Kentucky Coal Mine Sued Over Flood Damage

A group of southeastern Kentucky residents have sued a coal company, saying mining waste exacerbated the damage from May’s floods.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports the 33 Breathitt County residents filed the lawsuit in Breathitt Circuit Court against Appalachian Fuels.

The plaintiffs’ attorney, Ned Pillersdorf, says the residents claim Appalachian Fuels allowed coal, sand and water to escape from a sediment holding pond near Quicksand Creek.

The lawsuit says most residents rely on well water, which is unusable after the floods, and they are asking that the company provide bottled water and money for repairs to homes and property.

State mine enforcement inspectors say they are investigating the complaints.