1 Year After TVA Coal Ash Spill, Nosebleeds, Breathing Problems Routine For Remaining Area Residents

[hatrack]

KINGSTON - Some 140 families took the TVA buyout of their homes and land and relocated after the Dec. 22 ash spill at the Kingston Fossil Plant. But others remained, for reasons as varied as the individuals.

Nearly a year later, living near the ash spill disaster zone remains an unrelenting horror story, those residents say. Neighborhoods are desolated, and the noise from trains and trucks is almost nonstop. Coal ash dust is everywhere, and sudden nose bleeds and respiratory problems are grim facts of life.

"It's just a nightmare," said Gary Topmiller, who lives on Emory River Road in Kingston. "It's like being captive in your own home." His house is directly across the river from the site where 5.4 million cubic yards of ash sludge burst from the ruptured retention pond.

Topmiller's residence is one of only four now occupied on the riverside stretch of Emory River Road. TVA bought out the other homeowners. The total TVA payout for lands purchased was $42,143,000.

EDIT

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/dec/19/its-just-a-nightmare/