Rep. Dennis Ferguson,

We have waited over a month watching and waiting on the promises that were made in Nashville when we tesified in front of the House Environment & Conservation Committee.

As we testified, the panel looked shocked, and I can only ascertain that they did not fully understand the impact that the TVA disaster had left on the residents of our community. We did our best to voice what was going on in our community.

The panel appeared concerned and asked questions, and Rep. Ferguson even though you were not on that committee you did attend because this disaster happened in your district.

After we met with you in your office, you asked "what we wanted"... we told you we would like answers, help for residents that were in need, and help in getting regulation on the Fly Ash.

We gave you a list of residents that needed assistance in relocation.. you stated you would contact them. I went back to Roane County and advised residents that they would be hearing from you... but you gave that list to TVA instead...

and as of today I know of no-one that you have contacted from that list.

The residents just needed to hear assurances that you had heard us... that you understood our concerns, that you cared.

It's hard to hold on to empty promises.

Watch documentary free - on line through Jan 31

Appalshop, the independent media folks in Whitesburg, KY have made Robert Salyer's excellent documentary film "Sludge" (about the Oct 2000 coal slurry waste disaster in eastern Kentucky) available free on line through the end of January.

There are some very interesting similarities between the Kentucky coal slurry spill and the TVA spill, and I think it will really resonate with the people in Roane County.

The film is about 45 mins long and contains interviews with people in Martin County who live near the spill. They talk about they were treated by Massey Coal Company and the EPA, plus the clean-up operation, the government investigation/whitewash of the spill, etc. Its a great film and I encourage you to check it out. It streams live on line and you can go to this link and watch it for free:

(link...)

We are also planning a community screening of the film in Kingston in late February at the American Legion Hall in Harriman.

Dave Cooper

The Mountaintop Removal Road Show
(link...)
608 Allen Ct.
Lexington KY 40505

Dear friends,

Appalshop, the independent media folks in Whitesburg, KY have made Robert Salyer's excellent documentary film "Sludge" (about the Oct 2000 coal slurry waste disaster in eastern Kentucky) available free on line through the end of January.

There are some very interesting similarities between the Kentucky coal slurry spill and the TVA spill, and I think it will really resonate with the people in Roane County.

The film is about 45 mins long and contains interviews with people in Martin County who live near the spill. They talk about they were treated by Massey Coal Company and the EPA, plus the clean-up operation, the government investigation/whitewash of the spill, etc. Its a great film and I encourage you to check it out. It streams live on line and you can go to this link and watch it for free:

(link...)

We are also planning a community screening of the film in Kingston in late February at the American Legion Hall in Harriman.

Dave Cooper

The Mountaintop Removal Road Show
(link...)
608 Allen Ct.
Lexington KY 40505