Department for Natural Resources
Phase One of Wolfe County Waterline Project Set to Begin

More than 180 households in Wolfe County will soon be able to turn on their tap and receive potable drinking water, thanks to a project funded by the Department for Natural Resources’ Division of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML).

 Phase one of the Mary-Bethany/Flat water supply project in Wolfe County, Ky. will begin in July by G & W Construction Co. Inc. of Morehead, Ky. Project costs total $1,174,129.32. Phase two is scheduled to begin in 2011.

Phase one will expand the current water services into designated hollows from Spring Branch to Bethany Road down and along Kentucky 15 North that qualify for AML assistance.

According to Campton Mayor Gay Campbell, residents in the area have been without drinking and bath water since the 1970s due to past coal mining. 

“Everyday, I am asked by anxious and excited people where the waterline is.  The city and people here are thankful for AML stepping up for our community,” said Campbell.

The project will involve the installation of approximately 15.4 miles of water main, 188 water meters, two pressure reducing vaults, one master meter vault, various gate valves, and flush hydrants in designated locations.

AML is authorized under KRS-350 to abate hazards to public health, safety and the environment from abandoned mine lands.  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 $80 million for waterline improvements and has provided over 12,000 households with potable water supply in 24 coalfield 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.

“Addressing hazards on Kentucky’s abandoned mine land remains a priority,” said DNR Commissioner Carl Campbell. “I am proud AML will break ground this summer on yet another waterline project providing fresh drinking water to citizens of the Commonwealth.”