Reports Shows Coal Ash Polluting KY’s Waterways

Many groups in the U.S. are questioning the health risks associated with Coal Combustion Waste (CCW), the residue left behind when coal is burned. There are many types of coal combustion waste, including coal ash. Coal ash is a by-product of burning coal for energy, containing toxic metals and chemicals like arsenic, lead, and selenium.

A report titled “Slow Motion Spills: Coal Combustion Waste and Water in Kentucky” was issued yesterday by Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Sierra Club and Global Environmental, LLC. The report calls attention to an ongoing “slow motion spill” of coal combustion waste in Kentucky. The 52-page report details a study of groundwater monitoring data for “ash ponds” and dry landfills across the state. KY is home to 44 “ash ponds” second only to Indiana. (Read the April 20 article about the potential dangers of the Mill Creek ash pond by the CJ’s James Bruggers.)

The overwhelming evidence in the report shows that Kentucky’s waterways are being contaminated by these sites and that coal combustion waste is a national problem.

For more information, read the press release, related news, and the entire report on our website.

Walk for Clean Water & Healthy Communities!

Each year, the Aveda network raises money for worthy environmental organizations during the month of April to celebrate Earth Day on April 22.

Louisville area Aveda salons are walking in honor of clean water in Kentucky this Sunday on the Belvedere. All proceeds raised at the event will go to Kentucky Waterways Alliance and our efforts for clean waterways and healthy communities in Kentucky. There is no entry fee and it is open to everyone who wants to walk in honor of clean water.

What: Aveda Walk for Water

When: Sunday, April 11

Time: 10 a.m. kickoff, 11 am, start time

Where: The Belvedere, 5th and Main Streets, Downtown Louisville

Guests can visit http://www.aveda.yourcause.com/Charities/611239766 to pledge online.

Mining Companies Must Comply With Clean Water Act!

Yesterday was one of those days that helps restore your faith in fairness and the rule of law. After years of controversy, when environmental groups like Kentucky Waterways Alliance were about to give up on EPA ever properly regulating pollution from coal mines, EPA issued new guidelines designed to help protect Appalachian streams and communities from significant and irreversible damage.

Let me be perfectly clear. In taking this action, EPA is only doing their job. They are proposing new limits on pollutants discharged from mining operations to protect our streams and human health under the Clean Water Act. Other industries must comply with the Act, so why shouldn’t mining companies be held to the same federal laws enacted almost 40 years ago, designed to protect our most precious natural resource – water?

EPA Administrator, Lisa Jackson stated, “Let me be clear. This is not about ending coal mining. This is about ending coal mining pollution.”

In a few weeks we will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Earth Day came early this year for the thousands of people in Appalachian communities impacted by pollution from coal mining. While communities will still have to deal with the terrible legacy of pollution left by decades of mining – there is now hope that new mining permits will not allow companies to profit by destroying local streams and water supplies.

Kentucky Waterways Alliance will post more information on this issue on our web site, including news coverage of the issue, a formal statement and the new EPA detailed guidance. Look here.

Celebrate Earth Month & Support Clean Water in KY

Did you know 1 in 7 people lack access to clean water? In honor of Earth Month, several Aveda salons in Louisville are hosting a fundraising event at the Green Building. 100% of proceeds will go toward Kentucky Waterways Alliance.

The event will include a fashion show featuring garments constructed from recycled and vintage materials, a silent auction with services and goods from over 50 local businesses, and a concert featuring the music of Bootsie Ann. Drinks are being provided by 732 social. Tickets are $15 in advance, and $20 at the door. Tickets are on sale at Z Salon, Jerry Heston, Joseph’s, and Omagi Salon in Louisville.

WHAT: All for One Great Cause, A Night of Fashion, Art and Music

WHEN: Saturday, April 3, 7:00p

WHERE: The Green Building, 732 E. Market St.

Please join us for a night of fashion, art, and music! And support clean water while you’re having fun!

How to Best Protect America’s Waters?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public input on how the agency can better protect and improve the health of our waters. EPA is holding a Web discussion forum on how the nation can better manage some of the most significant water pollution problems facing our nation. The feedback received on the online forum will help shape the discussion at EPA’s upcoming conference in April, Coming Together for Clean Water, where they will engage leaders on the agency’s clean water agenda.

“We look forward to reviewing the ideas and feedback from the public,” said Peter S. Silva, assistant administrator EPA’s Office of Water. “This online discussion is for anyone who wants to share their best solutions for restoring healthy waters and creating sustainable communities across the country.”

EPA wants to receive input from water professionals, advocates, and anyone interested in water quality issues about best solutions-from planning, scientific tools, low impact development, to green infrastructure and beyond-in controlling water pollution and how resources can be better focused to improve these efforts.

To join the discussion click here.

New Survey Points to Extensive Ohio River Recreation

A survey commissioned by the Ohio River Valley Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) found that several million adults and children use the Ohio River every year for recreation. Recreational activities on the Ohio River range from fishing and power boating, to kayaking, swimming, and diving.

People responding the to survey said they weren’t deterred from recreational activities on the river within 48 hours of a rain event, when bacteria levels are often elevated due to polluted runoff and combined sewers that overflow.

But perhaps the most surprising finding in the report is the amount of Ohio River fish people reported eating – over 13 million pounds of fish each year!

ORSANCO is hosting a series of meetings along the river in the coming weeks to discuss the survey. Unfortunately there are no meetings scheduled for Louisville.

Kentucky Waterways Alliance has more information along with the survey available on our web site. Look here.

Or go here to ORSANCO’s web site.

Hope for Beargrass Creek

The place to be on Saturday was the Clifton Center where Kentucky Waterways Alliance hosted the 2nd Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival.

In the afternoon we had a great time with a film line-up and activities for children. There were Sierra Club Water Sentinels backpacks for all, door prizes donated by area businesses – and awards for the Show Your Love for Beargrass video contest.

The winners of the video contest are:
1. The Bloom Elementary Media Club with the video: Protect Beargrass Creek.
2. The Jeff Street Baptist Sunday School Class with the video: Every Drop.
3. Joshua Jacob with video: Beargrass Creek- A natural wonder of Louisville, KY.

Watch our web site to find out how you can see these inspiring video creations by Louisville children. Watching the videos, I again realized it was a moment like this that provides real hope for the health of our rivers and creeks.

Water Connects Us All

Water Connects Us All is the theme for the Second Annual Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival at the Clifton Center Saturday evening. Come join us for a fabulous evening lineup of inspirational films featuring people across the country who are making a difference for the environment. These are films you won’t see at your local theater. Join us for a night filled with with good company and fun.

You could win – a rain barrel or one of many of other prizes donated by area businesses. Become a member of Kentucky Waterways Alliance that evening at a reduced rate and you also get free admission to the opening reception filled with delicious food, good beer and wine.

Where? The Clifton Center, 2117 Payne Street

When? Films start at 8 pm, and end at 11 pm Opening reception starts at 7 pm

Cost? $15 each (ticket only), $30 (ticket, KWA membership plus opening reception)

If you have children don’t forget the FREE afternoon program just for kids. (3 – 5 pm)

For more information or to purchase your tickets in advance go to our website: www.KWAlliance.org

Good Clean Fun for the Kids at Wild & Scenic…and it’s FREE!

Attention parents and teachers! Kentucky Waterways Alliance is hosting a free film festival for children ages K- 6 on Saturday, February 27 from 3 -5 pm at the Clifton Center. The program is in alignment with the 2nd annual Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival that evening from 7 – 11. Children who attend will get to enjoy a variety of films with important environmental messages. John Gage, host of Kentucky Homefront, will lead everyone in songs to complement the program. And Cheryl Bersaglia, Environmental Education Coordinator with the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District will be there to demonstrate The Water Cycle.

During intermission, we’ll unveil the winning submissions of the “Show Your Love for Beargrass Creek” video contest! 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be presented to some deserving and creative kids.

The first 100 attendees will receive a free backpack compliments of Sierra Club Water Sentinels, Kentucky Chapter. We’re also giving away cool door prizes including two tickets to the Louisville Science Center, two family passes to a show by the Blue Apple Players, and a rain barrel donated by MSD. This program is brought to you with help from our Title Sponsors, 9th District Councilwoman Tina Ward-Pugh and 8th District Councilman Tom Owen.

Please bring your children and join us for a wonderful afternoon of fun and learning!

Bad Weather Got You Down? Go WILD!

Does all the snow and bad weather lately have you feeling a bit blue? Go WILD on Saturday, February 27th and support clean water at the same time!

The place to be will be the Clifton Center where for $30 you’ll get a ticket to the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Fesival and a 1-year membership to Kentucky Waterways Alliance. The $30 package also gets you into the opening reception where we’ll have wonderful appetizers prepared by Wiltshire Pantry & Wiltshire on Market, beer from Blue Grass Brewing Company, and a wine tasting courtesy of River Bend Winery.

If you’re already a member of Kentucky Waterways Alliance the price of a general admission ticket, $15, will also get you admittance to the opening reception.

With John Gage host of Kentucky Homefront as our emcee, a special appearence by KET’s Dave Shuffet, free door prizes – not to mention wonderful films you won’t see anywhere else – why wouldn’t you go WILD with us on the 27th?

For more information or to purchase your tickets in advance go here.

P.S. If you’re really into indie film, check out the Second Annual Derby City Film Festival hosted by DCFF – one of our title sponsors – this weekend at the Clifton. Check out all the 2010 sponsors for the film festival.