2009.02.02
News coverage fading, sludge remains
The environmental story getting the most notice today will likely be about a ground hog in Pennsylvania or the mess that remains after a winter storm. But there are other stories out there.
For instance, a quick check of the internet looking for updates on the big coal ash sludge disaster in Tennesee didn't turn up much. But the Tennessean, Nashville's newspaper, is still on the case. Not surprisingly, some folks are turning to the courts for satisfaction. The Tennessee Valley Authority is telling people that if they hire a lawyer, the TVA won't be able to even talk to them. At least one woman said she's talked with the TVA. The utility's representatives said they'd get back with her within five days. That was two weeks ago.
"I've not gotten an attorney yet because I hear once you get an attorney TVA won't talk to you," the Tennessean quoted the woman. "At the same time, I'm not getting any communication from them now."
Meanwhile, tests conducted by Duke University researchers working with an environmental group, show elevated levels of toxins, even though the TVA is reportedly spending $1 million a day on the clean up.
Speaking of money, two Tennessee congressman are trying to get $25 million from the economic stimulus package working its way through Congress to go toward cleaning up the TVA's mess.
As always, you can find our previous blogging here and here.
Reporting on the Giles County coal ash project is here.
-- Tim Thornton
