NKWD Prepared For Effects of Coal Spill

Ft. Thomas, KY October 17, 2000

On Wednesday, October 11, a spill of coal sludge into the Big Sandy River in Eastern Kentucky, resulted from an impoundment giving way at a coal-preparation plant on a mountain top outside of Inez in Martin County. Since the Big Sandy River does flow into the Ohio River, there is a chance that the spill could affect the Northern Kentucky area. The Northern Kentucky Water District (NKWD) is closely monitoring and preparing for the situation, so that effect on customers will be as minimal as possible.

The spill occurred approximately 150 miles upriver from NKWD's Fort Thomas pump station, located on the Ohio River. Depending on rain and other factors, residual effects could be felt on the NKWD distribution system within six to twelve days from toady. There is a slight possibility that the spill could be contained upriver and not affect the Northern Kentucky area at all.

NKWD is working with the Kentucky Division of Water, ORSANCO, and the Newport Water Works to monitor the spill and prepare for its effects on the area. The intake water at the Ft. Thomas pump station is being carefully monitored on a continual basis to determine the slightest traces of coal. Should the spill reach Northern Kentucky, NKWD would shut down the intake at the Ft. Thomas pump station and allow the spill to pass.

"We are closely monitoring the situation," said Bari Joslyn, Director of Water Quality and Production for NKWD. "We will continue to communicate with customers as the situation progresses and will update customers of any changes that occur."

NKWD has several precautions in place to minimize effect on customers. The Fort Thomas reservoirs hold enough water to serve the entire system for three days depending upon customer useage. The Taylor Mill Plant draws water from the Licking River and its intake capacity can be maximized to pump an additional six million gallons of water per day. In addition, there are significant storage areas throughout the NKWD distribution system. All in all, NKWD is prepared to shut down the Ohio river intake for up to four days, which should be more than adequate to allow the spill to pass.

NKWD is currently evaluating its conservation plan, and is prepared to put conservation measures into effect throughout the distribution system. If this step is needed, NKWD will communicate measures that nee to be taken through the local media.

NKWD will continue to monitor the spill and will update customers as necessary.