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NKWD Prepared For Effects of Coal Spill

Ft. Thomas, KY October 20, 2000

On Wednesday, October 11, a spill of coal sludge into the Big Sandy River in Eastern Kentucky, resulted from a breach in an impoundment dam at a local mine. Since the Big Sandy River flows 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 any 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 today. There is a possibility that the spill could be contained upriver and not affect the Northern Kentucky area at all.

Officials at the scene this morning report that the spill has come to a standstill at the intersection of the Ohio River and the Big Sandy River because of the high flow of the Ohio River.

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 Fort 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 Fort Thomas pump station and allow the spill to pass.

NKWD has several precautions in place to minimize effect on customers.

  • The Fort Thomas raw water reservoirs hold enough water to serve the entire system for three days depending upon customer usage.
  • The Taylor Mill Plant draws water from the Licking River and its intake capacity has already been maximized to pump a total of twelve million gallons of water per day.
  • There are significant storage areas throughout the NKWD distribution system that are being held at the highest levels.
  • NKWD has 3 suspended low-velocity pumps on hold with a local supplier that would pump water from the top of the Ohio River if the coal arrives in our area and settles to the bottom of the river at the intake.
  • NKWD has set up extra chemical feed equipment at the Ohio River pump station so that extra chemicals can be fed if needed.
  • 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 need to be taken through the local media.

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