Department for Natural Resources
Kentucky Division of Abandoned Mine Lands Announces First Phase of Frozen Creek Waterline Project in Breathitt County

Access to potable water will soon be available to 100 households in Breathitt County.

The Department for Natural Resources’ (DNR) Division of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) announced today the award of a contract and the start of construction for the Frozen Creek Phase 1 AML water supply project in Breathitt County.

“We are working very hard toward getting potable water to the portions of Breathitt County that qualify for AML assistance,” said DNR Commissioner Steve Hohmann. “The entire project will involve the installation of approximately 13.7 miles of water main in various sizes from 8 inches to ¾ inch, one duplex booster pump station, a 132,000-gallon water storage tank, valves and the installation of water meters at 100 residences.”

AML has found that agency-eligible pre-1982 mining has impacted much of the ground water along state routes 1812 and 378 in Frozen Creek, making these areas eligible for AML waterline assistance. This phase of the project includes the portion of Cope Fork along Route 1812 to its junction with route 378 and the main stem of Frozen Creek from Route 15 upstream to areas near the community of Taulbee.

The project, with a memorandum of agreement between the Breathitt County Water District and AML, totals $3 million. The project will be operated by the Breathitt County Water District. BRC Group LLC of London, Ky., was awarded the waterline contract with a low bid amount of $1,999,795. American Structures Inc. of Menomonie, WI., was awarded the storage tank contract for $292,522. Nesbitt Engineering of Lexington, Ky., will provide engineering services. AML is authorized under Kentucky law (KRS.350) to abate hazards to public health, safety, and the environment from abandoned mine lands. To date, AML has expended more than $105 million for waterline improvements and has provided more than 14,426 households with potable water supply in 24 coalfield counties in eastern, southern and western Kentucky.

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