Parker Waichman LLP

TVA May Stop Using Ash Ponds in Kingston

Following the monumental and catastrophic Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) fly ash spill that dumped over five million cubic yards of sludge into East Tennessee and its surrounding waterways, the TVA has come up with a plan to replace its fly ash ponds, says the Times Free Press. The devastating million gallon spill decimated homes—some beyond […]

Following the monumental and catastrophic <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/Tennessee_Fly_Ash_Spill">Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) fly ash spill that dumped over five million cubic yards of sludge into East Tennessee and its surrounding waterways, the TVA has come up with a plan to replace its fly ash ponds, says the Times Free Press. The devastating million gallon spill decimated homes—some beyond repair—and water and wildlife, destroying about 300 surrounding acres.

Now, the TVA is looking to replace the fly ash ponds at its Kingston Fossil Plant with dry ash storage, according to its 73-page correction action plan it submitted to state regulators, said the Times Free Press. The switch is expected to take two years, if approved. According to the TVA, collecting the fly ash in dry storage “will allow more flexible marketing and disposal options” and help minimize the risk of another ash pond leak.

The TVA also detailed its corrective plan of action to remove the spilled ash that had been accumulating for 50 years, half of which spilled in late December following heavy rains and cold temperatures. The weather conditions caused the “earthen dam” to break, creating the spill, explained the Times Free Press.

Fly ash is a waste product generated when coal is burned and, according to studies, contains significant quantities of heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and selenium, which can cause cancer and neurological problems. Of note, several days after the spill, the TVA had not issued any environmental warnings to nearby residents, and insisted there was no evidence yet of toxins in the waste.

Most recently, Tom Kilgore, TVA head, admitted that the fly ash spill was much worse than the TVA first admitted. Just prior, and of significant concern, researchers discovered that the massive fly ash spill is exposing area residents and the environment to some serious and dangerous health and environmental problems, such as radium and arsenic exposure. Radium—a Group-A carcinogenic material according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—exposure can lead to cancer. Also, arsenic, a toxic metal, can increase the risk of some cancers, skin damage, and circulatory problems.

Meanwhile, the TVA claims that it will restore the area damaged by fly ash to a condition “as good, if not better than before” the accident, reported the Times New Press.

According to an earlier Knoxville News report, inspectors found the TVA Kingston pond sound based on the report of three engineers who inspected the facility and said that despite the raised pond’s walls seeping water and some scars in the structure as a result of erosion, the TVA plant was in “good shape.” The inspection was conducted on October 20, 2008 and was completed after the December 22 TVA fly ash spill.

Also, the massive spill was not TVA’s first accident and its records confirmed that a 1984 annual inspection report indicated that an interior dike failed and that exterior walls were not meant for additional loads, according to an earlier report by the Knoxville Biz. At that time, additional studies were recommended; it is unclear if such studies occurred. Also, in 1984, a dike failure resulted in dredged material spilling into a then-dredged area as a result of a problem with an interior wall. In 2003, another accident, which dumped water and fly ash on to Swan Pond Road, occurred.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I wanted to thank Ms.Benita Rollis, of Parker Waichman LLC for seeing me through this entire process. Your professionalism in seeing me through this case was exemplary. Ms. Rollis is a 10 in my book. Thank you and regards
Avril Kendall
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman did an outstanding job handling my case. They help me every step of the way and explain what needed to be done to secure my settlement. They were on top of my paper work and reminded me when items were do. I would highly recommend this firm!
Cynthia Yousef
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
It was a great pleasure working with Michelle Josama
Danielle Denese
5 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038