervous system and reproductive system disorders."  These levels were much higher than the safety limits for drinking water, but ultimately they will be filtered out by the water treatment process.  

Water was also tested further downstream and was ruled safe for drinking, but had elevated levels of manganese and iron that do not comply with EPA standards.  The elevated levels of manganese and iron causes no health concerns, but do affect the taste and odor of the water. 

All authoritative officials working on the incident have not released any ash or soil test results and also have not cautioned nearby residents of health cautions.  A spokesperson for the Tennessee Valley Authority reported that the coal ash cannot be harmful unless it is ingested. 

A massive cleanup effort continues as this sludge is being cleared off roads and train tracks.  Filters known as booms and skimmers were placed in nearby rivers to catch floating particles. 

Officials say that there is a possibility that the recent heavy rain and colder temperatures may have had something to do with the accident, but the TVA is still investigating the ultimate cause of the spill. 

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