A new book, "Valley So Low," tells the story of workers exposed to toxic coal ash during the cleanup of the 2008 Kingston disaster and their prolonged legal battle for justice.
James Bruggers reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- The Kingston coal ash spill released over a billion gallons of toxic sludge, prompting the first federal coal ash regulations in 2015.
- Cleanup workers suffered severe illnesses, including cancer and lung disease, attributed to exposure to heavy metals and radiation.
- After a decade-long legal fight, workers secured a settlement of $77.5 million, leaving many with little compensation after legal and medical deductions.
Key quote:
“ ... they’ve been told throughout the whole cleanup process that, more or less, in various ways, the ash is safe.”
— Jared Sullivan, author of "Valley So Low"
Why this matters:
Coal ash contains dangerous toxins like arsenic and uranium, which pose long-term health risks to workers and surrounding communities. This disaster underscores the role of stricter regulations and accountability in hazardous waste management.
Read more: Spotlight hits coal ash impact on poor and minority communities
