Recent Developments

Scientists Warns Dredging May Release Selenium in Coal Ash, Poisoning Fish
May 18, 2009

On December 22, 2008, a sixty foot ash and earthen wall securing a retention pond at the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) Kingston Fossil Plant holding five decades of coal fly ash gave way causing a catastrophic wave of ash and slurry to cover 300 acres of nearby land
and water. There were no serious injuries, but the impacts on the land and water were severe. Dredging has been proposed to clean up the coal fly ash spilled in the Emery River in Tennessee.

Unfortunately, dredging may release selenium contained in the coal ash, possing a risk of further substantial environmental harm, according to Dr. Bryce F. Payne, an expert on coal fly ash remediation.  Linked below are two discussions by Dr. Payne of the potential environmental harm which may ensue due to the release of selenium compounds from the coal fly ash during the proposed dredging operations.  The first link is an overview titled "A Call for Help" and the second is a review and analysis of the potential enviornmental harm.

Click here to read Dr. Bryce f. Payne, TVA Ash Spill & Se Brief

Click here to read Dr. Bryce F. Payne, TVA Dredge Plan & Se Data