Is the Elk River contaminated?
The January 2014 chemical contamination of the Elk River in West Virginia (WV) disrupted public water supply to thousands of homes, caused the closure of schools and businesses, and as a result, hundreds of people reported symptoms they associated with exposure to the contaminated water.
What were the effects of the Elk River chemical spill?
Most people who reported illness associated with the Elk River chemical spill were treated for their symptoms and released. Common symptoms included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, itching, headache, sore throat, and cough.
Can coal contaminate water?
Coal mining Mining operations can negatively impact water supplies, often with long-lasting effects. The fundamental issue involves contamination of nearby rivers, lakes, and aquifers by what comes out of a coal mine—usually highly acidic water containing heavy metals like arsenic, copper, and lead.
Is raw coal toxic?
Coal is a naturally-occurring mineral. It is not toxic.
How does coal mining affect rivers and streams?
What happened to the Elk River in West Virginia?
In January 2014, approximately 10,000 gallons of chemicals used to process coal spilled from a storage tank into the Elk River in West Virginia. The Elk River is a municipal water source which serves about 300,000 people in the Charleston area.
What is being done about the Elk River contamination?
By the night of January 9, the West Virginia National Guard began testing the contaminated water in the Elk River. The National Guard utilized its own lab, in addition to labs from DuPont and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
Where did the Elk River chemical spill occur?
The Elk River chemical spill occurred on January 9, 2014 when crude 4-Methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCHM) was released from a Freedom Industries facility into the Elk River, a tributary of the Kanawha River, in Charleston in the U.S. state of West Virginia .
Who is testing the Elk River water in West Virginia?
By the night of January 9, the West Virginia National Guard began testing the contaminated water in the Elk River. The National Guard utilized its own lab, in addition to labs from DuPont and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. The National Guard also requested two additional labs to expedite the water testing process.