What Does Sludge Safety Project Want for the 2009 Legislative Session?

Its a short list - here are the highlights. We want:

r Our legislators to take action for our health by taking action for clean water. This begins with education regarding the recent studies on health, sludge and living in the coalfields.

r The WV DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) to report to the legislature on the findings and progress of the Sludge Study Resolution, SCR15, initiated in 2007.

r The WV DHHR (Department of Health and Human Resources) to complete the study with independent scientists and conduct health assessments where people are sick and have bad water.

r Our legislators to support more water projects to get clean drinking water to families in places like Prenter in Boone County, Harts and Mud River in Lincoln County and Jones Branch in Nicholas County.

Quick Background:

• In 2007, we won the study resolution, SCR 15, to determine what is in coal waste sludge and how it affects our health and our water.

• A key piece of the resolution, "to allow independent scientists on site to sample water and sludge," was left out of the final draft.

• We met several times with the DEP, where we learned that only five sites in the state would be sampled for water contamination and that the DEP would not prioritize places where citizens are sick and have bad water.

• New information on health and water in southern West Virginia has surfaced since 2007, and we want the legislature to be aware of the facts. We need to know how sludge is affecting our health and our water if we are to adequately address the issue.

• A legislative hearing on health, water and coal sludge is a step toward increased awareness and action to improve the health and safety of families living in the coalfields.