AppalachianThe FREE August/September 2017 VOICE

Wildflower Wonders Discover some of the region’s brilliant late-summer blooms Appalachia’s Health Report Residents contend with a rise in black lung disease and opioid abuse along with other environmental threats

Cultivating Forest Medicinals | Pipelines Update | Hiking at ’s Natural Bridge The AppalachianVOICE A note from our team A note from our executive director For many Appalachians, summer means keeping As Appalachian Voices continues to fight new investments in A publication of fossil fuels, we’re also striving to advance clean energy, including Environmental News From Around the Region our gardens watered, spending time in the woods and AppalachianVoices the most effective, low-cost solution — energy efficiency. catching up on home projects. What we don’t typically Home energy efficiency improvements can lift the burden of West Acquires Land for Newly Reintroduced Elk NC: 589 W. King St., Boone, NC 28607 • 828-262-1500 worry about is our energy costs. But as we lean towards high utility bills — especially for low-income families — and make VA: 812 E. High St., Charlottesville, VA 22902 • 434-293-6373 By Rachel Pressley acquired more than 44,000 acres that The groups are all helping with the a lot of opportunities for public enjoy- fall, tens of thousands of families will once again face homes healthier, all while protecting our air and water from the Other Regional Offices: Knoxville, TN • Norton, VA • Raleigh, NC make up the Wildlife Management Area active elk restoration plan, which, ac- ment,” says Randy Kelley, the state’s elk the worry of how they’re going to pay their energy bills. impacts of dirty fuels. Below, Rory McIlmoil, our Energy Savings As of late July, 23 elk roamed new AppalachianVoices.org | [email protected] known as the elk zone. The land was cording to the Division of project leader. Since 2013, our Energy Savings for Appalachia Program Manager, discusses how Appalachian Voices is working public lands in southern West Virginia. obtained by purchasing and leasing Game and Inland Fisheries, is address- The West Virginia Division of team has advocated for a solution called “on-bill financ- to make the benefits of energy efficiency more accessible and The herd was introduced to the area Editor...... Molly Moore separate tracts of land including 32,000 ing possibilities for elk management in Natural Resources is managing the elk Associate Editor...... Elizabeth E. Payne ing” that would allow families to pay for energy effi- affordable to families in our region. in December 2016 as part of an effort onsulting ditor amie oodman acres within Wapiti Woods, located in Virginia while taking into consideration zone and plans to release more Rocky C E ...... J G ciency home improvements that lower their monthly to rebuild an elk population in the Contributing Editor...... Brian Sewell For the future, the Allegheny National Forest. the biological, sociological, economic Mountain elk to the area. Distribution Manager...... Meredith Shelton bills while making their homes more comfortable. Mountain State. The Conservation Fund, an envi- and environmental issues present. Kelley explained that to be able Editorial Assistant...... Meredith Abercrombie We’re focusing on rural electric cooperatives, which Tom Cormons, Executive Director Native to North America, elk began Editorial Assistant...... Rachel Pressley ronmental nonprofit organization that Currently, more than three-fourths to eventually bring in more elk, the serve more than 500,000 homes in the Appalachian declining after Europeans arrived. Ac- Graphic Designer...... Maggie Sherwood focuses on preservation, along with 19 of the land is accessible to the public, agency’s Wildlife Resources Section is Graphic Designer...... Carrie Hayes region of and . One out of Only by exercising the power we have as members cording to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Marketing Assistant...... Tyler Bizjack different organizations and many vol- while the rest is inaccessible until the planning to lease and buy land as it be- every five of those households struggle to pay their winter Service, by 1880 the Eastern elk was Marketing Assistant...... Jack Pownell of electric co-ops can we achieve a more efficient and unteers, joined in the effort to secure reclamation bonds are released. comes available for two other primary energy bills, with many spending more than a third of their extinct. The Rocky Mountain elk and sustainable Appalachia and alleviate the burden of energy this land, which was once owned by “We hope to establish a healthy, release areas. These sections will be DISTRIBUTION VOLUNTEERS: Another Season Honey income just to keep their homes warm. costs faced by so many families. Electric co-ops can help the Manitoban elk are the two subspe- Farm, Alison Auciello, Karen Austin-Clayton, Debbie Bahr, mining, timber and land-holding com- self-sustaining elk herd that we can one part of the southern portion of the elk Electric co-ops already have access to funding and cies being reintroduced to lands once Becky Barlow, D’Arcy Batson, Shawn Becker, Bob Belton, address that problem for our families and communities. panies. Some parcels are still awaiting day have to offer for hunting opportu- zone and will be protected and open to part of the Eastern elk’s historic range. Charlie Bowles, Lynn Brammer, Ben Bristoll, Steve Brooks, resources that could help their customers save money It’s up to us to move them to action. post-mining reclamation. nities, while at the same time, offering the public for recreational uses. During 2015 and 2016, the agency Teri Brown, Christa Brusen, Bill Bunch, Derek Burke, Rob and live more comfortably, while also creating jobs and For our communities, Campbell, Sarah Caskey, Charlie Chakales, Shay and Kim lowering carbon emissions. So far, only a handful of co- Clanton, Cara Cooper, Dave Cooper, George Cortesi, Carly ops in the region have taken steps to offer this program. EPA Sampling for PCB Contamination Cicada Brood Hatches for First Time in 17 Years Crickenberger, Darlene Cunningham, John David, Sister The familiar hum of cicadas will be on full While there were sightings of cicadas Beth Davies, Deborah Deatherage, Clint Dye, Bill Elliott, That could all change if co-op members make their EPA sealed off the mine site in 1992. By Meredith Abercrombie blast this summer, as Periodical Cicada Brood in places like and Kentucky earlier Jakob Elliott, Nels Erickson, Frank Frey, Joe Geiger, Dave voices heard. If you are a co-op member, you are a part- But the high rates of cancer con- VI emerges for the first time since 2000. These this summer, Magicicada.org, a website that Gilliam, Scott Goebel, Lisa Goodpaster, Bruce Gould, Janet The U.S. Environmental Protection owner of your electric utility, meaning you have the power tinue to be a problem. The Fayetteville cicadas are found in North Carolina, northeast tracks cicada hatchings, suspects these are Hagy, Bill Harris, Jackie Havenaar, Susan Hazlewood, Agency was sampling water and soil in to influence the decisions your co-op makes regarding Rory McIlmoil Tribune reports that area residents be- and upper . straggler populations that were not due to Sharon Helt, Tim Huntley, Mary K., Dennis Keeney, Allison Minden, W.Va., as of press time in early energy efficiency and clean energy. lieve one-third of their small commu- Anglers are looking forward to the trout hatch until 2021. — Meredith Abercrombie Keith, Frances Lamberts, Carissa Lenfert, Susan Lewis, Energy Savings Program Manager August. It is suspected that PCBs — nity have been diagnosed with cancer. that surface to feed on the cicadas. Loy Lilley, Joy Lourie, Diane Lucas, Gail Marney, Kate man-made chlorine-based chemicals McClory, Kim McClure, Rich McDonough, Mike McKinney, Dr. Hassan Amjad, a physician in — from equipment and oil dumped at Linda Meyer, Steve Moeller, Nick Mullins, Catherine Murray, Minden, has been conducting research an old mine in Minden are contaminat- Don O’Dell, Rob Osborne, Adam Pendlebury, Tessa into the correlation between PCB con- Perkins, Rick Phelps, Patti Phelps, Stephanie Pistello Chase environmental & cultural events ing soil and water and causing cancer GET INVOLVED tamination and the number of Minden Pugh, Bronwyn Reece, Carol Rollman, Kristin Rouse, Jenny among many community members. workshops, activities for children and more at See more at appvoices.org/calendar Rytel, Debbie Samuels, Steve Scarborough, Gerry and Joe Adopt-A-Trail Service Outing: residents diagnosed with cancer. In a ‘TIS THE Cooper’s Rock State Forest the Appalachian South Folklife Center. Ticket Shaffer Equipment Company used Scardo, Frank Schaller, Susie Seiler, Kathy Selvage, Brenda and strategize ways to create movements of press release by Headwaters Defense, Aug. 19: Volunteer with the Sierra Club to help prices vary. Pipestem, W.Va. Visit culturefestwv. the abandoned mine site in the 1960s Sigmon, Janeen Solberg, Lucy Spencer, Jennifer Stertzer, change. Registration required, ticket prices vary. clean a cross-country ski trail in Cooper’s Rock com/home or call 304-425-6425. an environmental justice organization, Andrew Tarley, Robert Thompson, Derrick Von Kundra, Bill Fredericksburg, Va. Visit vcnva.org/assembly or to store equipment, such as transform- State Park, while enjoying nature and identifying Amjad states, “The EPA is afraid to find Wasserman, Dean Whitworth, Barbara Williamson, Diana call 804-644-0283. ers, that contained PCBs. In 1979, the SEASON trees. Free. Bruceton Mills, W.Va. Visit tinyurl. Roanoke Hike for Hospice their own mistakes.” Withen, Gabrielle Zeiger, Ray Zimmerman Sept. 10: Contribute to a great cause during EPA officially banned their use of PCBs, com/CoopersRockService or call 304-594-2636. Great Outdoors Weekend The EPA was collecting samples the third annual Good Samaritan Hospice’s Sept. 23, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.: Join Friends of Big Bone acknowledging that the toxic chemical About the Cover hike, with trips ranging from easy to moderate, from 20 sites, but only one of those Solar Eclipse to learn about the local history of paleontology can lead to cancer. BBQ RUBS along with multiple activities and a VIP farm-to- was from the predominately black Aug. 21: Do not miss this rare and mesmerizing and archaeology with scientists from the Cincin- Citizens expressed concerns about table dinner. Registration required, cost varies. natural phenomenon. Partial and full views of nati Museum Center and college professors. community that is closest to the mine SPICE BLENDS | TEAS Roanoke, Va. Visit hikeforhospiceva.com or call the EPA’s current presence in Minden the eclipse can be seen across Kentucky, Ten- Free. Union, Ky. Visit tinyurl.com/BigboneOut- site, and one of the most at risk. “The 888-466-7809. to the Register-Herald, alleging that nessee, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina doorWeekend or call 859-689-5631. SUGARS | SALTS and Georgia. Wear proper eye protection. Visit fact that they are not sampling there WV Highlands Conservancy 50th previous visits have not resulted in any eclipse2017.nasa.gov to learn more. indicates mal-intent on behalf of the Anniversary Celebration Fall Folk Arts Festival improvements. In the 80s and early EPA,” Amjad stated in the press release. Season Extension/ Winter Sept. 15-17: Commemorate 50 years of protect- Sept. 23-24: Celebrate the folk traditions of the ‘90s, the EPA attempted to clean up the Gardening Workshop ing the natural land of West Virginia with out- region with live music, crafts and food from the The EPA estimates that the results market and live demonstrations of practices from mines multiple times, informing the Aug. 24: Learn about methods of gardening into ings, workshops, discussions and many other of the sampling will be ready by late the 1800s. $3. Kingsport, Tenn. Visit exchange- town that the situation was resolved the winter season at the Pine Mountain Settle- celebratory events. Ticket prices vary. Davis, summer. After that, there will be a pub- place.info/festival-details or call 423-288-6071. and there was no threat to residents’ ment School. Free, registration required. Pine W.Va. Visit wvhighlands.org/celebrating-50-years lic open house to discuss the results or email [email protected]. health. After continued problems, the Mountain, Ky. Visit tinyurl.com/PineWinterGar- High Knob Naturalist Rally den or call 606-558-3571. and answer questions. 9th Annual Flock to the Rock Sept. 30: Attend one of the largest events fo- Fungi Fest Sept. 16, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Visit Chimney Rock cused on ecology and conservation in the region with activities throughout the day at High Knob A butterfly alights on a Turk’s cap lily in Sept. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Join the Asheville Mush- State Park and learn about the birds that flock 2016 Deadliest Year for Environmental Activists Vilas, N.C., along a tributary of Linville Creek. Lake. Free. Norton, Va. Visit clinchcoalition.net/ room Club for a day of mushroom education, to the Hickory Nut Gorge and how to identify New research shows that 2016 was the Global Witness, along with The Guard- See our wildflower story on p. 8. This image high-knob-naturalist-rally. including guided identification walks, classes, them, in a day full of hikes, presentations and deadliest year for environmental activists ian news publication, aims to record every was made by James M. Davidson, who also demos. Included with park admission. Chimney and vendors with edible mushrooms. $10 non- National Storytelling Festival worldwide, with 200 deaths replacing the activist death this year to raise awareness serves as Appalachian Voices’ Graphic Com- members, $5 club members. Swannanoa, N.C. Rock, N.C. Visit chimneyrockpark.com/event/9th- Oct. 6-8: Let your mind wander as you listen to record set in 2015. of this rising trend. There were 98 killings ® munication Coordinator. In addition, Davidson Visit tinyurl.com/FungiFest or call 828-236-3817. annual-flock-rockor call 800-277-9611. The Spice & Tea Exchange tales spoken by some of the best storytellers This is twice the number from five identified within the first five months of 2017. is an artist, photographer and musician. View Culturefest Virginia Environmental Assembly in the world. Ticket prices vary. Jonesborough, years ago, according to Global Witness, an — Meredith Abercrombie 1087-4 Main St. | Blowing Rock /$ | 828-372-7070 more of his work at orchardhillphoto.com and Tenn. Visit storytellingcenter.net/events/national- Sept. 7-10: Experience expressions of music and Sept. 22-23: Meet with other Virginia citizens independent watchdog group. follow him on Instagram at jdavidson888. storytelling-festival or call 423-753-2171. art from around the world, with performances, to discuss current threats to the environment The Appalachian Voice August/September 2017 Page 3 PROOF

Environmental News From Around the Region U.S. Department of Justice Withdraws New Plan Being Crafted for Two Funding Request for Kentucky Prison North Carolina National Forests By Meredith Abercrombie wanted to see in the new plan. former Appalachian Voices employee. By Rachel Pressley Topics ranged from conservation “It’s not something that we want to en- The U.S. Forest Service is in the In April 2017, the U.S. Depart- concerns from environmental groups, danger. Road traffic noise, air pollution, process of revising the Forest Plan for ment of Justice withdrew their funding logging areas for timber companies and light pollution and water pollution will the Pisgah and Nantahala National For- request for a $444 million prison on a recreational uses for the public. have major impacts on that ecosystem.” ests, which would guide the goals and former mountaintop removal coal min- The Forest Service will take the The Prison Ecology Project, an objectives for these two North Carolina ing site in Roxana, Ky. statements from the meetings and re- organization that argues against the national forests for the next 15 years. The DOJ cited a declining prison vise the released draft. They will then prison industry’s history of water pol- In the initial set of objectives re- population over the past few years and provide it to the public, where the pro- lution and ecological degradation, and leased by the Forest Service, the three asked that the Federal Bureau of Pris- cess will begin again with more public the Letcher Governance Project, a group main themes were maintaining clean ons, a subdivision of the DOJ, expand hearings and another draft. of local residents that are rejecting the water, enhancing resiliency and con- capacity at existing facilities instead. During the original part of the prison as a form of economic develop- necting the people to the land. In President Trump’s proposed bud- process, which started in 2014, citizens ment, have been working with others A period of open houses, taking get, the Bureau of Prisons would direct expressed concerns about preserving across the country to fight against mass place across the different districts of the $80 million toward retrofitting and ex- specially protected designations such incarceration and the prison industry. forests, was set to conclude Aug. 8. Dur- panding the capacity of a federal prison as Wilderness Study Areas. These open Rep. Hal Rogers, who represents the ing that time, the public — including in western Illinois to move prisoners houses mark a new approach the agency area in the U.S. House, claims that the community members, environmental there instead of constructing the new is taking to promote transparency and prison would be helpful with employ- groups and business representatives — facility in Letcher County, Ky. increase opportunity for public input. ment since local residents are dealing had a chance to talk to the revision team Among the concerns expressed by The final draft of the forest plan is with a lack of coal jobs. and district rangers about what they opponents of the Roxana proposal was expected in the spring of 2018. “It’s hard to be excited about the the prison’s potential impact on Lilly DOJ’s decision because it’s not a win, Cornett Woods, an old-growth forest yet,” said Ray. “We’re still incarcerat- located one mile from the proposed site. Studies Show Harmful Air Pollution From Wildfires ing more people in this country than “Not a lot of people get to say By Meredith Abercrombie contained multiple harmful chemi- any other country, and we can’t get Hal that they have an old-growth forest a Two studies published by the Geor- cals and could be a health hazard at a Rogers, our own U.S. representative, to few miles from where they live,” said gia Institute of Technology in June sug- rate three times higher than the EPA listen. There is still potential for him to Tarence Ray, a resident involved with gest that air particle pollution from for- reported in the emissions inventories fight this in Congress.” the Letcher Governance Project and a est fires is much worse than originally from prescribed burnings. identified by the U.S. Environmental The other study found that par- Protection Agency. ticulates from forest fires are lingering Community Members Fight Proposed Asphalt For the two studies, researchers in the upper levels of the atmosphere Residents of Glendale Springs, N.C., concerns from community members, includ- collected smoke samples from for- and could be accelerating the rate of are speaking out against a proposed asphalt ing the air quality for Camp New Hope, a est fire plumes in the western United global warming. plant that Appalachian Materials, LLC, in- haven for terminally ill children that is close States to test particulates in the smoke. University of Montana - Missoula tends to build in their town. According to the to the plant site, and the traffic from the plant atmospheric scientist Bob Yokelson rec- permit application, the plant would produce hurting the town’s tourist economy. The results are relevant for other areas ommends prescribed burnings to help 300,000 tons of asphalt per year. Opponents are raising money to fight that have experienced forest fires, such A website started by Protect Our Fresh the proposal in court and are circulating an as Appalachia. reduce the amounts of harmful toxins Air, the Ashe County chapter of The Blue online petition. — Meredith Abercrombie One study found that the burning being released into the environment by Ridge Environmental Defense League, lists timber produced fine particles that wildfires, according to a press release from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Enviva Biomass Facility Meets Opposition In December 2018, an Enviva wood- are destroyed daily in North Carolina and pellet processing plant is slated to open in South Carolina because of logging for bio- Richmond County, N.C., next to the town of mass pellets that are exported to Europe. Dobbins Heights. A video produced by the group Enviva’s website suggests that their shows residents protesting the building wood pellets create an energy-dense fuel of the new plant with signs saying, “Stop that emits much less sulphur oxide and Enviva” and, “Say NO to Enviva in Rich- carbon than other fossil fuels. mond County.” The residents say the plant The Dogwood Alliance, an Asheville- will cause pollution, increasing the risk based environmental organization, op- of breathing problems and other health poses the building of another plant for issues already in the community due to an industry that they say is speeding up different nearby. — Rachel Pressley climate change. Over 50 acres of forests

Page 4 August/September 2017 The Appalachian Voice CMYK

Two Interstate Pipelines Clear Regulatory Hurdles Despite Opposition Hiking the Highlands By Elizabeth E. Payne The U.S. Forest Service This summer, the Federal Regula- is reviewing its plans for the Traversing the Rock Formations tory Energy Commission issued its three national forests that final environmental review for both the two proposed pipelines the Mountain Valley and the Atlantic would cross. The agency is- at Kentucky’s Natural Bridge Coast pipelines. sued its draft decision for the These assessments are intended to Jefferson National Forest on June By Joe Tennis accurately evaluate the environmental 23, which would allow the Mountain On the outskirts of the Red River risk the two projects would entail and Valley Pipeline to cross the forest if Gorge, hikers at Natural Bridge State respond to public concerns about the approved. Public comments for this Park walk among natural sandstone draft version issued in 2016. But com- plan closed on Aug. 7. structures and climb stairs amid thick- Natural Bridge State Resort Park munity and environmental groups, On July 21, the USFS issued its ets of rhododendron and the shade of Length: Loop from lodge to Lover’s Leap is 2.3 including Appalachian Voices, the draft decision for the George Wash- hemlocks. If you want the reward of long- miles roundtrip. publisher of this paper, stated that the ington and Monongahela national range views from your workout, then The striking Natural Bridge serves as the namesake of this Kentucky park and offers hikers Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous agency “utterly fails to independently forests, which would allow the At- you’re in luck at this jewel near Slade, Ky. a stone promenade with views of the Red River Gorge. Photos by Joe Tennis Directions: Follow Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway to Slade, Ky., then take Kentucky Route assess whether the project is even lantic Coast Pipeline to cut “We have approximately 20 miles Bridge. The view from here overlooks He suggests using a hiking 11 S/ Natural Bridge Road to the park entrance. needed,” and instead relies on the through these territories. of trails,” says Brian Gasdorf, a park the Red River Gorge landscape, with stick or poles to take pressure off Contact: Call 606-663-2214 or visit parks. pipeline companies’ claim that the Comments can be submitted naturalist. “The primary reason people distant sandstone cliffs towering over your knees on the downhill climb, ky.gov/parks/resortparks/natural-bridge projects are necessary. until Sept. 5. come out here is for hiking on our sys- lush valleys. which stretches about an eighth An April 2016 study by the Institute Following a review of any Citizens protested the Atlantic Coast Pipeline outside tem of trails.” where breakfast and dinner buffets Continue following the Laurel of a mile to reach the Battleship Rock of Energy Economics and Financial filed objections, the USFS of Dominion Energy’s 2015 shareholder meeting. To gain an overview of the park, start await hungry hikers. Photo courtesy of Chesapeake Climate Action Network Ridge Trail for about a half-mile, or Trail. At this point, turn right and go a Analysis found that natural gas pipe- will decide whether to issue hiking at the Hemlock Lodge for a loop Hiking under these up-and-down maybe more, before arriving at a cliff half-mile to an intersection with the lines out of the Marcellus and Utica a special use permit, pending that spans 2.3 miles but will likely leave conditions is not your typical walk in agency by Aug.19, and in Virginia, called Lookout Point. This is what Gas- Rock Garden Trail. Turn right and go shale are being overbuilt and that FERC FERC approval of the pipelines. you feeling you walked twice that length. the woods, Gasdorf says. “Just a mile comments are due by Aug. 22. dorf considers “probably the second- an eighth of a mile. Then turn left on is contributing to the overbuild by Before the companies behind ei- This route begins on the “Original here can seem like a very different ex- “It’s definitely not a done deal, most visited lookout at Natural Bridge the Original Trail and follow another granting high rates of return to pipeline ther pipeline can begin construction, Trail,” which crosses through a shady perience for somebody when they’re even though they’re presenting it because you can actually get a picture eighth of a mile. From here, a left turn companies. each state along the routes must issue forest of Eastern hemlock, white pine not quite used to that, so it’s something like it is. It falls upon us as citizens of Natural Bridge itself from a distance, on the sidewalk leads to the lodge, The groups also criticized FERC water permits required by Section 401 and red oak, interspersed with odd that they need to keep in mind.” u to make people understand that looking across the valley.” for overlooking the harm the pipe- of the federal Clean Water Act. sandstone formations. it’s not something that’s set in Beyond Lookout Point, continue lines would do to the water resources, In March, the West Virginia Dept. Handrails line much of this trail. stone,” Jorden Revels, a college without thinking longer term: How long another half-mile to a dead-end at forests, agricultural lands and wildlife of Environmental Protection issued Yet you may soon be huffing and puff- student and Appalachian Voices intern will we use it, and are there other energy Lover’s Leap Overlook. “When you’re along their routes. its 401 Water Quality Certification for ing just like the steam trains did in the told ThinkProgress. Revels is a Native sources that might replace it?” standing there, you actually look out STARNES TREE SERVICE “The Mountain Valley Pipeline will the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Five 1890s, when this park was developed American student at the University of A second legal challenge against to another outcropping rock,” Gasdorf Specializing in the relationship devalue our land, limit its uses and re- environmental groups — including Ap- by the Lexington and Eastern Railroad. North Carolina at Pembroke in Robe- the Mountain Valley Pipeline has been says. “And what’s interesting about that between your trees and your home duce taxes which support our schools palachian Voices — have asked a federal “We have a sign that says it’s the son County, N.C., where the Atlantic filed in U.S. District Court in Roanoke, location is we think there used to be an and public services,” Maury Johnson, appeals court to overturn this approval. shortest and easiest route to Natural Coast Pipeline’s proposed route would Va. Citizens from Virginia and West arch right there, spanning all the way an affected landowner in Monroe Public hearings for the certification Bridge,” says Gasdorf, laughing a little. cross Lumbee tribal lands. Virginia contend that if FERC were to across to that outcropping rock. That County, W.Va., said in a statement. “It were held in late July and early August “Shortest is definitely the truth. Easiest, Construction of the Constitution approve the pipeline, it would violate arch has since collapsed.” will impact the water that we so much for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline in West I think, was just put on there because Pipeline, which would stretch from their Fifth Amendment rights under the That outcrop goes by several depend upon for our families, our Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina it is the shortest.” to New York, was blocked U.S. Constitution, which requires that names, including Profile Rock, because farms and our communities.” and in Virginia for the Mountain Val- The trail makes a 350-foot elevation in April 2016 when the New York Dept. private lands only be taken “for public the lower part of the rock can look like • Pre-Build Consulting • Pesticide/Fertilizer “It should be criminal to attempt ley Pipeline. Written comments to the gain from the lodge to ultimately arrive of Environmental Conservation denied use” and with “just compensation.” the profile of a face when seen from a • Risk Assessment Injections such a pipeline when the profound WVDEP were due by Aug. 4. In North at the sandstone arch, which stands 65 the pipeline company’s petition for a Before leaving for its August re- certain angle. According to Gasdorf, • Fruit Tree Pruning environmental damage has not been Carolina, written comments must be feet high and spans 78 feet in length. • Risk Management 401 water quality permit. Constitution cess, the U.S. Senate confirmed two of this fallen arch is also known as the adequately assessed,” he added. submitted to the state’s environmental “It’s one of the larger arches in the • Tree Survey • Spike-Free Pruning Pipeline Company, LLC, is appealing Devil’s Pulpit because it looks like the President Trump’s nominees for FERC, area,” Gasdorf says. “It has sort of a • Environmental Consulting • Stump Grinding this decision. face has a podium in front of it. restoring the quorum lost in Febru- magnificent way that it stands there. • Tree Diagnosis • Canopy Reduction Lewis Freeman, the chair and ex- Backtrack from the cliff about a ary when one of the commissioners And people like it because you can walk ecutive director of the Alleghany-Blue quarter-mile, and you’ll come to a stepped down. on top of it. We don’t have any railings RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL • Delicious Deli-Style Sandwiches Ridge Alliance, a coalition of 51 orga- choice on how to travel back down. FERC is expected to make its final on top, so there is the real natural ele- nizations working to stop the Atlantic First, you can try the Needle’s Eye, a decision about the Mountain Valley ment to it.” • Homemade Soups Coast Pipeline, questions the speed stairway built by the Civilian Conser- Pipeline on Sept. 21 and about the At- Cross under the bridge and look with which the bureaucratic hurdles vation Corps in the 1930s. Or you can • Vegetarian Fare lantic Coast Pipeline on Oct. 19. left for a narrow passage known as “The are being cleared. walk about 300 feet further to go down For more information on the 401 Squeeze.” Geologically, Gasdorf says, • And Much More! “What we’re faced with here is mis- the Devil’s Gulch, a narrow chute with hearings, including how to submit “The Squeeze” is a vertical fracture that guided inertia,” he says. “Once they dis- a rock wall on the left edge, which Gas- Experienced • Insured • Reliable comments, visit appvoices.org/frack- may have separated during an earth- covered all these deposits of gas, there is dorf notes may be more treacherous. ing/actions. Read about construction quake to form a passage with sheer walls. ETHICAL TREE CARE IN THE HIGH COUNTRY this inertia that has been created. ‘Oh, problems with two other Eastern pipe- “They’re both very steep stairways,” 240 Shadowline Drive, Boone, North Carolina After squeezing through, turn left we must get it out, and we must use it,’ lines on page 20. u he says. “And a lot of folks really enjoy 828-733-TREE (8733) (828) 262-1250 • www.Peppers-Restaurant.com to cross atop the 24-foot-wide Natural them for the excitement of it.”

Page 6 August/September 2017 The Appalachian Voice The Appalachian Voice August/September 2017 Page 7 Turk’s Also known as: American tiger lily, turban lily, swamp lily, lily royal Mountain Goldenrod Scientific name: Lilium superbum Angelica Cap Lily Where and when to find it: The Turk’s cap lily blooms from July Naturalist’s Notebook through September and can be found as far north as New Hamp- shire and as far south as . The wildflowers prefer wooded Wildflower Wonders and swampy habitats, as well as wet meadows and thickets. By Meredith Abercrombie and Rachel Pressley riverbeds. While some have long been used as medicine, they Appalachian Naturalist’s Notes: The beauty of the turk’s cap lily is hard to miss. Wildflowers are one of Appalachia’s most vibrant symbols can also be harmful, so consult a medical professional before The common name comes from the traditional red hat worn in of summer. As the season’s end nears, nature-lovers take time to use. Also, be aware of threatened and endangered flowers that Grass-of-Parnassus Turkey, which the flower resembles. The bright orange-red flower is Reina Pearson appreciate nature’s bouquet before the crisp fall air transforms should not be removed from their natural habitat. We hope you speckled with deeper red spots and the long flowing petals droop the land into crunchy, colorful memories of what once was. enjoy learning about these, and maybe find some blooming Also known as: Genus of the down. You may spot hummingbirds hovering around the flower, as Here we explore a few beautiful, unique flowers that on your next adventure. Asteraceae family Jim Fowler, they are often attracted to the bright color. It is the tallest lily spe- blossom in late summer along Appalachia’s trails, forests and Scientific name: Solidago spp. jfowlerphotography.com cies native to America, often reaching seven feet in height. — M.A. Where and when to find it: Gold- Passionflower Gentian Family enrod refers to a genus of more Spreading Also known as: Appalachian avens, cliff avens The Gentian family of flowering plants occurs on than 100 species within the aster Scientific name: Geum radiatum all continents except Antarctica. There are 87 biologi- family. It is found across the coun- Avens Karen Roussel, Flickr try and blooms from July through Where and when to find it: Spreading avens grows exclusively cal groupings and over 1,600 species known. user karen3292 The family evolved in the tropics and eventually September. While this wildflower along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee at a minimum spread to the North temperate regions. The species Also known as: Filmy angelica is not exclusive to Appalachia, the elevation of 4,367 feet. These wildflowers flourish in sunny, open bright splashes of yellow can be seen conditions. Flowers bloom June through September, and their fruit that grow in the eastern United States include the blue Scientific name: Angelica across the region. In fact, the gold- forms August through October. Appalachian gentian ( austromontana), the triquinata pink Appalachian rose gentian (Sabatia capitata), the enrod is the state flower of Kentucky. Naturalist’s Notes: Spreading avens’ flowers are a fluorescent yel- Soapwort Gentian Where and when to find it: Wikimedia Commons purple soapwort gentian (Gentiana saponaria), the Naturalist’s Notes: Historically, the low, while the leaves take a kidney shape. There are only 11 popula- Scott Ranger The mountain angelica is a purple Sampson’s snakeroot (Gentiana villosa), the goldenrod has been used for many tions of spreading avens known to still exist. In 1990, it was listed Also known as: Kidney-leaved Grass- wildflower whose home is purple stiff gentian (Gentianella quinquefolia) and medicinal purposes — solidago as a federally endangered species. The biggest threats this species of-Parnassus the Appalachian Mountains, the blue bottle gentian (Gentiana clausa). derives from the latin word solidar, faces are erosion, deforestation and damage from human traffic. John Flannery stretching from northeast Bloom time for these specific gentians range from Scientific name: Parnassia asarifolia meaning “to make whole.” Native To help protect these at-risk wildflowers, stay on marked trails Georgia to Pennsylvania. Find Jim Fowler, Also known as: Apricot vine, the end of July through October. They are also rare, Americans had multiple uses for and be aware of where you tread during your excursions. — M.A. Where and when to find it: Blooms it blooming in more open areas jfowlerphotography.com maypop, water lemon at risk or endangered in specific states due to habitat the plant, like the Meskwaki, who from late August to October and is of woods or meadows in late fragmentation, destruction and degradation. made a lotion with the plant to Scientific name: Passiflora found primarily in the Appalachian summer through September. BUILDING BETTER SPONSORED BY incarnata Gentians in the eastern United States typically Mountains and Ozark Mountains. help external wounds, or the Zuni, grow in habitats like high elevation hickory-oak-pine Naturalist’s Notes: Mountain who chewed on the flower to help Hempcrete Houses Walls That Really Breathe Where and when to find it: Habitats are at high elevations near forests, grassy balds, meadows, streambanks and mountain swamps, seeps and along- angelica’s nectar is poisonous sore throats. Other common uses You’ll hear lots of people tell you that houses Blooms from April to September Appalachian Rose Gentian need to breathe. Usually when they say that they roadsides. Globally, they inhabit deserts, savannas, side streams. to some insects and causes an include the treatment of urinary in the East and Midwest in Alan Cressler mean that it’s normal for a house to be drafty. prairies, rainforests, temperate forests and the tundra. intoxicated state. It is one of tract infections, seasonal allergies, habitats such as roadsides, Naturalist’s Notes: The flower’s white But that’s a misconception — houses that leak The plants have long been used as herbal rem- the four angelica species found kidney stones and arthritis. It is of- meadows, pastures, woodland blooms and kidney-shaped basal air are simply wasting energy. The last 15 to 20 edies. Currently, gentians are used in weight loss in the Southeast. The flowers ten confused with ragweed, which edges and riverbanks. leaves inspire its second name, the years have seen a dramatic improvement in the products, skin care products, perfumes and homeo- range from white to greenish- blooms at the same time and in the Kidney-leaved Grass-of-Parnassus. understanding of building science and the role Naturalist’s Notes: According pathic treatments. yellow and are endangered in same area as goldenrod and causes of moisture management, air leakage and indoor The white blooms have green veins to the University of Maryland Bumblebees hold a special value to bottle gen- Maryland and Kentucky. — M.A. seasonal allergies. — M.A. air quality in creating an energy-efficient home Medical Center, this exotic along the petals that allow nectar to that truly breathes. tians. This flower never opens itself, therefore insects duces an extremely comfortable, healthy and flow in specific paths. While the flower Bio-aggregate concrete: These materials ornamental flower has many must pry open the petals in order to pollinate it. Bum- energy-efficient living environment. has a conservation status of G4, mean- represent an exciting evolution in home construc- medicinal purposes. When blebees are the only insect strong enough to do so, Also known as: Appalachian bellflower, small Low-carbon building material: The hemp tion. One example that is gaining interest is the properly prepared, it can be used ing that it is apparently secure, it is Southern material used is a by-product of typical indus- making them vital to this species of wildflower. — R.P. bonny bellflower, Southern bluebell use of a hemp by-product mixed with traditional for insomnia, gastrointestinal listed on the state endangered species trial hemp production and thus has a very low Harebell lime concrete binder, which results in a product Sampson’s Snakeroot list in Maryland and Kentucky. — R.P. Scientific name: Campanula divaricata environmental impact. The lime binder, which upset related to anxiety, commonly called “hempcrete.” Wall, floor or roof Eric Hunt requires less energy to produce than portland generalized anxiety disorder Where and when to find it: The southern hare- assemblies made with hempcrete have a few cement, actually absorbs carbon through the and the relief of symptoms from bell is a member of the bellflower family and unique characteristics. life of the home, becoming stronger year by narcotic withdrawal. The fruits is native to the Southeast. It is found primarily Hempcrete walls respond in a dynamic Ruth’s Golden Aster year and actually reducing the carbon footprint in the Appalachian Mountains and blooms way to heat and moisture. They do not trap that grow on the vine of the of the home over time. Also known as: Ruth’s grass-leaved golden- as an endangered species. Ruth’s golden aster moisture the way wall cavities sometimes can passionflower can be consumed throughout late summer. The plant prefers Sunny Day Homes recently had the op- aster, Ruth’s silk-grass typically grows in crevices that are located be- — rather they absorb and release moisture by small animals and humans. rocky outcrops and shady slopes. portunity to participate in the construction of a in response to changing weather conditions. Scientific name: Pityopsis ruthii tween forest slopes and river channels. In June hempcrete house being built in Asheville, N.C., These flowers are the only Naturalist’s Notes: These flowers are named In addition, because of their monolithic con- 2017, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stated under the guidance of a pioneer in hempcrete Where and when to find it: Blooms June to after their delicate bell shape. The plants only struction and alkaline pH, mold cannot grow food source for gulf fritillary that they will release a five-year evaluation that construction, and we’re hopeful that we will be November in Polk County, Tenn., along the reach one to two feet in height but bloom in in a hempcrete wall. They also have a unique caterpillars and are also vital includes a multi-step recovery plan for the spe- building one soon. Hiwassee and Ocoee rivers. large masses. These wildflowers are currently combination of insulation and mass that pro- for other butterfly larvae. cies. The public is asked to provide information classified as endangered in Maryland but are The passionflower’s unique Naturalist’s Notes: Due to this herbaceous pe- on the species before August 29. Visit tinyurl. ABOUT SUNNY DAY HOMES: Sunny Day homes is a been advocating for non-toxic, environmentally responsible structure requires a large bee ranked globally in the G4 conservation catego- small, family-owned general contracting firm that has been and energy-efficient building ever since. Call/text (828) 964- rennial’s narrow distribution and the constant com/fws-golden-aster for details. — R.P. Robert Love Taylor, flickr. incorporated since 1997. They built the first certified green 3419 or visit sunnydayhomesinc.com for effective pollination. — R.P. Alan Cressler modification of its habitat, it is federally listed com/photos/rlovetaylor ry, meaning they are apparently secure. — M.A. home in North Carolina’s High Country in 2008 and have

Page 8 August/September 2017 The Appalachian Voice The Appalachian Voice August/September 2017 Page 9 42 / 21 PROOF PROOF /75 Ginseng plants, far left, take two to four years to flower. The tiny white blossoms will transform into a bright red berry by fall. Photo by Eliza Laubach. At left, Cultivating Forest Medicinals, Cynthia Taylor, pictured front, collaborated with Michelle Pridgen and Katie Trozzo to sell black cohosh to Mountain Rose Herbs. Last fall, they harvested 50 pounds. Photo by Priya Jaishanker. Herb farmer Lorri Burra, below, considers her Creating Healthy Economy land an apothecary. One of her customers is a company that makes homeopathic By Eliza Laubach Crops Research and Extension remedies from forest plants. Photo by Eliza Laubach herb processors will tion as more people embrace herbs Appalachia’s forests feature an Center in Mills River, N.C., is a become certified by for healing. especially concentrated diversity of learning tool for extension agents, the end of 2017, part “Why not in the coal country?” medicinal plants. From the famous graduate students and members of of a new project orga- says Christie, referring to the Ap- ginseng to lesser-known false uni- the WNC Medicinal Herb Growers nized by Appalachian palachian Harvest Herb Hub, which corn, many of these plants are valued Club. All work together to plant the Forest Medicinals Sustainable Develop- borders coal mining regions. “Why in today’s herbalism industry. seeds and track the health of Ap- continued from previous page ment at a local food not where people are looking for a A traditional culture of harvest- palachian forest medicinal plants. Michelle Pridgen, above, dug black cohosh last fall. This cine producers to strengthen storage warehouse in different form of an economy?” ing plants like ginseng and ramps Lorri Burra, a member of the autumn, she plans to harvest it again. Photo by Priya their selling prices. “Most of these Duffield, Va. A year ago Christie started a con- from the region’s expansive forests club, first planted ginseng on her land seven years ago in an old box Jaishanker. Other plants are commonly misidentified as black plants are highly undervalued in sulting business, Taproot Botanical has long helped to sustain area cohosh, left. There are 23 temperate species in black cohosh’s Herb Hub Happenings spring frame. For two years, she saw the marketplace,” he says. Alliance, to link small-scale farmers families. Now, a movement called genus, Actaea. Photo by Eliza Laubach The freshly constructed Ap- nothing, so she stopped looking. Mountain Rose Herbs is to the growing national herb indus- forest farming is emerging to grow palachian Harvest Herb Hub Then last year, she saw the ginseng. the U.S. Department of Agriculture woodland coves and is heavily dug in changing that story. The large try. Being a small-scale herb farmer these plants in private forestland to in Duffield will be used for the “The plants move around,” she and consists of 14 partners: uni- the fall harvest season. It has several herbal supply company based himself unable to make living wages, decrease strains on plant popula- first time this fall by five growers says, “you can’t even weed.” Sure versities, nonprofit organizations, lookalikes and is not always correctly in Oregon is buying ginseng and his mission is “to make sure farmers tions and strengthen the market for processing black cohosh roots. A enough, a ginseng plant grows out- governmental agencies and a re- identified when wild harvested. black cohosh from Forest Grown can thrive in this world.” Appalachian botanicals. professional-grade central pro- side of the box. gional extension program. Members Black cohosh often fetches a Certified farmers at a much Michelle Pridgen is curious to cessing site for harvested herbs Cultivators Coalesce Jeanine Davis, extension special- include herbal medicine processors lower price than stinging nettle, ac- higher price than the industry see how it goes for the farmers using serves a great need for regional Shafts of afternoon sunlight ist and a teacher to Burra and many and growers. cording to Pennsylvania State Uni- standard. The Forest Grown pro- the herb hub in Duffield. She and are selling Forest Grown Verified forest farmers, whose drying dapple the forest floor. A path bor- others, specializes in research and The most commonly tended versity ethnobotanist and coalition gram, created by Pennsylvania the other farmer she worked with products. To reduce costs, Forest methods range widely and are often dered by partly rotten branches development for growing new crops, roots like ginseng and black cohosh partner Eric Burkhart. Even though Certified Organic three years ago, lost money last season with labor Grown is looking for other sponsors cumbersome and tedious. angles across the slope. Just beyond including medicinal forest plants. need five to 10 years to reach me- nettle grows like a weed and black offers an organic certification with a taken into account. So Eric Burkhart to continue the cost-share program Appalachian Sustainable Devel- are patches of black cohosh, ginseng, Many people in the forest farming dicinal potency. Disease, poaching cohosh grows slow and finicky, over- new one that guarantees sustainable negotiated a higher selling price with and also considering a model that opment, a nonprofit organization goldenseal and bloodroot. A high field credit her as a mentor. Her most and competition from native and harvesting and a disconnect between forest cultivation or wild harvesting Mountain Rose Herbs for growers would allow a group of farmers to based in Southwest Virginia and an fence only 10 feet away marks the recent project involves serving as a invasive plants complicate this long wild harvesters and consumers lends standards. this year, demonstrating the commit- apply as a cooperative. The inspector Appalachian Beginning Forest Farm- border with neighborhood back- partner on a regional, grant-funded harvest cycle. it a low price. Burkhart does not want Since beginning with ginseng, 10 ment across the board for creating would visit certain sites each year. ers Coalition partner, collaborated yards, built some years after the coalition focused on providing re- “It takes a certain kind of person to see black cohosh populations be- more plants are now on the list for economic benefit from cultivating Two female farmers in Grayson with David Christie on the herb dryer first ginseng was planted here 50 sources, information and connection to grow herbs,” says Davis. “It’s not come scarce like ginseng, and says possible Forest Grown verification forest medicinal plants. Now, with County, Va., piloted the Forest Grown design and outreach for the Duffield years ago. to forest farmers like Burra. easy money.” Forest farmers must be this could happen within 100 years and 11 people have become certified, the new herb hub, Pridgen is renew- Certified program for black cohosh facility. This past year, the partner- This demonstration forest gar- The Appalachian Beginning For- willing to take a long-term financial if people do not start cultivating it or with five more expected by the end ing her certification and selling black last season, an effort organized by sip sought and educated farmers den at the Mountain Horticultural est Farmers Coalition is funded by risk, unlike digging wild ginseng, better stewarding wild populations. of this year. cohosh again this fall. which can sell for $500 a pound to Greater connection between United Plant Savers, an organi- coalition partners. Katie Trozzo has at presentations in East Tennessee, Can forest farming also build worked in the community for the Southwest Virginia and Eastern Ken- Learn to grow forest medicinals: Appalachian buyers who will mark it up even industry and academia and the cur- zation based in Southeast and community? As Pridgen notes, the higher in Hong Kong. rent culture of wild harvesting is focused on medicinal plant conser- past three years to help build this tucky, and found funding from the potential economic opportunity may Beginning Forest Farmers Coalition trainings Over-harvesting of the prized needed, says Burkhart, who desires vation, helped the program sprout forest farming model, which has also Appalachian Regional Commission keep the younger generation in the • Aug. 11-13 in Wise, Va.: Forest site • Sept. 29-Oct. 1 in Swannanoa, N.C.: plant, which is reputed to benefit to interface with root diggers in the by covering the certification costs served as research for her doctorate for the herb hub. county. According to Trozzo, more assessment and growing from seed Forest farming intensive mental stimulation and long-term woods. Many wild harvesters do not for the first few farmers. The fees in agroforestry at Virginia Tech. She Christie farms herbs in Floyd, still needs to be figured out before to harvest • Oct. 20-22 in Montreat, N.C.: Post- health, has caused extreme frag- know their harvesting practices may amount to just under $1,000: $750 says creating mutual trust among Va., and helped build a regional it is economically viable, but with • Sept. 8-10 in Bloomingville, Ohio: harvest handling, processing and mentation and isolation of wild be unsustainable long-term, nor that for an organic certification and $200 forest farmers is vital for this type of processing hub focused on Chinese the coalition, she says, “I think we Forest farming business production ginseng populations. This plight has they could sell for a higher price if for the Forest Grown title. industry where product quality is of medicinal plants in Floyd. He sees have the resources to see if we can See website for more info: appalachianforestfarmers.org/386-2 utmost importance. these facilities as a natural evolu- encouraged forest farming, yet Davis they were harvesting sustainably. The investment is a barrier to get there.” u also sees ginseng hunters’ attitudes “If people are paid more, they will small-scale farmers like Lorri Burra, Through that, she met Michelle dramatically changing as more peo- care more,” he says. who is already certified organic with Pridgen, who sells vegetables and ple talk about conservation. “Now Recognizing that building these Oregon Tilth and has considered preserves at a farmers market and people are concerned, not clearing relationships will take time to build — but cannot afford — the Forest also owns forest land. Mountain it all out,” she says. Still, there is a trust, Burkhart hopes to make the Grown Certification. Still, she plans Rose Herbs bought black cohosh big slope to climb before people stop coalition’s workshops more acces- to plant two acres of black cohosh from Pridgen’s and another forest gathering wild ginseng. sible for rural Appalachian residents. next spring in hopes of selling to a farmer’s wild stands last year, which Since ginseng’s fame makes large processor for a higher price. were replanted with a bud from each Marketing Quality farming it a delicate matter of great Tess Weigand coordinates the root dug, following the Forest Grown risk and high fences, many forest Over Quantity Forest Grown Verification program practices. Pridgen saw an 80 percent farming experts are shifting focus to A paper Burkhart published in and prioritizes the program’s acces- survival rate in those black cohosh growing black cohosh instead, whose 2009 outlined the lack of profit in for- sibility in the future. According to populations this spring. root is widely used for women’s est farming for anything but ginseng. Weigand, they need to have enough Processing facilities, like Moun- health. Actaea racemosa still crowns Today he works with herbal medi- people in the program to supply the tain Rose Herbs, must also be certi- fied. Weigand says two more regional the understory of rich Appalachian continued on next page processors, like Mountain Rose, who Page 10 August/September 2017 The Appalachian Voice The Appalachian Voice August/September 2017 Page 11 Appalachia’s Severe Black Lung Disease Health Report Makes A Deadly Resurgence The national struggle to provide affordable healthcare and to address the social and After years of decline, the crippling environmental factors that contribute to health problems is felt acutely in the region. disease is rebounding, worse than before By Molly Moore clude diabetes, hypertension, musculoskeletal cal. Another six such events will be held in It’s a recurring sight at fairgrounds, camps issues such as arthritis, and oral care, accord- Central Appalachia before the end of 2017. By Dan Radmacher and schools across the country. Scores of vol- ing to Vance. “Bad teeth can severely affect At the Wise County clinic, Melody “There is an epidemic here in unteers and medical professionals with the overall health and wellbeing,” she says. Reeves volunteered at an informational Southwest Virginia, in Eastern Ken- nonprofit organization Remote Area Medical As a standalone nonprofit organization, booth for We Care, a local, grassroots, non- Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic is one of the many tucky, in Southern West Virginia,” says erect a temporary, first-come, first-served clin- Mountain Hope is primarily supported by the partisan organization working to achieve nonprofit clinics that provide health services to uninsured Ron Carson, director of the Black Lung ic to provide free screenings and treatments, community through volunteers and donations affordable healthcare for all. Reeves and residents. Photo courtesy of Mountain Hope Program at Virginia’s Stone Mountain along with dental and vision care, to hundreds from residents, churches, local government other We Care volunteers handed cards to Developing a plan that works for all requires Health Services. “Miners are getting Above, miners walk to a mobile health screening unit — even thousands — of area residents over two and businesses. But while the clinic does not attendees with their legislative representatives’ lawmakers who are aware of the issues — some- sicker and dying at a much younger operated by the National Institute for Occupational or three days. Patients often spend the night in directly receive federal funding, changes in contact information. thing that Vance says is demonstrated by a age. A lot of people are going to be Safety and Health. Photo courtesy of CDC-NIOSH Ron Carson, at left, directs the Black Lung Program nearby parking areas to ensure a spot. federal policy that reduce eligibility for pro- “What we told them is, we are encouraging Tennessee state senator who volunteers at the shocked when they see the numbers.” But these periodic clinics are not enough. grams like Medicaid would have a trickle-down people to stand up for their right to healthcare at Stone Mountain Health Services in Virginia. Photo Mountain Hope reception desk once per year. Carson has been working with re- courtesy of Stone Mountain Health Services. Mary Vance, executive director of Mountain effect by driving even more people to safety and to urge their representatives not to push “He doesn’t say he’s a senator but greets patients searchers from the National Institute consensus that it’s partially related to the Hope Good Shepherd Clinic in Sevier County, net clinics. anyone off of healthcare,” Reeves says. and gets to see who these patients are and what for Occupational Safety and Health thinner coal seams being mined these Tenn., says one of the most pressing needs is “There’s so many aspects to healthcare, We Care aims to educate the public and their needs are when they come through the to put hard numbers to this deadly days in Appalachia. access to primary care providers who can help not just primary care and clinics like ours,” legislators about how health policies manifest door,” she says. resurgence, and he says they have been “There’s less coal and more rock,” maintain residents’ health on a regular basis. Vance says. “It’s dental needs, behavioral in the real world. The group has also handed Reeves suggests that legislators work with astounded by the number of cases Hutchison says. Mountain Hope is one of Tennessee’s 55 health, coordinated school health, rural hospi- out lists of the types of care that private insur- constituents in their areas to develop educa- Carson’s clinic is seeing of progressive safety net clinics — a term for clinics that serve tals, it just goes on and on and on. If you don’t ers are required to provide under the Afford- Carson agrees. “Some say all the easy tional forums to help the public understand massive fibrosis cases, the most serious uninsured and underinsured residents. Moun- have adequate funding to take care of those in able Care Act, and asked that people compare coal is gone,” he says. “There’s a lot of rock the issues and receive feedback from residents. form of black lung disease. nary rehab and work on patient education. tain Hope in particular only treats clients who need, those [services] go away but the people that list to any new policy proposals. and silicate now that you have to remove “Even though it’s complicated, if we don’t In a report from similar research re- They talk to them about winterizing their live or work in Sevier County and do not have don’t go away.” “You can’t have coverage for all and have to get to the coal,” he says. “Another thought make the effort to have a public conversation leased last December, NIOSH researchers lungs — cold air has drastic effects on this other forms of healthcare. The clinic received During three July days in Wise County, it all be based on profit because then the sick- is that the longer working hours and the about this, I don’t think we can solve it,” she found a cluster of 60 such cases from one condition.” 9,600 visits in 2016 alone. Va., 2,249 patients sought treatment from the est people will be pushed out of the market type of machinery that’s mining the coal says. “It’s not one side against the other — we Eastern Kentucky radiology practice over Jill Hutchison, the first director of the The most common ailments they see in- temporary clinic hosted by Remote Area Medi- because it’s not profitable,” Reeves says. produces much finer particles that respira- all need healthcare.” u a nine-month period — three times the Black Lung Clinics Program in West Virginia tors just don’t capture.” number of cases the national Coal Workers’ and retired CEO of the West Virginia Primary Some wonder whether the decline Health Surveillance Program found from Care Association, said the number of miners of union mining is playing a role. Chuck 2011 to 2016. treated in West Virginia’s 18 black lung clin- Nelson, a retired miner with 30 years of ex- Around the same time the NIOSH re- ics increased by 26 percent last year. Solving the Opioid Epidemic perience, says the emphasis in non-union port was released, an NPR investigation by “Black lung is not going away,” she says. mines is on running coal, not worrying Howard Berkes aired that identified more “It is an ugly disease. It’s heart-breaking What's working and what isn't about coal dust or ventilation. “I know than 1,000 cases of progressive massive to watch a miner struggle just to breathe. By Kevin Ridder jail, you are not really dealing with you heard how [non-union] Massey runs fibrosis during the past decade — 10 times The clinic’s helping black lung patients use Huntington, W.Va., a city located in Cabell the dependency,” Capt. Rich Culler, coal,” says Nelson, who worked for Massey the number officially recognized by the medicine, dietary recommendations and County, has experienced a disturbing trend head of the vice/narcotics division for seven years. “It was so dusty, I couldn’t federal government. exercise to improve their quality of life as in the past few years. In 2015, Cabell County in the Greensboro, N.C., police see. I had to turn the cap light off because Complicated black lung is debilitating much as possible.” 911 received 944 total calls related to drug department, says. “You just can’t ar- all that dust just reflected light back in my in the extreme, Carson says. “Some young The cause of the resurgence, after the overdoses, compared to 272 calls in 2014. rest your way out of the problem.” eyes. That’s the way they mined coal after miners come in to this clinic in wheelchairs massive decline that followed passage of And in 2016, they received 1,476 calls — a The opioid crisis in America Massey dissolved the union.” because they don’t have enough breath to the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act in 1969, 443 percent increase from 2014. The increase, has gotten progressively worse Carson acknowledged that the clinic walk,” he says. “We have miners at age 28 isn’t clear, though there seems to be some according to the City of Huntington’s Mayor’s in recent years. According to the Heroin Hearse, a nonprofit community action group in Huntington, W.Va., sees a lot more non-union with eight years of exposure Office of Drug Control Policy, is due to the Centers for Disease Control and drives this hearse (right) to spread awareness of the opioid epidemic. One miners now, and said he has to coal dust waiting for a lung opioid epidemic. Prevention, sales of prescription of their recent initiatives was to clean out a walking tunnel littered with heard from miners that union used needles (above). Photos courtesy of Dwayne Woods/Heroin Hearse. transplant.” People are overdosing on opioids — pre- opioids in the United States “nearly mines did more to address Progressive massive fi- scription drugs like oxycodone and illicit drugs quadrupled from 1999 to 2014,” from drug addiction and connects them to corporate development with Prestera Cen- dust retention. “I can only rely brosis, like other forms of like heroin — in cars, gas stations, libraries, while the amount of pain Americans reported treatment centers nationwide, Kentucky and ter, the largest behavioral services provider in on what miners tell us,” he black lung disease, cannot homes, department stores and fast food res- showed no significant change. The CDC also West Virginia have been hit particularly hard. West Virginia, much of Appalachia’s drug prob- says. “There must be some va- be cured and is eventually taurants in higher numbers than ever before. reports that “heroin-related deaths more than In Clay County, Ky., the average annual rate lem stems from pharmaceutical companies lidity to it because you hear it fatal. Carson says the clinic As Cabell County and other communities tripled between 2010 and 2015,” with deaths of opioid-related deaths per 100,000 residents flooding the market with opioids in a region so often: We have regulations focuses on easing the min- like Greensboro, N.C., attempt to adapt to an related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl see- from 1999-2013 was 115.1, compared to the where injury-prone heavy industries like coal in place, but those regula- ers’ suffering. “We make ever-worsening situation, they’re learning that ing a 173 percent increase from 2014 to 2015. national average of 5.6 deaths. In McDowell and timber were king. tions are not being enforced.” every effort to give them traditional ways of dealing with drug addiction And Appalachia has seen the worst of County, W.Va., the average death rate was She says that pharmaceutical companies a better quality of life,” he are not effective. it. According to Heroin.net, a resource that 100.5 per 100,000 residents each year. saturated the state with drug salesmen From left to right: a basically normal human lung; a lung with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, says. “Therapists do pulmo- “If you arrest somebody and put them in provides information to people suffering According to Kim Miller, the director of also known as black lung disease; a lung with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis and progressive continued on page 14 massive fibrosis, also known as severe black lung disease. Photos courtesy of CDC-NIOSH continued on page 17 quiring that prescribers refer patients munity,” says Smith. “Which rehab and was determined Opioid Epidemic to counseling while undergoing med- Opioid Epidemic is huge — you’re looking at to return to school. What continued from centerspread ication-assisted treatment and that continued from previous page a much smaller success rate he discovered when he re- prescribers give only a week’s supply of the people who go to the turned to UNC Greensboro who would tell doctors that oxycodo- naloxone causes side effects that do of the drug at a time. traditional 30-day treatment was a different culture ne was effective for mild to moderate not make this frustration any easier. program.” regarding drug abuse on pain and wasn’t habit forming. When a From the Brink of Death Naloxone can put a person addicted But as the recovery com- campus, one that viewed it coal miner was injured at work, Miller It’s become increasingly more to narcotics in immediate withdrawal, munity continues to work for more as a health problem says, they would be prescribed opioids common for first responders in all causing extreme distress and some- solutions to addiction, Smith instead of a moral failing. — that should be reserved for end-of- communities to carry naloxone — a times aggression. This causes the vic- says, Attorney General Jeff Emboldened and life events — to deal with pain that lifesaving opioid overdose reversal tim to be resistant to treatment advice Sessions pushed the coun- wanting to reach out to a likely could have been managed with drug that revives a victim within 60 given at the scene. try backward when he an- population he knew exist- ibuprofen. Now, with heavy industries seconds — to every call they answer. Mat Sandifer, director of clinical nounced an initiative in May ed, Smith helped start the in decline, many former workers are And for good reason, says Kenny services at Triad Behavioral Resources, to pursue harsher sentences Spartan Recovery Program left addicted to opioids and without Burner, West Virginia state coordina- an outpatient addiction treatment for drug users. in 2014, which he says is a job. The loss of income and health tor for Appalachia High Intensity Drug clinic in Greensboro, says Guilford “This is a bigger conversa- now a familiar group on insurance has turned some to the Opioid prescription rates vary greatly from Trafficking Area, a federally-funded County is in the process of adopting tion,” says Smith. “Right now, campus. He’s set to gradu- cheaper, more potent heroin. county to county, according to the CDC. Graphic initiative to address drug addiction a rapid response strategy to address by CDC Vital Signs. Sources: ARCOS of Drug we’re talking about opiates — ate next year with a degree Communities are beginning to and trafficking in the region. In his city this in lieu of prosecuting the patient. A syringe exchange kit provided by the Cabell-Huntington Health Dept. Enforcement Administration; 1999. Quintiles heroin and pain pills. In the in economics and plans to fight back against the companies that of Huntington, W.Va., located in Cabell Essentially, the strategy entails Photo by Alligator Jackson/ Alligator Jackson’s Inside Huntington WV IMS Transactional Data Warehouse; 2015. ‘80s, we were talking about pursue a master’s degree heavily marketed opioids. In north- County, the fire department responds to sending a police officer, an emergency pensive, Smith dropped out of college Roughly 30 Huntington citizens volunteered crack-cocaine. This problem is going afterwards. east Tennessee, state prosecutors with Heroin Hearse in July to clean up their more overdose calls than they do fires. medical technician and a social worker and started using heroin. to morph into some other drug and “We have people who are in re- are filing a lawsuit targeting several community, at right. Photo courtesy of Dwayne “You don’t have 12 fires a day, but it to the victim’s home within 36 to 48 “[The stigma associated with some other epidemic if we don’t start covery who are doing great things,” large pharmaceutical companies that Woods/Heroin Hearse. wouldn’t be uncommon for there to be hours after the incident to talk about drug abuse] was a big part of me not 2014 treating it as addiction, as a health says Smith. “That’s the wonderful manufacture these drugs. According demand. He says that for decades, 10 or 12 overdoses a day,” says Burner. treatment options. Sandifer says this reaching out for help when I was problem.” thing, we’re a very resilient com- to a June article in the Knoxville News police agencies have always just tried But even though it saves lives, can include things like harm preven- 18,” says Smith. “There was a lot of munity. And when given the proper Sentinel, “the lawsuit seeks to hold to deal with the suppliers, no matter Burner says that naloxone is still an tion, clean needle exchange, HIV and Changing the Stigma shame and guilt that I carried along resources to manage our substance Big Pharma responsible for the opioid how low-level. But that did nothing for extremely controversial drug in Hun- Hepatitis C prevention, inpatient “I’m 66 years old,” says Kenny with that.” abuse disorder, we give back to the epidemic in Tennessee by labeling the the demand. Since money is involved, tington. He often hears first respond- treatment and outpatient medication- Burner. “When I grew up, a heroin ad- When Smith’s family found out ticle in the Richmond Times-Dispatch, community tenfold.” u drugmakers as drug dealers and accus- Culler says, there is always going to be ers ask how many times they are going assisted treatment options. dict was somebody in an alley in New about his addiction, he underwent “[Suboxone is] the most-abused, most- ing them of lying about the addictive someone stepping in to fill the shoes of to save these people — to which he 2015 The rapid response strategy, Smith York with a spike sticking out of their sought-after street drug across [South- properties of opiates and aggressively every supplier arrested. It’s necessary responds, as many times as needed. says, shows promise in other com- arm. Now, it’s kids my kids went to west Virginia], which has been flooded pushing the drugs as miracle cures for to address the demand in order to get “I’m not going to be the one who munities such as Colerain Township, school with. It doesn’t discriminate.” with the drug like nowhere else in the all manner of pain.” rid of the supply. decides who lives and dies,” says a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio, with a “There’s a stigma to being a ‘drug state. Federal funding for drug courts Culler and his department think “We want to protect people,” Burner. “And that’s a personal, faith- population of 58,499. addict,’” he continues. “But they feel requires localities to offer Suboxone in that prescriptions should be seen as a Culler says. “And when you see this based decision on my part. I don’t feel “In the past two years since the worst about it. You’re looking at “Dear Babette, their treatment programs. Some judges key part of the problem. many people dying, and you’re not that anybody has the right to say no. they’ve been operating [a rapid re- somebody who’s living in hell on Earth. have said they’d rather do without the 2016 You and your staff of “Instead of just arresting people, having any effect, you’ve got to stop That’s like saying we’re not going to sponse team], they’ve had 80 to 85 I don’t think anybody ever wakes up funding — or even close their courts — writers continue to amaze. we’re going to try and get to the root and look at what you’re doing.” save somebody with lung cancer be- percent of people they’ve engaged in the morning and says, ‘You know, rather than agree to using Suboxone.” In my view, the quality of the problem, and that’s where the cause they should have known better with say yes, they want to go to I think I want to become a heroin ad- Difficulty with Treatment In a 2015 article in Alcoholism & of articles in Carolina prescriptions come in,” Culler says. than to smoke.” treatment or engage in some type of dict.’ That’s not the way it happens.” Both hurting and helping the Drug Abuse Weekly, National Associa- Mountain Life have elevated “Prescriptions, for us, were one of the Part of this frustration stems support services offered in that com- According to Mat Sandifer with addiction epidemic are drugs like bu- tion of Drug Court Professionals CEO your publication to #1. ways we saw people getting addicted. from what Burner calls “compassion Triad Behavioral Resources, drug prenorphine — commonly sold under West Huddleston said, “The real issues Congratulations on a sterling Once people’s prescriptions ran out, fatigue” in first responders, who often 2017 DOSES OF NALOXONE PER DAY IN CABELL COUNTY, W. VA. addiction is a brain disorder the brand name Suboxone — used to are, who gets [medication-assisted literary contribution to the they couldn’t get the pill anymore, so respond to the same address over and where the user gets completely help wean people off of opioids. treatment]? What medication is appro- High Country!” they went to buying pills on the street. over. Burner likens compassion fatigue sublimated by the drug, making Kim Miller with Prestera Center priate for which person? How long is 2014 But the pills on the street are more ex- to post-traumatic stress disorder. 2014 the need to use more powerful — Barry M. Buxton, Ph.D. says that medication-assisted treat- the appropriate course of [medication- pensive, and heroin is cheaper.” “I think we really need to be aware 0 5 than even the 10 need to eat and 15 20 President, 25 ment is the gold standard for treating assisted treatment]? And what is the Once prescription pills open the of our first responders who are going sleep. He says that talking about Lees-McRae College opioid dependence, as long as it’s medical rationale for making those gateway to heroin, Culler says, that’s out on these [overdose calls] reviving 20152015 drug addiction like a brain disor- strictly monitored and accompanied and other decisions?” where the overdoses happen. When people and saving lives,” says Burner. der is a crucial step in addressing To help curb buprenorphine

by counseling. YEAR someone takes a prescription opioid, “They’re getting tired. It’s getting the opioid crisis. “It curbs the cravings, it helps abuse, Prestera Center helped West 2016 it’s engineered to be a consistent dose worse, and I don’t think it’s peaked yet. 2016 UNC Greensboro’s Alex Smith people stabilize their life,” Miller says. Virginia develop stricter standards for — whereas heroin is often cut with It’s not a simple problem, and there’s has a closer relationship with the “Ultimately, our goal is to help people treatment, such as only giving a week’s substances like fentanyl, a cheaper not going to be a simple solution.” negative stigma surrounding get off of buprenorphine as well. And supply of the drug at a time instead of a 2017 and extremely potent synthetic opioid According to Alex Smith, an eco- 2017 drug addiction than most. When sometimes you have to do that very month’s. Additionally, patients at Pres- “What a great magazine!” originally created by pharmaceutical nomics student at the University of he entered college straight out of slowly because people have developed tera Center clinics must pass drug tests 0 0 55 1010 1515 2020 25 companies that can kill in minuscule North Carolina at Greensboro and high school 12 years ago, he was psychological dependence as well as and attend regular therapy sessions to AVERAGE PER DAY 828-737-0771 • PO Box 976, Linville, NC 28646 amounts. co-founder of the campus’ drug ad- physically and mentally addicted a physiological dependence on bu- continue receiving buprenorphine. At stores & businesses almost everywhere in the High Country In Culler’s eyes, the opioid epi- diction recovery program, revival from Synthetic opioids have led to more overdoses and more need to prescription opioids. When prenorphine.” In March of this year, the Virginia ... and online at CMLmagazine.com demic is a simple case of supply and for naloxone, a drug that can reverse narcotic overdoses. prescription pills became too ex- [email protected] But according to an August 2016 ar- Board of Medication also began re- continued on next page Source: WV Bureau for Public Health, Office of EMS. Page 14 August/September 2017 The Appalachian Voice The Appalachian Voice August/September 2017 Page 15 “There are some measures people input was held in West Virginia in May, The Human Impact Human Impact can take to try and filter indoor air with another session planned for Ken- continued from previous page more effectively. That could be ben- tucky in late August. Mining and Fracking in Appalachia eficial ... [Also], don’t smoke; smoking As the health impacts of moun- He has authored or co- By Elizabeth E. Payne traffic than they were ever intended to. rates are high in these communities taintop coal removal are finally be- authored more than 30 scien- Central Appalachia has a wealth of A steady stream of trucks going back and they’re only going to make things ing recognized, many worry that the tific studies about the health natural resources, but extracting fossil and forth from mountaintop removal worse. If you can take other measures switch to natural gas may carry just impacts of surface mining, and fuels has come at a high price to the coal mining and natural gas fracking to improve your health and engage in as many risks. his results are clear: mountain- communities living near mountaintop sites is doing more than inconvenienc- healthy behaviors, try and do that.” “There is a lot that is still unknown top removal coal mining has a removal coal mining and natural gas ing local communities. It’s making in terms of health impacts [from natu- “significant and meaningful” Federal Agencies fracking sites. them sick. ral gas drilling], but there are certainly impact of the overall health Finally Take Notice Mortality rates in coal-mining “This unique geographic char- enough indicators in the direction of the communities near the With all of this observed and counties of Appalachia lagged 24 years acteristic of the region means that This mountaintop removal coal mining site is on Looney Ridge of health impacts to be concerned mines. above Inman, Va. Photo by Erin Savage/Appalachian Voices documented impact, the federal Office behind the national average, according roadways typically travel along valley about, that it doesn’t seem like we “When I think about the of Surface Mining Reclamation and should be going full force ahead with to a 2008 study by Dr. Michael Hendryx, bottoms, and homes are concentrated Heavy traffic to and from a fracking well pad causes a dust cloud along a small roadway in West mothers who have babies that live in health effects that we’ve seen that Enforcement announced in 2016 that this industry,” says Kriesky of the then of West Virginia University. That’s along these roadways. So the poten- Virginia. Aug. 15, 2014. Photo courtesy of The FracTracker Alliance, www.fractracker.org/photos this region,” he continues. “Those are are uniquely related to mining that it would fund a study by the National after adjusting for the social and eco- tial for particulate matter pollution to the kinds of effects that come through Environmental Health Project. “We quality standards. and birth outcomes, have also been come through most strongly and most Academies of Sciences, Engineering, nomic inequalities — such as levels of be exacerbated in this region is quite most strongly in our research.” should be taking a pause and figuring According to The Allegheny Front, observed. consistently, I would say that people and Medicine to review existing scien- education and rates of poverty — that large,” says Dr. Viney Aneja, a professor Hendryx has also published a out what really is happening here in Dr. Michael McCawley, interim chair of This observation is supported by who live in those mining communi- tific research on links between adverse affect life expectancies across the re- in the Department of Marine, Earth study demonstrating a link between terms of people’s health.” the Department of Occupational and a study published in April 2017 that ties are more likely to have respiratory health impacts and mountaintop gion as a whole. and Atmospheric Sciences at North surface mining and an increased risk Visit appvoices.org/nas-hearings Environmental Health Sciences at West found while the infant mortality rate illness, chronic forms of lung disease removal coal mining. The committee Additional studies have document- Carolina State University. for depression and depressive symp- for details on the National Academy of Virginia University, has made a similar in Pennsylvania fell overall during the like COPD,” Hendryx says. “They’re at formed to tackle this project will sum- ed increased rates of illnesses including Particulate matter pollution refers toms, a result, at least in part, of the Sciences hearings. u connection with trucks traveling to and periods studied, in the five most heav- greater risk for lung cancer. They’re at marize state and federal regulations cancers and respiratory and heart dis- to particles in the air of different sizes radically altered natural environment from fracking well pads. ily fracked counties the total number greater risk for heart disease. They’re at that govern the practice and survey eases. And a similar pattern is emerging and from different sources. The smaller caused when familiar mountains are The Environmental Health Project of infant mortalities increased from 36 greater risk for chronic forms of kidney relevant scientific literature to identify in communities near fracking sites. the particles are, the more risk they What the Frack?! destroyed. offers suggestions for ways people can between 2003 and 2006 — before the disease. They’ll report poorer health- short- and long-term health effects for Initiatives such as the Mountain Air pose to human health. Larger particles, As natural gas increasingly dis- For those living near a surface protect themselves and their families, expansion of fracking — to 60 between related quality of life, they’ll report populations living near these sites and Project — a five-year study on the re- such as pollen or dust, are roughly one- places coal as the nation’s leading mining site, Hendryx recommends im- such as limiting exposure by using 2007 and 2010, after the expansion of an increase in the number of illness the causes for them. duced lung health in Eastern Kentucky fifth the diameter of a human hair and source of electricity, equally dismal proving the air quality of their homes air filters, drinking bottled water and fracking. The study found some asso- symptoms they experience over time. The committee held its first meet- — are tackling the health disparities in can cause irritation to airways. Smaller health impacts are emerging in the to help avoid some health risks. documenting changes by keeping a ciation with contaminated well water. “There’s also some evidence, ing in Washington, D.C., in March 2017, Appalachia. Other research is focused particles, roughly one-twentieth the communities living near fracking sites. “The risks are most clearly re- health journal. For more information, Kriesky said that the Environmen- though it’s only one study, that the and the project is expected to take two on identifying possible causes, such as diameter of a human hair, can form Dr. Jill Kriesky is the associate lated to air-related problems,” he says. visit environmentalhealthproject.org/ tal Health Project has also noticed an years. A hearing that allowed for public director of the Southwest Pennsylva- risk of birth defects will be higher for staying-healthy the extractive industries themselves. from chemical reactions between increase in social stress suffered by naturally occurring and industrially nia Environmental Health Project, a A Truckload of Problems communities near fracking sites. derived gases and liquids. The resulting nonprofit public health organization In the meantime, the Affordable miners disabled by black Winding through the hills and “The community’s completely compounds, such as sulfuric and nitric focused on the well-being of commu- Care Act, also known as Obamacare, lung only have to prove they hollers of Central Appalachia, small divided, and industry does that on pur- Black Lung acids, lead to further health risks. nities near the state’s natural gas ex- continued from centerspread included amendments offered by Sen. have worked in the mines mountain roads are bearing far more pose, so they can pit neighbor against Even smaller particles, known as traction sites. The group was founded Robert C. Byrd, D-W.V., that make it for 15 years to win benefits. neighbor,” says Lois Bower-Bjornson, Carson says miners have told him ultrafines, are one-millionth the size of five and a half years ago in order “to easier for coal miners to get black lung Black lung advocates are whose family lives within 1,000 feet that more is done when federal or state a human hair and can penetrate deep provide timely, trusted and accurate benefits — and to ensure their survi- concerned that the Byrd of a natural gas well pad in Southwest mining inspectors are on the scene. into lungs on a cellular level. Such par- information for residents who think vors continue to receive benefits after Amendments might be- Pennsylvania. “Miners will tell you that when they ticles come from gas and diesel engines their health has been impacted by shale they die without having to prove their come collateral damage in More than two dozen well pads sur- go in, they have three cuts to finish on and energy production, among other gas drilling,” according to Kriesky. death was caused by black lung. the Republican Obamacare round her home, as do retaining ponds their shift. They don’t have time to hang sources, and research is beginning to The organization offers environ- “The Byrd Amendments shifted repeal efforts, though many that hold fracking waste. A transmission up the curtains to rechannel the air. But demonstrate significant health risks mental and health assessments to help the burden of proof from the miner,” Republican lawmakers said line crosses her property, and a com- let a mining inspector come on board, from exposure. track changes in individuals’ health Hutchison says. “Coal companies have they wanted to preserve pressor station is only two miles away. and everything is all white from the In August 2008, Dr. Aneja spent two and monitor the air and water in their to prove that mining didn’t cause the those benefits regardless of Bower-Bjornson’s children have lime used to keep the dust down. The weeks collecting information about the homes. They are also collecting infor- black lung. In the past, coal company Obamacare’s fate. suffered nosebleeds and skin irritation, water is on the sprinklers on the head amount of small particles polluting the mation for a national health registry for lawyers could shop around and find Advocates say it’s also though she is quick to note that others of the cutting machine. But when the air along roadways near Roda, Va. His people who believe their health is or doctors who would say miners were dis- important for Congress to have it worse. inspector leaves, it’s all back to normal. A student learns how to identify irregularities in various research was initiated after residents could be impacted by unconventional abled, but not because of black lung.” increase funding for black It’s all about production. That’s what lung radiographs. Photo courtesy of CDC-NIOSH complained about the problem and was oil and gas development. A Mountain of Evidence Jackson & Kelly, a prominent West lung clinics in light of the miners tell us.” supported in part by the Sierra Club. According to Kriesky, the health Dr. Michael Hendryx has been Virginia law firm, came under scrutiny increasing numbers of severe In 2014, the U.S. Mine Safety and lion for the Federal Black Lung Pro- Aneja’s research tested for com- problems the organization is witness- studying the health impacts of moun- for withholding evidence of black lung black lung cases. “These clinics around Health Administration enacted tougher gram, but actual funding has been less paratively large particles in the air ing correspond to those found through taintop removal for more than a de- in miners to help coal companies avoid the country are all funded by grants,” dust rules, lowering the concentrations than that for years. In June, a group of resulting from coal trucks passing academic research and include coughs cade. Now a professor in the School paying for benefits. In a Pulitzer Prize- Carson says. “The funding has been of coal dust allowed in mines over the Democratic Senators sent a letter to along the roadways, and it found that and irritation in the nose and throat, of Public Health at University, winning investigation in 2013, the level for the past five or six years. We’re next several years. It will take time to the heads of the Senate Appropriations Lois Bower-Bjornson’s children have during times of heavy traffic the area sleeplessness, headaches, stress and Hendryx began his research on the Center for Public Integrity found that finding bipartisan support for a fund- experienced nosebleeds and skin irritations see if those regulations are effective Subcommittee on Labor, Health and had up to three times more particulate anxiety. Irritation to eyes and skin, subject while teaching at West Virginia Jackson & Kelly routinely employed ing increase.” since fracking wells began operating near their and enforceable — and if they will Human Services, and Education to matter than recommended by the U.S. as well as gastrointestinal problems University. such cutthroat tactics for decades. The Black Lung Benefits Reform home in Southwest Pennsylvania. Photo by lower the incidence of black lung. request full funding. u Environmental Protection Agency’s air and effects on newborn birth weights Thanks to the Byrd Amendments, Act of 1977 authorized up to $10 mil- Lois Bower-Bjornson continued on next page Page 16 August/September 2017 The Appalachian Voice The Appalachian Voice August/September 2017 Page 17 were concerned about the safety A Burning Issue of their gardens. A Burning Issue The team is beginning to continued from previous page receive results for the 40 homes The Health Costs of Coal Ash later rescinded by the administra- sampled in Walnut Cove and By Elizabeth E. Payne This toxic byprod- tion of then-Gov. Pat McCrory, nearly 20 houses sampled in After laboring to clean up the na- uct of burning coal for which asserted that higher levels of Goldsboro. When results are re- tion’s largest coal ash spill, many work- electricity contains con- these toxins were in fact safe (see turned to the residents, the UNC ers became sick and 17 died, alleges a centrated amounts of sidebar). The uncertainty weighs team provides them with informa- lawsuit filed in July on behalf of more the same heavy metals on the families living near these tion about any heavy metals that than 50 workers and workers’ survivors. present in coal, including coal ash sites. were found in their water, suggests The lawsuit was filed against Jacobs mercury, arsenic and lead. “How would you feel, as a what — if anything — needs to Engineering, the company hired by the These toxic heavy metals mother of a newborn child [and be done to make the water safe, Tennessee Valley Authority to clean up can increase risks to hu- you] can’t afford to move, that’s and answers any questions the the 2008 disaster, which occurred when man health by leaching scared to bath your child in residents might have. a dam failed at the TVA’s Kingston coal- out of the impoundment water, that you may be killing it, Members of ACT Against Coal Ash living near “For many of these metals, fired power plant in Harriman, Tenn. ponds into the surround- or you may be making it sick or Belews Creek, including David Hairston (near the most important thing for the More than 1.1 billion gallons of coal ash ing soils and groundwater. Even greater make it have a disability by the right), meet to strategize how to clean up the homeowner is to know whether sludge spilled across rivers, homes and risks accompany the failure of these time it matures because it’s im- coal ash near their homes. Photo courtesy of or not they’re present and at what Appalachian Voices. Andrew George of the fields. According to the Knoxville News impoundments. David Hairston, left, was born and raised in Walnut Cove. Photo by Dot Griffith. He worries about mune system is so weak,” says levels,” says Fry. “That’s what we’re University of North Carolina takes a soil sample at Sentinel, the workers sent to clean up According to a 2014 study by the health effects to his community caused by Duke Energy’s Belews Creek Power Plant, above. Hairston. “Or having to raise aiming to help with.” a home in Goldsboro, N.C. Photo courtesy of Kick the toxic substance were not provided Physicians for Social Responsibility Photos courtesy of Appalachian Voices a child down there breathing Coal Ash Out of Wayne County For communities living near the any protection or warning about the and Earthjustice, the fine particles in that air. Because unfortunately state’s coal ash ponds, having a non- passed away three years ago. through Walnut Cove on its way to provide a better understanding of dangers of coal ash exposure. coal ash can cause significant health what you inherited from your partisan group of scientists provide “You can travel from my mom’s Eden. what’s going on, it seems that the com- During the cleanup, 4 million cubic problems when inhaled, such as re- parents, what they worked facts about the quality of their drink- house to the steam station, and there’s Following the spill, North Caro- munity has reacted very positively,” yards of the toxic ash was transported spiratory illnesses, heart disease and years for, a home, that is valued ing water can provide peace of mind, homes on both sides of the road lina regulators passed the Coal Ash says George. “Even though some of from Harriman, Tenn., — a town that is an increased risk for stroke. at nothing, and you can’t afford but it’s only one piece of the complex through that five-mile drive,” Hairston Management Act which required, the results aren’t necessarily what they 90 percent white and middle class — to For North Carolinians living near to go anywhere. That is what health puzzle they’re dealing with. says. “And there’s not a house you can among other things, that drinking nity engagement research associate at were hoping for, at least they trust the a landfill in Uniontown, Ala., which is 90 Duke Energy’s coal ash locations, such they’re dealing [with].” But for Hairston, even the impact pass by that’s not somebody either wells within 1,500 feet of the state’s 34 the Institute for the Environment. results a little bit better.” percent African American with 45.2 per- studies seem to confirm their fears. of small amounts of contaminants battling [cancer], beat cancer or died coal ash impoundments be tested for During the initial phase of the proj- Because of concerns raised by cent of its population living below the Facts in a Sea of need to be taken seriously. Living in the “Danger Zone” from cancer on either side of the road. contamination. ect, the group distributed surveys and community members, the team is now poverty line. Soon after, local residents Or if it’s not, somebody that’s living on As a result of that testing, more Uncertainty collected water samples from homes “People consuming it with their According to David Hairston, many sampling water both from the well and and landfill employees in Uniontown an oxygen tank because of respiratory than 300 homes across the state re- After residents came to them ask- in Walnut Cove and Goldsboro, N.C., water, out of their garden food and folks describe Walnut Cove, N.C., as the from the faucet, to ensure that pipes began experiencing health problems. problems. ceived “do not drink” letters from the ing for help understanding the results both located near coal ash ponds. But breathing it through the air, over a 40- ‘danger zone.’ are not polluting the water as they Every year, the nation’s coal-fired “The closer you live to the coal ash state’s Department of Health and Hu- of their state-required water samples, they hope to broaden their research year period of time, it takes a toll on The town sits just a stone’s throw were in Flint, Mich. They are also tak- power plants produce 130 million tons pond and the coal ash fill, the more man Services, including several homes researchers from the University of and help more people. your health,” he says. u west of Duke Energy’s Belews Creek ing soil samples since many residents of coal ash; much of the ash that has sickness you can see,” he continues. near the Belews Creek power station. North Carolina launched their “Well “We are starting in specific areas Power Station and its large coal ash accumulated over the past decades is On Feb. 2, 2014, a pipe beneath a Most of those wells contained high Empowered” project to assist com- because the communities approached impoundment pond. stored in unlined impoundment ponds coal ash pond at another Duke power levels of two carcinogens, vanadium munities across the state, who, for any us. Those were the communities that TVA Ordered to Clean Up Gallatin Coal Ash While Hairston now lives about scattered across the country — some plant in Eden, N.C., ruptured, spilling and hexavalent chromium. number of reasons, are concerned that had greatest concern,” says Dr. Re- On Aug. 4, a federal judge ordered The ruling came as a result of a Clean eight miles away from the power plant, of which are more than a thousand more than 39,00 tons of coal ash into The “do not drink” orders were they may be exposed to heavy metals becca Fry, a biologist and toxicologist the Tennessee Valley Authority to excavate Water Act lawsuit filed by the Tennessee he was born and raised in Walnut Cove, the coal ash stored at its coal-fired Gallatin Scenic Rivers Association, represented by acres large. the Dan River. The Dan River flows through their private wells. in UNC’s Department of Environmen- and his mother lived there until she continued on next page Fossil Plant in Gallatin, Tenn., and move the Southern Environmental Law Center, and Researchers at UNC have been tal Sciences and Engineering, whose studying well water in the state for it to a lined landfill. The ash currently sits co-plaintiff Tennessee Clean Water Network. research focuses on the health effects in unlined impoundments above porous At press time, the TVA had not announced more than a decade. This project is from exposure to heavy metals. karst limestone. whether it would appeal the decision. N.C. Water Filtration Standards Set a collaboration between university “This study is really about helping researchers in the Department of En- After the February 2014 disaster can either connect households to mu- they allow for all types of chromium the “Do Not Drink” letters. people to have access to testing their vironmental Sciences and Engineering at Duke Energy’s power plant in Eden, nicipal water or provide wells with a at levels significantly higher than that After the Cooper administration water samples, helping them interpret and the Institute for the Environment, N.C., that resulted in 39,000 tons of filtration system capable of removing recommended by scientists at DHHS. adopted the same standard, which is the results from the inorganic assess- and has been supported by com- coal ash spilled into the Dan River, any unsafe contaminants. The allowable level of vanadium, 140 times higher than state scientists ment that we’re doing.” she says. ”We’re munity members and environmental state regulators passed the Coal Ash In July 2017, the N.C. Department another carcinogen identified in well- recommended in 2015, McCrory was looking at a whole panel of metals, a VOTED BEST BBQ nonprofit organizations, including Management Act. The rule, together of Environmental Quality issued water samples, is under review. quick to note the hypocrisy. whole panel of inorganics, and helping Appalachian Voices, the publisher of IN THE REGION with a 2016 revision, mandates that performance standards for these While running for governor, Roy According to a review of DHHS them interpret what the results mean.” this paper. by Appalachian Voices’ staff of tasters! Duke Energy provide access to clean filtrations systems. But the standards Cooper criticized then-Gov. Pat Mc- emails by the Winston-Salem Journal, For communities that received “About three million North Caro- drinking water to every household do not require testing specifically for Crory for overturning the health the more lenient standard allows for “a official “do not drink” letters but were linians get their water from a well. So OPEN FOR LUNCHCLOSED AND MONDAYS. DINNER. that is reliant on well water within hexavalent chromium, one of the department’s 2015 standard of no lifetime cancer risk that runs between later told their water was safe to drink, [water quality] isn’t an abstract ques- Hwy 321 Bypass one-half mile of a coal ash impound- carcinogenic heavy metals found in more than 0.07 parts per billion of 1 in 7,000 at best and 1 in 700 at worst.” getting facts they understand and trust tion, this is really important to North Blowing Rock,N.C. ment pond. Many affected communi- the well water of nearly 200 homes hexavalent chromium and replacing it The stricter standards represent a 1 in can be a relief. Carolinians who don’t have any other (828) 295-3651 ties, however, such as Walnut Cove, lie that received “Do Not Drink” letters with the far less protective standard of a million chance of developing cancer “We’re an independent, third-party options for water, for drinking water,” outside this half-mile radius. from the state’s Department of Health 10 parts per billion of total chromium for an individual with a lifetime of research team, and now that we’ve got- www.woodlandsbbq.com says Dr. Andrew George, the commu- To meet this requirement, Duke and Human Services in 2015. Instead, when the administration rescinded exposure. ten these results out there, that help

Page 18 August/September 2017 The Appalachian Voice The Appalachian Voice August/September 2017 Page 19 the ENERGY REPORT the ENERGY REPORT Opposition to Potential Nuclear Reactors in Tennessee Newsbites Virginia and North Carolina Vow Climate Action As U.S. Withdraws from Paris Agreement Dept. of Interior Plans to Increase Oil By Rachel Pressley for improved safety, lower costs and Jobs in Solar Outnumber Coal in VA By Zach Kopkin U.S. Climate Alliance, and 359 mayors, trade program. Like the Obama adminis- ment. She noted that between 2005 and and Gas Drilling on Federal Land The Tennessee Valley Authority is reduced construction time. A report from Virginia Public Radio says On June 1, 2017, President Trump representing over 66 million Americans tration’s now-defunct Clean Power Plan, 2014, total carbon dioxide emissions that in 2016 the number of solar jobs in the On July 6, Interior Secretary Ryan seeking an early site permit from the Several green groups petitioned the announced his intent to withdraw the and every Appalachian state except West this program would set a limit on carbon statewide have decreased by 18 percent. commonwealth was higher than the number Zinke released his plan for an accelerated United States from the Paris climate ac- Virginia, had joined the Mayors National emissions and create a financial incen- Lucas stated that DAQ will further reduce Nuclear Regulatory Commission to al- U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission of coal jobs, with 3,236 and 2,866 jobs re- application process for drilling oil and gas cord signed by 194 other countries. Climate Action Agenda. Both groups tive for power companies to find cleaner North Carolina’s carbon footprint by low two or more small modular nuclear with concerns about the potential reac- spectively. The Virginia Department of Mines, from federal lands, where permits are to now In 2015, after six years of negotia- pledge to meet the nation’s previous ways to produce energy. remediating excess nitrous oxide emis- reactors to eventually be installed at its tors. On June 12, the Blue Ridge Envi- Minerals and Energy reports that there was a be approved within 30 days. Some environ- mental groups have indicated it’s unneces- tion, President Obama signed onto the Paris climate accord goals of reducing But McAuliffe supports two pro- sions. The remediation will be funded by 1,200-acre Clinch River site in Roane ronmental Defense League argued that 40 percent drop in coal employment over the County, Tenn. the proposal would violate the National past five years, while the Solar Foundation sary to accelerate oil and gas permitting on agreement, a non-binding treaty in greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent posed natural gas pipelines that would a projected $92 million settlement with reports that the jobs in solar have risen by public lands because so much land is already This type of nuclear power plant Environmental Policy Act and that the which every country submitted its own from 2005 levels. cut through the state. Methane leakage Volkswagen for the company’s Clean Air about 65 percent in the past year. leased to drilling oil companies but is going plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emis- The governors of North Carolina and from the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Act emissions violations. is an experimental structure that reactors would increase the risk for hy- unused, according to InsideClimate News. sions in order to avoid catastrophic Virginia have each signed the “We Are Valley pipelines would lead to as much In July, N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper an- produces 50 to 300 megawatts in total drogen explosions. The groups argued Duke Withdraws Chemical Plan Duke Energy withdrew its request to add increases in global temperatures. The Still In” letter, agreeing “to provide the greenhouse gas pollution as 45 coal-fired nounced his opposition to offshore power, roughly one-third the power of that renewables are a better investment. Feds Look to Coal for Rare Elements more chemical compounds in multiple coal- traditional nuclear power plants. The Southern Alliance for Clean The U.S. Department of Energy announced accord’s formal withdrawal process takes leadership necessary to meet our Paris power plants, according to an analysis by drilling and seismic testing for oil in fired plants that would cause an increase in At a required public meeting on Energy and the Tennessee Environ- in early July that it would invest $6.9 million four years to complete. commitment.” Oil Change International, an organiza- state waters. Cooper also signed Execu- contamination and threaten drinking water to research extracting rare earth elements According to The Independent, a In May, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe tion that exposes the costs of fossil fuels. tive Order 11 and House Bill 589, which May 15 in Oak Ridge, seven com- mental Council also filed a petition. in Charlotte, N.C. The chemical compounds from coal and coal by-products. These ele- menters were in favor of the plan and Dianne Curran, the attorney for both were intended to reduce the amount of air majority of people in all 50 states support issued Executive Directive 11 instruct- In North Carolina, Jill Lucas from aim to expand the state’s wind and solar ments are crucial for producing technology five were opposed. The draft environ- groups, argued that the plant would be pollution from the plants. In 2014, bromides the Paris climate accord. ing the state environmental agency to the Division of Air Quality states that the power industries, respectively. He has like smartphones, transportation and national in the drinking water from a separate chemi- As of mid-July, 13 states, includ- regulate carbon emissions from existing agency’s work has been uninterrupted not yet taken a stance regarding natural mental impact statement is expected dangerous and costly. With a smaller defense. The United States currently imports cal used by Duke Energy caused community ing Virginia, had officially joined the power plants through a carbon cap-and- by the federal government’s announce- gas pipelines. to be released in June 2018 prior to emergency planning zone than is nor- most rare earth elements. another comment period. mally required, state and local govern- concerns, the Charlotte Observer reports. The Tennessee Valley Authority sug- ments would not be able to prepare for Problems Persist for Rover and Mariner RECLAIM Act Passes House Committee gests that small modular reactors allow an emergency properly. Third Coal Ash Recycling East 2 Pipelines During Construction By Molly Moore Before the committee vote, the Na- Site Announced in NC On June 30, Duke Energy met a state By Meredith Abercrombie Rover Pipeline has faced. On July 7, the A bipartisan bill to accelerate the tional Mining Association announced NC Passes Controversial Solar and Wind Law deadline by announcing plans to construct Ohio Environmental Protection Agency reclamation of abandoned coal mines its opposition to the RECLAIM Act in a The Rover and the Mariner East 2 By KaLeigh Underwood ergy pushed to allow for competitive a coal ash recycling plant at its Cape Fear released orders concerning waste that while boosting economic development letter to lawmakers. natural gas pipelines are facing multiple A new North Carolina law and ex- bidding among solar developers. coal-fired power plant in Moncure, N.C. The contained diesel fuel released from is moving through Congress despite “At the very last minute, lobbyists setbacks, as state governments halt con- ecutive order, which is being marketed The law also “opens the door for utility also plans to construct similar plants at construction sites. Additionally, thou- objections from the National Mining for the coal industry decided to try to struction because of permit violations by the governor’s office as a commit- Duke Energy to attack net metering for its Buck Steam Station in Salisbury and H.F. sands of gallons of drill sludge have Association. kill the bill,” says Appalachian Voices and harm to surrounding ecosystems. ment to the state’s thriving solar and rooftop solar customers,” Rita Leadem, Lee Plant in Goldsboro. been released in wetlands and near On June 27, the House Natural Senior Legislative Representative Thom The Rover Pipeline is set to run wind industries, is also being criticized assistant director of NC WARN, told Coal ash is a toxic byproduct of burn- waterways in Ohio. Resources Committee passed the RE- Kay. “Fortunately, representatives through West Virginia, Ohio and Michi- by many advocates of renewable energy. Public News Service NC. Net metering ing coal for electricity. When processed and Work on the Mariner East 2 pipe- CLAIM Act, which was introduced by worked across party lines to not only gan, while the Mariner East 2 would State Representative Tim Moore allows solar customers to get credit for reused to make concrete, its toxic properties line in Pennsylvania has also been Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) to revitalize coal pass the legislation through committee, run through Pennsylvania, West Vir- told news source Agri-Pulse that the the surplus electricity they produce and are minimized, according to the U.S. Environ- postponed, as a state judge ordered mining communities. The legislation but to improve it along the way.” ginia and Ohio. law aims to protect ratepayers and add to the power grid for others to use. mental Protection Agency. Used, a two-week hold on construction due would direct $1 billion over five years As of early August, the RECLAIM On July 17, the West Virginia De- modernize the state’s energy grid with The law contains an 18-month An amendment to the N.C. Coal Ash Man- to multiple instances of water con- to restoring abandoned mine lands. Act had 25 co-sponsors in the House Rare & Out partment of Environmental Protection a pro-growth approach. Citing the moratorium on issuing permits for agement Act passed last year requires Duke tamination. This pipeline is overseen Committee members also ap- and five in the Senate. Advocates have gave Energy Transfer Partners LP, the state’s large solar presence, Duke En- wind energy. In signing the bill, Cooper Energy to recycle coal ash at at least three of of Print Books by Sunoco Pipeline, which recently proved an amendment put forward by said they hope the bill will reach the group constructing the Rover Pipeline, also issued an executive order directing its storage sites. Legislation considered by Specializing in merged with ETP. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) to require proj- floor for a vote in fall 2017. a cease-and-desist order in response to Repeal of EPA Methane the state to expedite pre-application the N.C. General Assembly in June tried to Books about Black Most recently, two legislators wrote ects that receive funding under the bill “A vote in favor of the RECLAIM Act reports of sediment runoff into nearby review and recruit future wind projects. overturn the recycling requirement, but the bill Mountain College the Federal Energy Regulatory Com- to spur local economic development. is a vote to rescue coal country – and Rule Denied in Court streams along the pipeline route that failed. — Elizabeth E. Payne Proponents of the bill, including Ap- it’s the right thing to do,” Rep. Rogers violate state water quality standards. mission asking that they take a deeper Environmental groups celebrated a win palachian Voices, the publisher of this said in a statement. in early July as the District of Columbia’s This is not the first issue that the look into ETP and their pipelines, in- Offers a diverse mix of music & informative programming for the heart of Appalachia. cluding the Rover and Mariner East 2. newspaper, hailed the amendment as Learn more at appvoices.org/ U.S. Court of Appeals denied the U.S. En- an improvement to an earlier version. reclaim-committee vironmental Protection Agency’s efforts to suspend an Obama-era methane leak rule. he ntain Appalachia’s Environmental Votetracker The 2016 rule required companies to Music from t Mou s report and repair methane leaks. This would 115TH CONGRESS: Below are recent congressional bills and amendments on envi- Kentucky Tennessee North Carolina Virginia West Virginia reduce the amount of heat-trapping gas ronmental issues and how central and southern Appalachian representatives voted. To see other recent votes, or for congressional representatives outside of the five-state area, being released into the atmosphere and visit congress.gov. =pro-environment vote ✗=anti-environment vote O =no vote accelerating global warming. The court stated that the EPA still has

HOUSE T. Massie H. Rogers A. Barr RoeP. J. Duncan Fleischman S. Desjarlais V. Foxx McHenryP. M. Meadows T. Garrett B. Goodlatte M. Griffith D. McKinley A. Mooney E. Jenkins (R) KY-04 (R) KY-05 (R) KY-06 (R) TN-01 (R) TN-02 (R) TN-03 (R) TN-04 (R) NC-05 (R) NC-10 (R) NC-11 (R) VA-05 (R) VA-06 (R) VA-09 (R) WV-01 (R) WV-02 (R) WV-03 a right to reconsider the regulations but did not agree with the agency’s proposed two- H.R. 2910, the Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipe- Jean & Carl Franklin Powered lines Act, would give more deference to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in the ✗ ✗ ✗ year suspension of the rule prior to a review. by (PV) ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ 103 Cherry Street Solar Cells pipeline permitting process and limit other agencies. 248 AYES 179 NOES 6 NV PASSED Earlier this year, Congress voted on Black Mountain, NC 28711 H.R. 806, the Ozone Standards Implementation Act, would delay the implementation whether to repeal the methane leak rules. The of ozone standards enacted in 2015 and prohibit the EPA from reviewing ozone until ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ House approved the measure, but it failed in (828) 669-8149 2025, among other measures. 229 AYES 199 NOES 5 NV PASSED the Senate. — Meredith Abercrombie LISTENER -SUPPORTED RADIO WWW.WMMTFM.ORG [email protected]

Page 20 August/September 2017 The Appalachian Voice The Appalachian Voice August/September 2017 Page 21 PROOF

INSIDE APPALACHIAN VOICES About Our Program Work INSIDE APPALACHIAN VOICES About Our Program Work Appalachian Voices is committed to protecting the land, air The Fight Against the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast Pipelines Continues and water of the central and southern Appalachian region. Making a Difference in East Tennessee Our mission is to empower people to defend our region’s As federal regulators continue to rubber-stamp necessary projects far and wide. rich natural and cultural heritage by providing them with Member Spotlight tools and strategies for successful grassroots campaigns. the dangerous, inadequate plans for the Mountain We’ve collected public comments for three fed- Lucy and Rich Henighan Valley and Atlantic Coast pipelines, we’re continu- eral agencies and are continuing to urge residents Rich and Lucy Henighan, They frequent Pickett State Organizational Staff ing to fight back alongside residents and grassroots across North Carolina and Virginia to participate in members of Appalachian Voices Park on the Cumberland Pla- Executive Director ...... Tom Cormons groups across Virginia, West Virginia, and North the ongoing environmental reviews in their states. since 1999, are making a difference teau, near the Big South Fork OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT Carolina. Throughout the summer, our team has For regularly updated information on upcoming in rural Tennessee. River area. “There are a lot of Director of Philanthropy ...... Susan Kruse been driving turnout to state water quality permit hearings, action opportunities and public comment After living in Southwest Vir- rock houses, which are over- Controller ...... Maya Viknius hearings, challenging Virginia’s inadequate review periods, visit appvoices.org/fracking/actions and Operations Manager ...... Shay Boyd ginia, they moved to Seymour, hanging caves, and the park has Director of Strategic Advancement ...... Brian Sewell process, and sharing information about these un- check our Events listings on Facebook. Tenn., in July 1977. They live on five the largest arches east of the Development Coordinator ...... Leigh Kirchner acres in an old farmhouse where River,” says Rich. Operations and Outreach Associate ...... Meredith Shelton Max Rooke served as our Virginia a shared goal, which is the core of grass- end of the month, all three rel- they raised two daughters, several Developing a sustainable PROGRAMS Grassroots Organizing Assistant this roots organizing. As I take on other evant public comment periods Director of Programs ...... Matt Wasson dogs and now care for a small gar- economy is crucial for the future Campaign Director ...... Kate Boyle summer. Below is an excerpt of her challenges, I’m grateful to the wonderful will have ended. Although I’ll den and orchard. of Appalachia, according to the Senior Legislative Representative ...... Thom Kay Central Appalachian Program Manager ...... Erin Savage reflections on this internship from our Appalachian Voices team for helping be in Hampton Roads far from This summer, Max Rooke, left, and Lara Mack of our “We grow corn, tomatoes, Henighans. blog. Read more from our team at ap- me learn about how people can work the proposed construction, Central Appalachian Field Coordinator ...... Willie Dodson Virginia team shared news and resources about the fight black eyed peas, cucumbers, beans “I’m encouraged by the num- Water Quality Scientist & Community Organizer ...... Matt Hepler pvoices.org/frontporchblog together to protect their environment. we’re all downstream. against proposed pipelines at events across the state. and apples,” says Lucy. “We grow a ber of young people of the region North Carolina Program Manager ...... Amy Adams As summer ends, my time with Ap- Come August 14, I will be lot of what we eat.” as SOCM. “They focus on statewide that have taken on the notion of North Carolina Field Organizer ...... Nick Wood “The past two months have al- ment of Environmental Quality will hold palachian Voices is ending as well, but driving two hours to Dinwiddie, Va., Rich and Lucy helped start the social, economic, and environmen- protecting the history, crafts,” says N.C. Communications & Outreach Associate ...... Ridge Graham lowed me to learn skills I didn’t realize its last public hearing regarding either Virginia Program Manager ...... Peter Anderson the fight against the Mountain Valley with a jar of water from the Chowan Seymour Farmer’s Market in 2000 tal justice issues,” says Rich. Rich. “And the food!” Lucy chimes in. were skills and hear stories from im- pipeline’s impact on water quality in the Virginia Field Organizer ...... Lara Mack and Atlantic Coast pipelines is as hot as Watershed, which the Atlantic Coast and have watched it grow from half Protecting clean air and water “Building on those kinds of things are Energy Savings Program Manager ...... Rory McIlmoil pacted landowners who I would never state. I will join others in speaking out ever. August brings five official public Pipeline would snake through near the a dozen vendors to much more. Lucy was a natural instinct for Lucy, as important,” he adds. N.C. Energy Savings Outreach Coordinator ...... Lauren Essick have met if not for this internship. ... against the proposed pipelines and pro- Tenn. Energy Savings Outreach Coordinator ...... Brianna Knisley hearings regarding the pipelines as well Virginia-North Carolina border. That is on the board and explains that it is her family had always cared for the When it comes to reading The The most important thing I learned tecting our access to clean water from Tenn. Outreach OSMRE/VISTA ...... Nina Levison as two informal meetings, and by the night in Dinwiddie, the Virginia Depart- not just about the food — it has also environment. “I can’t imagine a time Appalachian Voice, Rich likes to read AmeriCorps Energy Savings Outreach Associate ...... Katie Kienbaum was how to draw people together around the mountains to my coastal marshes.” proven to have a positive and lasting when I wasn’t concerned,” she says. natural history articles and stories New Economy Program Manager ...... Adam Wells Rich became aware of environ- Southwest Virginia Solar VISTA ...... Lydia Graves impact by connecting people within about places to hike or boat where he Highlander Appalachian Transition Fellow ...... Terran Young mental issues while growing up in the Cooperative Energy Democracy Fellow. The Voice the community. has never been. Lucy said that read- COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY Hellos and Goodbyes Joe has an MBA from Lincoln Memorial team would like She has been president of The 1960s. “When we lived in Southwest ing the newspaper is encouraging Director of Communications ...... Cat McCue Virginia, we saw the devastation of Senior Communications Coordinator ...... Jamie Goodman Help us in welcoming two new University, has worked as an energy to issue a very Friends of the Seymour Library for and gives her a broader perspective. auditor with the Tennessee Valley Au- special farewell the last seven years. Each month, the the strip mining and knew people who The Henighans feel that Appa- Editorial Communications Coordinator ...... Molly Moore members to our Energy Savings team Graphic Communications Coordinator ...... Jimmy Davidson in Knoxville, Tenn! thority, and is dedicated to addressing to Maggie Sher- group hosts a program where they were active in opposing it,” says Rich. lachia should be protected because Communications Associate ...... Elizabeth E. Payne Brianna Knisley joins as our Ten- local environmental concerns. wood, who first share cultural aspects of the region. “Those connections were important. I it is unique. “There is something IT Specialist ...... Jeff Deal We would also like to bid a fond joined as our nessee Outreach Coordinator, bringing They also host a popular music series got more interested in natural history special about the mountains. The INTERNS farewell to Lou Murrey, who served as Graphic Design her passion for rural solutions and eco- where musicians provide a free live after living in a rural area.” power of it is hard to put in words,” Energy Savings Research Assistant ...... Sarah Crisp nomic and environmental equality to our 2016-17 OSMRE/VISTA in Knoxville intern in summer Energy Savings Research Assistant ...... Chris Gentry concert outside of the library. The Henighans spend their time says Rich. our work to bring energy efficiency (and is a phenomenal photographer!). 2015 and soon after became the Stanback New Economy Assistant ...... Jonathan Espitia visiting state parks and searching to co-op members in the Volunteer We’ll very much miss her enthusiasm primary designer for the publica- The couple are also members “If you love nature, you don’t Economic Diversification Assistant ...... Cory Hanes Central Appalachian Assistant ...... Isaac Kirk-Davidoff State. Originally from Ohio, Bri has and unwavering passion for social justice. tion while finishing her degree at of Statewide Organizing for Com- for wildflowers, and try to stay away need any other reason to protect it,” Lastly, join us in saying a big Appalachian State University. We from the beaten path. Central Appalachian Assistant ...... Caleb Sowers a B.A. in sustainable development Inset: Joe Payne. Above, from left to right: Lou munity Empowerment, also known he says. Virginia Assistant ...... Lena Lewis THANK YOU to our amazing crop of have greatly appreciated her design from Wilmington College of Ohio. Murrey, Brianna Knisley and Nina Levison. Virginia Assistant ...... Madeleine Murphy Nina Levison joins us as our summer interns (see our staff box on talents, positive attitude and passion policy from Hampshire College. NC Counties Pass Resolutions Virginia Assistant ...... Mackenzie Rooke 2017-18 AmeriCorps OSMRE/VISTA the opposite page for a list of names). for our mission. This issue is sadly her N.C. Program Assistant ...... Zach Kopkin Through a partnership with the associate with the Tennessee team. Our interns add so much to our organization last, but we wish her much success in Favor of Energy Efficiency NPIP/ N.C. Organizing Assistant ...... Jorden Revels organization We Own It, we are also Nina hails from New England and and we are forever grateful for their dedica- in her new position at the University In June, the Buncombe County, Marketing and Outreach Assistant ...... Tyler Bizjack welcoming Joe Payne, a member-owner of Marketing and Outreach Assistant ...... Jack Pownall holds a B.A. in environmental science and tion and service. of North Carolina Charlotte! SUPPORT N.C., Board of Commissioners passed Marketing and Outreach Assistant ...... Alex Souza Powell-Valley Electric Cooperative, as our a resolution encouraging its local CLEAN WATER Editorial Assistant ...... Meredith Abercrombie electric provider, French Broad Elec- Editorial Assistant ...... Rachel Pressley tric Membership Corp., to develop a Graphics Assistant ...... Carrie Hayes tariffed on-bill financing program that AppalachianVoices To join our Business Advertise in The League, visit would help the co-op’s members afford Board of Directors AppVoices.org or call Appalachian Voice and home energy efficiency improvements. Chair ...... Kim Gilliam BUSINESS LEAGUE 877-APP-VOICE Our Energy Savings team has Vice-Chair ...... Dot Griffith support our work to Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Secretary ...... Bunk Spann New & Renewing Members June - July 2017 been advocating for the Pay As You Treasurer ...... Kathy Selvage protect clean water while Save (PAYS) model of tariffed on-bill development of this innovative pro- Members-At-Large reaching readers who care financing in Western North Carolina gram. If implemented, the program Appalachian Mountain Brewery Mountain Khakis and East Tennessee since 2014, with stands to help thousands of French Clara Bingham Christopher Scotton about Appalachia’s future. Pat Holmes Tracey Wright Boone, N.C. Jackson Hole, Wyo. the goal of reducing energy waste Broad EMC members pay their en- Rick Phelps Tom Cormons (Ex-officio) and improving comfort for people ergy bills and afford improvements Pallavi Podapati Devil’s Backbone Brewing Patagonia Advisory Council Company living in the many older and inefficient to their homes that may otherwise be Reno, Nev. Email: [email protected] homes in our region. difficult to finance. Jonathan C. Allen Christina Howe Lexington, Va. Call: (828) 262-1500 Buncombe County follows Mitch- To learn more or get involved in Jessica Barba Brown Van Jones Alfred Glover Landra Lewis appvoices.org/ads ell and Yancey counties in passing our energy efficiency campaign, visit Randy Hayes J. Haskell Murray Page 22 August/September 2017 The Appalachian Voice resolutions to support the co-op’s appvoices.org/energysavings Silas House Brenda Sigmon Non-Profit The Appalachian Voice Organization 589 West King Street US Postage Paid Boone, N.C. 28607 Permit No. 294 appalachianvoices.org Boone, NC

This detail from “Grasshopper Among the Mushrooms” by Linda Sipress Goodwin was captured in Cades Cove, Tenn., within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The image was a finalist in the Flora and Fauna category of the 14th Annual Appalachian Mountain Pho- tography Competition. Submissions for the 15th annual competition are due by 5 p.m. on Nov. 17, 2017. Visit appmtnphotocomp.org for details.