2 activists arrested for taking photos of TVA toxic coal ash spill

December 28, 7:43 PMProgressive Politics ExaminerKaren Harper

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Two men who are part of the non-profit United Mountain Defense located in Knoxville were arrested and detained yesterday as they tried to take photographs of the coal ash sludge spill that occurred on December 22 in Harriman, Tennessee. It is unclear why TVA police detained the two men.  They were on public land during the incident.

The 5.4 million cubic yards of sludge breached a 40 acre TVA waste pond close to the Kingston Tennessee Fossil Plant.  The original estimate was 1.8 million cubic yards.  The sludge and ash has covered over 400 acres in the surrounding area.

The disaster ruined homes in the area and local residents are concerned about toxic substances in the sludge which has flowed into residential areas.  Arsenic, lead and mercury are just some of the toxic waste that is typically found in coal ash so the residents have every right to be concerned.   

The sludge has spilled into the Emory and Tennessee Rivers.  The Tennessee River provides drinking water to millions of people. 

David Cooper and Matt Landon who were detained by the TVA police planned to take water samples but were just taking photographs of the spill at the time of their arrest. TVA has not responded to requests for more information on the incident.

David Cooper commented, "...the dust and airborne contaminants from the coal ash are dangerous.  Workers on the clean up site should be wearing respiratory protection.  This could cause breathing problems for the workers like we saw at the World Trade Center."  He also went on to say he was sorry that he and his fellow activist had caused problems for TVA, and that their "concern is for the safety of nearby residents and their families."   

Other environmentalists are on the scene and have had more success getting water samples.   

According to the Tennessean, levels of thallium and lead, both toxic to humans have been found to be elevated in test samples taken from river water near the ash spill.  TVA official Terry Johnson remarked that though he didn't know the amount, levels are lower than those considered a health risk. 

Residents report that there are numerous dead fish on the banks of the river.  TVA spokespeople have stated that the fish were probably killed when they were blasted out of the water when the spill occurred.   

Asheville's Citizen-Times reports that environmentalists are asking authorities to give stronger warnings to residents regarding the much left after the spill.  While TVA and local authorities are assuring residents they are not at risk unless they ingest the sludge, but Barbara Martocci, a spokeswoman for the TVA is cautioning people to avoid the area.  "If they do touch it, they should wash their hands." 

In the meantime, environmentalists, including those who were detained by TVA police for taking photographs are warning area residents to err on the side of caution and continue to urge TVA workers and cleanup crews to wear protective gear. 

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