Communities Unite for Water Testing Training

In September, OVEC's Sludge Safety Project held a water testing training in Charleston. Residents of Prenter and Glen Daniel in Boone County and Ansted in Fayette met with Dr. Andy Wigginton of Eastern Kentucky University, who conducted the training.

	Dr. Wigginton of Eastern Kentucky University, standing at left, leads the group in the water testing training.

Dr. Wigginton and his colleague, Dr. Stephanie McSpirit, recently donated eight water testing kits to SSP.  Thank You Andy and Stephanie!

With these kits, community members can test their water anytime for arsenic, copper, manganese, iron, and pH.  State labs usually do not test for heavy metals found in water contaminated by coal slurry. So, the kits help us collect the data we need in order to organize our neighbors and move government officials to act for our health and safety.

The Sludge Safety Project brings people together who are concerned about water quality and the health and safety of people living near coal waste storage sites and mountaintop removal operations. 

We connect communities across county lines with allies, such as Dr. McSpirit and Dr. Wigginton, who help to build our capacity and understanding through their expertise and support. 

If you know scientists or other professionals who would like to offer their expertise to the Sludge Safety Project, please contact Patricia Feeney at patricia@sludgesafety.org or (304) 475-3873.