Community Continues To Honor Workers on 17th Anniversary of Kingston Coal Ash Spill

KINGSTON, Tenn.- Families and allies of cleanup workers are carrying on their legacy for the 17th anniversary of the Kingston Coal Ash Spill, the first anniversary since the creation of a historic marker for the tragedy.

Families set up two billboards to honor the more than 220 clean up workerswho have come forward with sicknesses like lung diseases and cancers, and the more than 60 workers who have died. The Sierra Club and Appalachian Voices have also placed an ad in the Roan County News, along with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Jobs with Justice of East Tennessee, and Knoxville-Oak Ridge Central Labor Council.

• Billboard 1:1238 Roane St (Lamar Panel #11954, Harriman, TN), Dec. 18 - Jan. 11
• Billboard 2: I-40 (Lamar Panel #98585, Oak Ridge, TN), Dec. 17 - Jan. 11
• TN Historical Marker and memorial cross built by Ansol Clark: Next to the entrance of the Swan Pond Sports Complex, Harriman, TN(intersection of Swan Pond Circle Rd and Berkshire Ln)
  • Photoof Historical marker
  • Photoof Ansol's cross

Following the coal ash spill on December 22, 2008, when 1.1 billion U.S. gallons of coal ash poured into Emory River, Clinch River, and nearby communities like Swan Pond, cleanup workers worked tirelessly to address the massive destruction caused by the spill. Workers were denied personal protective equipment, and were exposed to high levels of chemicals present in coal ash.

In remembrance of the workers, the Sierra Club issued the following statement:

"The anniversary of the devastating coal ash spill in Kingston offers us the opportunity to reflect not only on the horrific dangers of coal pollution, but on the strength and determination of our community," said Bonnie Swinford, Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign Organizing Strategist. "This year carries added weight, as it is the first anniversary since the historic marker was placed to honor the lives forever changed by this tragedy and to ensure that its lessons are never forgotten. We must continue to fight for a future where our communities and workers are safe from the dangers of pollution and fossil fuels."

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit https://www.sierraclub.org.