Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Harlan Cumberland Coal cited for fouling Cloverfork River

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 4, 2005) - The Kentucky Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement (DMRE) has cited Harlan Cumberland Coal Co. for discharging muddy water into the Cloverfork River in Harlan County on Sept. 29, 2005.

It was the second violation of its kind for Harlan Cumberland Coal Co. in two weeks. The first incident occurred Sept. 17 in roughly the same area.

In the more recent incident, a citizen’s request for inspection alerted the Frankfort DMRE office to the discharge near the community of Highsplint. DMRE inspection personnel traveled to the area and observed discolored water in the Cloverfork River and Childs Creek.

Water samples taken from the sediment pond and from the river above and below the discharge site were found to have total suspended solids that exceeded water quality and effluent limitation standards. A notice of noncompliance was issued on Sept. 30. DMRE is assessing civil penalties.