Coal Impoundment
Location and Warning System
www.coalimpoundment.org
The Coal Impoundment Location and Warning System is a
pilot project developed by the:
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Robert C. Byrd National Technology Transfer Center
Wheeling Jesuit University
Center for Educational Technologies at Wheeling Jesuit
West Virginia University
National Energy Technology Laboratory
DANGER
Breaks in coal slurry impoundments can:
• Send millions of gallons of water and material downstream.
• Threaten the lives and health of area residents.
• Destroy homes and businesses.
• Contaminate water supplies.
This dangerous potential looms over coal mining regions
in West Virginia and throughout Appalachia.
Source: Ohio Valley
Environmental Coalition
DEADLY CONSEQUENCES
• 1972 Buffalo Creek hollow failure in Logan County, WV.
• 125 people were killed.
• More than 1,000 were injured.
• About 4,000 were left homeless.
• At least nine major spills in the Appalachian coalfields since
this deadly spill, including the Martin County spill.
AS A RESULT
• 2002 National Research Council study entitled, “Coal Waste
Impoundment Risk, Responses and Alternative.”
• Coal Impoundment Location and Warning System made
possible.
A KEY RESOURCE
Coal Impoundment Project designed to:
• Identify coal impoundments in West Virginia.
• Alert residents of emergency situations and related
evacuation plans.
• Improve safety and examine alternatives for
impounding coal waste and sludge in the Mountain State.
Source: Ohio Valley
Environmental Coalition
ACCURATE INFORMATION IS THE GOAL
Each company is required to file an emergency evacuation plan
and escape routes. If information about your location is
inaccurate or incomplete, let us know.
www.coalimpoundment.org
WHO TO CALL…WHERE TO GO
Detailed emergency information is available on impoundments:
• Phone numbers
• Detailed description of what to do in an emergency
• Actions and responsibilities of first responders in case of evacuation
• Detailed interactive maps
TECHNOLOGY
The Coal Impoundment Location and Warning System is also focused
on reducing the number of existing impoundments by finding
technologies that could lessen or alleviate the need for impoundments.
• Storage Alternatives
• Dry Coal Cleaning Methods
• Remediation/Waste Utilization
FROM SENATOR BYRD
"It is my hope that this pilot project will lead to
innovative ways to reduce the risks for communities
near these sites and for individuals who live there."
PROJECT CONTRIBUTORS
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Mine Safety and Health Administration
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Peabody Energy
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West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
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Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition
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West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey
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Verizon
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West Virginia Highlands Conservancy
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Kentucky Dept. of Mines and Minerals
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Pennsylvania Bureau of Deep Mine Safety
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Raleigh County 9-1-1
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Massey Energy Company
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Coal River Mountain Watch
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WV Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training
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Office of Surface Mining
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Consol Energy
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Virginia Dept. of Mines, Minerals and Energy
ASK YOURSELF
Do you know if you live near a coal impoundment?
Do you know where to go or whom to call if the impoundment
fails?
To find out, visit www.coalimpoundment.org