These reports describe significant environmental incidents reported to and tracked by the National Response Center. They reflect both new incidents and follow-up information describing actions taken for previously reported events. The NRC publishes Incident Summary Reports periodically upon receipt of documentary information from the Federal On-Scene Coordinator.
| Occurrence Date: | October 11, 2000 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Inez, Kentucky |
| Source: | Coal slurry impoundment |
| Material: | Coal slurry |
| Severity: | major |
| Quantity Discharged: | 250000000 gallons |
| Quantity in Water: | Unknown amount |
| Body of Water Affected: | Cold Water Creek, Wolf Creek |
| Federal On-Scene Coordinator: | EPA Region IV |
On October 11, Martin County Coal company discovered a release of 250 million gallons of coal slurry to underground mine workings, Cold Water Creek, and Wolf Creek. On October 16, a private citizen called to report that people were ill from drinking well water and that much of thee local wildlife had been killed. Remedial actions taken by the responsible party include containment structures on both watersheds to trap the coal slurry and remove it. CASE CLOSED.