Department for Natural Resources
Division of Abandoned Mine Lands Announces Multi-Phase Water Supply Project for Knott and Perry Counties

            The Division of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) announced today the Award of Contract and the start of construction for the Sassafras/Red Oak Phase I AML Water Supply Project in Knott and Perry Counties.  Contracts for the project total $2,196,188.  Construction of the waterline will be performed by G & W Construction Co. Inc. of Morehead, Kentucky and Kentucky Glass Lined Tank Inc. of Lexington will be providing the water storage tank.  RM Johnson Engineering, Inc. will be providing engineering and inspection services.  Construction will begin October 5, 2009 with an expected completion date of April 2010.

An AML-funded groundwater supply study of southwestern Knott County has shown that groundwater in portions of the study area has degraded, primarily due to pre-law coal mine operations.  Results indicate the studied areas are eligible for AML water supply replacement.

The newly constructed public water line will serve the residents of the watersheds of the Red Oak area, Rowdy Hollow, Sassafras and Vicco.  Plans also call for the construction of a transmission main from the new water treatment plant on Carr Creek Reservoir to the described area, as well as the extension of the transmission line into AML-eligible areas of Perry County.  The Knott County portion of the system will be owned and operated by the Knott County Water and Sewer District, with the Perry County portion owned and operated by the city of Vicco.

The multi-phase project will involve the construction of a water supply system with water storage tanks, booster pump stations and water main, as well as water meters serving approximately 74 residences.

            “Our citizens deserve a safe, efficient water supply and DNR is, once again, pleased to provide our services to a coal mining county of eastern Kentucky,” said Commissioner Carl Campbell.

            “Knott County has one of the lowest percentages of municipal water available to its citizens of all Kentucky counties.  Utilizing AML funds to provide us with our first abundant water supply is a tremendous asset to us.  Also, connecting our Red Oak system to that of the Vicco/Sassafras area will alleviate the strain on Perry County’s system,” added Knott County Judge Executive Randy Thompson.

AML is authorized under KRS 350 to abate hazards to public health, safety and the environment from abandoned coal mines.  AML has a water supply replacement program that extends waterlines into areas where well water has been contaminated by past coal mining.  To date, AML has expended over $74.5 million dollars for waterline improvements and has provided over 11, 316 households with potable water supply in 24 counties in eastern, southern and western Kentucky.  AML funds a portion of the cost of these water replacement projects based on the mining impacts found in groundwater quality studies.

##