Researchers: Coal Ash Sites Contaminate Water

Results of a new study claim some Ohio Valley residents could be drinking cancer-causing chemicals.

Officials with the Environmental Integrity Project said they uncovered 39 coal ash sites across the country that are spilling toxic chemicals like arsenic and chromium into ground and well water.

To read the report, click here

Researchers said that brings the total nationwide to 137.

Georgetown, Pa., resident Tyra Collins won't let her family drink the well water at her home.

"We drink bottled water," she said. "We only drink bottled water."

She's lived near FirstEnergy's Little Blue coal ash impoundment for 25 years.

Now, Collins fears toxic chemicals are flowing from her tap.

A study released Thursday by EIP claims 22 private wells near Little Blue have been contaminated.

Researchers said the health of neighbors like Collins is at risk.

Jeff Stant, director of the Coal Combustion Waste Initiative, said "People living nearby coal ash ponds can have an extremely high, one in 50 risk of cancer. That's more than 2,000 times higher than what the Environmental Protection Agency considers acceptable."

"There are a lot of people in this town who have gotten cancer and this town is not that big," said Collins. "Everyone is in close proximity to the impoundment. In my opinion, the lake is the cause of a lot of the illness."

The report also claims American Electric Power's Cardinal Plant in Jefferson County is contaminating ground water with high levels of arsenic that are 10 times the maximum level allowed.

AEP and FirstEnergy officials told NEWS9 they test the water and results meet environmental requirements.

Collins said FirstEnergy offered to bring residents bottled water but she won't take it.

"I don't want anything from them. I want justice," she said.

Collins is calling in a private company to test her well.

The researchers involved in this study wanted federal coal ash regulation.

Their report comes just days before the U.S. EPA will start holding public meetings about it.

A hearing will be held in Pittsburgh on Sept. 21.