Lawsuits Against Coal Firms Claim Mining Worsened Kentucky Floods

A lawsuit filed against two coal companies that blames mining and poor reclamation for worsening flooding around an eastern Kentucky creek has grown to include 72 plaintiffs.

The suit, plus a second lawsuit with 15 plaintiffs, says heavy rain over an early May weekend last year wouldn’t have been so devastating if not for the mining above the homes. The homes are situated along at least 15 miles of Quicksand Creek in Breathitt County.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports the suits say surface mining and poor reclamation by at least four coal companies created more runoff than the creek could handle.

The coal companies named in the lawsuits, Appalachian Fuels, Lexington Coal, Miller Brothers and ICG, have denied the claims in court records.

The suits are both in Breathitt Circuit Court.