Kentucky is one of 10 states that does not require dam owners to have emergency plans in the event of a collapse, according to a report in the Lexington Herald-Leader, "More Scrutiny Likely For Ponds." Following the massive failure on December 22, 2008 of the TVA dam near Kingston, Tennessee, which sent loose over 1.1 million gallons of coal slurry destroying three homes, ruining forty-two properties and fouling water supplies, and the much smaller gypsum spill from a TVA pond near Stevenson, Alabama on Friday, Kentucky may be stirring to action, although not too much action. A legislator, Robin Webb D-Grayson, intends to sponsor a resolution but not a bill urging state regulators to require such emergency plans. But even this small step is welcomed:
Judith Petersen, executive director of Kentucky Waterways Alliance, welcomed the news that state officials are looking into emergency action plans.
"We think it's a very good idea and a very appropriate step," she said. "At least you give the people downstream a better chance."
The alliance is concerned about the potential for an ash spill in Kentucky. It is preparing a request for records so it can look into the issue of safety at ash impoundments, including how they are monitored.
"We've got to stop kidding ourselves that these accidents will never happen."
