Tennessee Coal Plants Polluting Groundwater, Report Says

By Staff Writer

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has polluted groundwater supplies around its coal-fired power plants in the state, plus Alabama and Kentucky, reports Environmental Integrity Project, a Washington-based group founded by former EPA attorneys. The group released its report November 7 which contains data collected by monitoring TVA wells.

The report states that TVA’s pollution problems continue, despite promises made following the Kingston spill five years ago. It said TVA is not doing enough to protect drinking water supplies.

“As we come up on the fifth anniversary of the Kingston spill, we were disappointed to find evidence of really pretty serious groundwater contamination at all of TVA’s 11 coal plants,” Environmental Integrity Project Director Eric Schaeffer told reporters.

The toxic pollutants identified in the report:

• Arsenic
• Boron
• Cobalt
• Manganese
• Sulfate

The pollutants are byproducts of burning coal. The groundwater is being affected from storing coal ash waste in ponds or landfills surrounding the 11 power plants.

The pollution can cause toxic injury to humans and animals. Arsenic has been linked to cancer. Manganese is harmful to the brain and nervous system, according to the EPA.

In a prepared statement last week, TVA said it’s committed to safety, health and environment. It does not challenge the report’s findings but said it will work diligently to prevent future water supply damage from coal ash.

What to Do If You Are a Victim of Environmental Contamination

Did you know that groundwater can remain contaminated for thousands of years? The improper handling of toxic chemicals and waste can lead to human suffering that lasts for generations. It can pose serious health risk to millions of people.

The early signs that your health is affected by water pollution can be subtle. Boron, mentioned above, can harm developing fetuses. Water contaminants can lead to neurological disorders, gastrointestinal illness, and reproductive problems, according to the CDC.

Industries must be held accountable for their irresponsible use of deadly compounds and improper disposal of poisonous waste.

Compensation in pollution and toxic injury cases includes medical expenses, quality of lifestyle loss, emotional distress, personal injury, and punitive damages.

If you believe that you’ve suffered toxic injury from environmental contamination in Tennessee, contact us immediately for a free consultation. You may be entitled to damages.

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