LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- A clash between the need for more electricity and a neighborhood fighting to keep a coal ash pond from getting bigger has begun. LG&E wants to expand the coal ash pond with the Mill Creek Power Plant off of Cane Run Road.
A bigger ash pond, with more toxic chemicals, had a crowd united against it Tuesday night. LG&E does not have the permit to expand its landfill that stores coal ash, yet, but it is still in the works. People who live near the plant say they are going to fight the expansion all the way. Dave Smith lives three miles from LG&E’s Cane Run plant and the coal ash pond, which is filled with ash sludge laced with toxic materials.
LG&E wants to expand the landfill that holds the coal ash, but they need a permit first. However, Terri Humphrey and a lot of her neighbors are trying to stop it. There was a room full of people Tuesday night in Shively against the expansion, and all of them joining forces to fight it. If LG&E gets the permit, construction could start next year. Some politicians at Tuesday’s meeting say they understand the residents’ concerns, but are also working closely with LG&E to make sure every precaution is taken.
On September 28, the EPA is holding a public hearing in Louisville. Everyone is welcome to go and voice their opinions and concerns about coal ash.
