In East Tennessee a barrier broke and spilled 300 acres of toxic sludge. The largest
spill prior to this was Exxon-Valdez (11 million gallons of oil) this spill is 1.1 billion
almost a hundred times larger than Valdez. Although coal ash has cancer causing
agents such arsenic and lead it is not considered hazardous by the EPA.
Furthermore, the TVA has stated has stated air samples and other studies meet state
and federal standards for drinking water. Yet people in the area are having upper
respiratory issues, bloody noses, headaches, drainage out of the eyes and ear
infections. All of these symptoms occured AFTER the spillage. The area has
enlisted Erin Brockovich to fight on their behalf and file a lawsuit against TVA.