Since 1998, Debbie Crawford Williams has experienced increased amounts of water and landslides behind her home in Big Creek causing property damage.  Debbie has  also been witness to a mine blow-out — a phenomenon that occurs when water pressure builds up in deep mine shafts causing large amounts of water to spew out of the mountainside.  There is no longer water in her well.  These problems are due to the presence of an abandoned deep mine from the 1940s near her property. 

    After filing complaints with the Kentucky Division of Abandoned Mine Lands (an agency responsible for addressing problems caused by mining prior to the 1977 Surface Mining and Reclamation Act), several inspectors came out to her property to evaluate the problems.  The majority of water samples collected contained high levels of sulfate and conductivity, which could indicate the presence of an abandoned mine.  The Division of AML; however, concluded that the problem was not mine-related.  During a recent formal appeal with the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, the hearing officer who heard Williams's case cited water samples and an absence of mining maps as reasons to deny her request to fix the problem (all relevant maps were burned in a fire at the mining office).  A more thorough investigation, including coredrilling the property, could help illustrate whether or not her problems are mine related.

Goal

• Further investigation to acheive a  declaration of pre-law mining so the mountain behind Debbie's property can be stabilized through AML funding in order to prevent further damage.

Recent Actions

• Debbie has contacted local elected officials to make them aware of the problem.  She has asked for their help in getting a more thorough investigation and in holding the Division of AML to be accountable. 
• Debbie is now working to bring public attention to the issue through media coverage.
  
• Debbie is in the process of filing a lawsuit in the Franklin Circuit Court against the Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet.
  

Want to Show Your Support For Debbie Williams?

1.  Writer a letter to the editor about Ms. Williams's situation. 

Emphasize these points:

• Williams's safety and property is threatened due to an abandoned deep mine behind her home.

• Secretary Lijuana Wilcher and Governor Fletcher are responsbile for the agencies that are supposed to protect coalfield communities and address past and present mining problems.  These agencies are not doing an adequate job nor conducting thorough investigations.  It's disappointing that communities are left to fear for their safety and bear the costs of damage to their property. 
  

• Justice should be served in the court system.

Then send your letter to Frankfort-area and local papers:

Lexington Herald Leader
100 Midland Ave.
Lexington, KY  40508
hleditorial@herald-leader.com

The Courier Journal
P.O. Box 740031
Louisville, KY  40201
cjletter@courier-journal.com

The State Journal
P.O. Box 368
Frankfort, KY  40602

Hazard Herald
P.O. Box 869
Hazard, KY  41702

Send a copy of this letter to U.S. Representative Hal Rogers, and ask that all citizens receive equal access to the programs and funding available to address the problems caused by mining:

U.S. Representatives Hal Rogers
Washington, DC Office
2406 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC  20515
fax: (202) 225-0940

2.  Join KFTC and/or Make a Donation!

Thank You For Taking Action For Justice!