Department for Natural Resources
COMPANY CITED FOR BLACK WATER SPILL IN MARTIN COUNTY

          The Kentucky Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement (DMRE) has cited Peter Cave Mining Co., near Pilgrim in Martin County, for violations that resulted in a spill on Jan. 19.

            A citizen observed black water entering Emily Creek and notified the DMRE field office in Prestonsburg.   Inspection personnel determined that a silt pond had developed a leak in the principal spillway hidden beneath accumulated sediment.

            Water samples were taken and the company was issued an imminent-danger closure order requiring immediate action to stop the discharge.  In addition, a notice of noncompliance was issued for violating water quality standards and sediment control requirements.

            The company took steps to grout the principal spillway pipe and install a new principal spillway. The cessation order and noncompliance order involving the water quality and effluent violations have been corrected.  DMRE is in the process of assessing civil penalties for the violations.

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