AppalachianThe Dec 2010/Jan 2011Voice

Appalachia’s Health Report

Also Inside: The Hemlocks! The Hemlocks! • Breaks Interstate Park • The History of Protest Songs De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Pa g e 2 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e

The APPALACHIAN VOICE A Note From the Executive Director A publication of Dear Readers,

AppalachianVoices In this issue of The Voice, we explore the topic of health 191 Howard Street • Boone, NC 28607 1-877-APP-VOICE in Appalachia, not to cast gloom upon the holiday season, www.AppalachianVoices.org but to inspire individuals to take part in the betterment and well-being of Appalachia. Appalachian Voices is committed to protecting the land, air and water of the central and southern Appalachian region. Our mission is to The health of the land can not be separated from empower people to defend our region’s rich natural and cultural heritage the health of the people. Health issues in Appalachia, by providing them with tools and strategies for successful grassroots ® caused in no small part by environmental factors and an campaigns. Appalachian Voices sponsors the Upper Watauga Riverkeeper and is also a Member of the Waterkeeper® Alliance. economy weakened by industrial monopoly, are unset- tlingly prevalent. Ed i t o r ...... Jamie Goodman As s o c i a t e Ed i t o r ...... Jillian Randel But there is a movement afoot to change this grim real- Contributing Ed i t o r ...... Bill Kovarik ity. The people of Appalachia are standing behind environmental legislation such as the Distribution Ma n a g e r ...... Maeve Gould Clean Water Protection Act (H.R. 1310) in the House and the Appalachia Restoration Distribution Ad v i s o r ...... Julie Johnson Ed i to r i a l As s i s t a n t ...... Megan Perdue Act (S. 696) in the Senate. Both of these bills would curtail the devastating effects of mountaintop removal coal mining—and improve the health of the environment and Organizational Staff the people of Appalachia. Even with a new Congress in 2011, providing the permanent Ex e c u t i v e Di r e c t o r ...... Willa Mays protection our mountains and waters need is still possible in the years ahead, but we Pr o g r am s Di r e c t o r ...... Matt Wasson Campa i g n Di r e c t o r ...... Lenny Kohm need you more than ever. De v e l o pme n t & Co mm u n i c a t i o n s Di r e c t o r ...... Sandra Diaz OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT Bill McKibben, in his book Blessed Unrest, notes that organizations like Appalachian Ope r a t i o n s Ma n a g e r ...... Susan Congelosi Voices “can be seen as humanity’s immune response to toxins like political corruption, Ad m i n i s t r at i v e As s o c i a t e ...... Shay Boyd De v e l o pme n t a n d Mem b e r s h i p As s o c i a t e ...... Parker Stevens economic disease, and ecological degradation.” Just as our bodies produce antibodies PROGRAMS to ward off illness, humans likewise possess a natural inclination to work in concert Le g i s l a t i v e As s o c i a t e ...... J.W. Randolph against injustice. Na t i o n a l Fi e l d Co o r d i n a t o r ...... Kate Rooth Fi e l d Co o r d i n a t o r ...... Austin Hall Vi r g i n i a Di r e c t o r ...... Tom Cormons It is in this spirit that I invite to you to join us and become protectors of Appala- Vi r g i n i a Fi e l d Or g a n i z e r ...... Mike McCoy chia’s health—both human and ecological. Uppe r Wa t a u g a Ri v e r k eepe r ...... Donna Lisenby Ame r i c o r p s Ri v e r k eepe r As s o c i a t e ...... Eric Chance Technology & Communications Willa Te c h n o l o g i s t ...... Benji Burrell IT Spe c i a l i s t ...... Jeff Deal Co mm u n i c a t i o n s Co o r d i n a t o r ...... Jamie Goodman Ame r i c o r p s Ed u c a t i o n a n d Ou t r ea c h ...... Jillian Randel INTERNS Inside this issue Mo u n t a i n t o p Rem o v a l Campa i g n As s i s t a n t ...... Mike Alilionis D.C. Ou t r ea c h As s i s t a n t ...... Amber Davidson Ad m i n i s t r at i v e As s i s t a n t ...... Sheila Ostroff Features Protest Songs Echo Coal Miners’ Lament ...... p. 7 Honoring the Hemlock through Art...... p. 9 Appalachia Health Report...... p. 14 Health Fairs & Clinics...... p. 16 Substance Abuse...... p. 17 Appalachian Voices Board of Directors One Woman’s Fight Against Coal Ash...... p. 18 A Look at Coal Miner’s Health...... p. 19

Ch a i r ------Christina Howe Herbs, Alternative Medicines and Home Remedies...... p. 20 Vi c e Ch a i r ------Heidi Binko Regulars Se c r e t a r y ------Matthew Anderson-Stembridge Cover artwork: Tr e a s u r e r ------Bunk Spann Get Involved!...... p. 3 Coal Update...... p. 12 This Green House...... p. 4 Opinions and Editorials...... p. 22 “Snow Frozen On,” a 3-D Members-At-Large: Jim Deming, Dot Griffith, Cale Jaffe, Mary Anne Hitt, painting by Lowell Hayes, Brenda Huggins, Pat Watkins, Lauren Waterworth AV Book Club...... p. 5 Inside AV...... p. 24 Hiking the Highlands...... p. 8 Naturalists Notebook...... p. 27 (photo by Andrew Miller). Advisory Council: Jonathan C. Allen, Liz Aycock, Brenda Boozer, Alfred Across Appalachia...... p. 10 See page 9 for full story. Glover, Kathy Selvage

Appalachian Voice Distribution VOLUNTEERS: Marielle Abalo, Heather Baker, Becky Barlow, Jennie Barron, Jere Bidwell, Blue Smoke Coffee, Rebecca Booher, Charlie Bowles, Jane Branham, Steve Brooks, Carmen Cantrell, Shay Clanton, Patty Clemens, April Crowe, Detta Davis, Jim Dentinger, Lowell Dodge, Lauren Essick, Emma Ford, Dave Gilliam, Gary Greer, Colton Griffin, Dot Griffith, Mo Halsema, Sharon Wonder Hart, Susan Hazlewood, Jennifer Honeycutt, Brenda Huggins, Rose Koontz, Susan Lewis, Loy Lilley, Joy Lourie, Gail Marney, Mast General Store, Kim Greene McClure, Rich McDonough, Mike McKinney, Doug Mitchell, Steve Moeller, Dave and Donna Muhly, James Mullens, Marylin Mullins, Dennis Murphy, Catherine Murray, Joel Packard, Dave Patrick, Jacquelyn Pontious, Bronwyn Reece, Martin Richards, Steve Scarborough, Gerry and Joe Scardo, Kathy Selvage, Kayla Sims, Jennifer Stertzer, Meghan Stump, Bill Wasserman, Dean Whitworth, Donna Williams, Graham Williams, Diana Withen, Kirsty Zahnke, Gabrielle Zeiger, Ray Zimmerman De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 3 GET INVOLVED environmental & cultural events in the region To be included in our listing of environmental and cultural events, please Sustaining Family Farms Conference email [email protected]. Deadline for Want to learn how to start a sustainable family farms. ten “model” farms. the next issue will be Friday, January 21, farmer’s market? Or the best A series of short, inten- Participants will also have 2011 at 5 p.m. for events taking place ways you can prepare for the sive mini-courses will kick off the opportunity to exchange between Feb. 5 and April 5 . upcoming 2012 Farm Bill? the conference, addressing seeds and network with other Then you should participate organic vegetable start-up, farmers as well as enjoy the in the annual Solutions for production and marketing, “Taste of Tennessee” with lo- Masters of the Night: Sustaining Family Farms Con- mixing and matching cattle cal foods at the conference’s The True Story of Bats ference January 18 through 22 on pasture land and building closing ceremony. Now-Jan 2: An exhibit to dispel popular miscon- in Chattanooga, Tenn. a homestead from scratch, Over 1,200 farmers and ceptions about bats, describe their ecological Sponsored by the Southern among other topics. advocates attend each year. importance and give visitors an appreciation of Sustainable Agriculture Working One afternoon will be spent So get out and help create a the true wonders of the bat world through multi- Group, the conference is a four traveling to local organic more vibrant community and sensory interactive displays, a Gothic castle day event created for farmers and sustainable farms, and food system with your own and lifelike settings. Call: (866)202-6223 or visit: and advocates to gain practical the ensuing night will take knowledge and questions! grayfossilmuseum.com. tools and solutions for running attendees on a virtual tour of Visit ssawg.org to register. Jean Mills, Southern SAWG conference coordinator, ...... harvesting lettuces on her farm near Tuscaloosa, Alabama Plume and Removing Mountains Now-Jan 28: Daniel Shae narrates the social, Posana Cafe Meeting Room, Asheville, N.C. Community and Small Wind Energy details and a schedule will be posted soon. Held at political and cultural impacts of mountaintop re- Registration required: $15; 10am–3pm. Visit: Conference-Mid Atlantic Region the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Visit: moval and coal-fired power plants in West Virginia asapconnections.org/ Feb 8-9: Two-day conference discussing wind energy organicgrowersschool.org/content/1505 and Appalachia. The Appalachian Center, Berea ...... policies and implementing a community clean energy ...... College, Ky. Visit: berea.edu/appalachiancenter/ Sugarfest project; Penn State’s Innovation Park, State College, Ten-Month Ecological Leadership events/default.asp. Dec 11-12: Attend the annual festival highlighting Pa. Registration required. Contact: Catherine O’ Neill Training ...... Sugar Mountain’s many winter activities including at 612-870-3477 or [email protected] Feb 28–Dec 16: Be part of a team of 10 that will The Hemlocks! The Hemlocks! Grief tubing, skiing, snowboarding and ice skating...... learn about innovative design systems and practi- and Celebration by Lowell Hayes Contests and gear demos will also be held. Sugar 18th Annual Organic Growers cal solutions that create bioregional sovereignty Dec 3-Mar 19: This series of paintings is a celebra- Mountain Ski Resort, N.C. Visit: seesugar.com/ School Spring Conference and empower the human potential. Program tion of the life and beauty of the Tsuga canaden- tourism/sugarfest/ Mar 5-6: The southeast’s largest sustainable living costs $8,000. Class runs Tues–Fri, 10am-6pm in sis, the Eastern Hemlock, and of the rare Tsuga ...... conference. Registration opens in January. More Asheville, N.C. Visit: ashevillage.org caroliniana, the Carolina Hemlock, which only Appalachian Voices D.C. Open House live in the mountains of N.C., S.C. and Ga. At the Dec 16: Come join the AV DC office to meet your Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, Boone, N.C. fellow activists, hear about all their great advocacy Visit: turchincenter.org/ efforts and maybe learn something new about Community Owned Renewable Appalachia! RSVP to [email protected] or call Energy with AIRE (202)266-0479. Dec 4: The Appalachian Institute for Renewable ...... Energy will be holding a workshop on energy issues pertaining to small-scale security, sustain- Ski Beech Winterfest ability and renewability. Class held from 1–3pm in Jan 8-9: Come enjoy live music, bathing beauty, Appalachia, Va. Visit: wisecountylocal.org. big air contest, village rail jam, cardboard box ...... derby, food cookouts, demos and ski beech sports sale. Beech Mountain, N.C. Visit: skibeech.com. Blue Mtn School Local Gifts Fundraiser ...... Dec 4 & 11: Shop for local and seasonal gifts. Blue Mountain School, Floyd, Va. Contact shelly@blue- Book Signing of Historic Photos mountainschool.net or call (540)745-4234. of Appalachia ...... Jan 27: Beautiful historic photographs of Appala- chia have been compiled into a new coffee-table Two-Part Permaculture Class book and text written by East Tennesse State Dec 4 & 11: Foothills Connect Class on permacul- University English professor, Dr. Kevin O’Donnell. ture, poly-cropping, successful forest agriculture For information on the book signing, e-mail: sand- systems and farming perennial forest crops for [email protected] commercial production. Cost: $69 and runs ...... 9–5pm in Rutherfordton, N.C. Email ffmanalyst@ foothillsconnect.com or call (828)288-1650. Jeff Biggers Presentation on ...... “Clean Energy Future” Feb 1: Join author and journalist Jeff Biggers as Southeast Construction & Demoli- he delivers his famed multimedia presentation, tion Recycling Conference “Legacy: How Appalachians Can Lead the Nation Dec 8: Learn about recycling at residential and Toward Clean Energy?” at East Tennessee State commercial construction sites, building products University. E-mail: [email protected] for more made from recycled materials, what other com- information. munities are doing and how you can implement ...... alternative practices in your community. Charlotte, N.C. Contact the Carolina Recycling Association at World Wetlands Day (877)972-0007 or email [email protected] Feb 2: Celebrated annually, this day is dedicated ...... to honoring wetlands and highlighting the benefits they provide for human and animal life. Check out CSA Workshop ramsar.org for an event near you. Dec 9: Learn about planning, marketing, record- ...... keeping and post-harvest handling of CSAs. De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Pa g e 4 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e This GREEN House A “Reduce/Reuse” Remodeled House Local Lumber, Seconds and Hand-Me-Downs Highlight Home’s Expansion

Story by Jillian Randel the windows and doors. You don’t have to start from scratch “All of the pine and timbers inside, to build green. and a lot of the oak and maple flooring, Nestled in the mountains of Ashe is off our own land,” said Sorell. “You County, N.C., adjacent to fields grazed by can go there now and you can’t tell that donkeys, cows and sheep, you will find a anything was cut.” beautiful poplar and hemlock-sided home The tall, multi-colored maple with a wrap-around deck and staircase lead- cabinetry and the maple flooring lin- ing the guest bedroom is not entirely from Full sun hits the southern-facing back side of ing up to the second-floor front door—all but don’t let it back out,” said Sorell. Most the Sorell’s land. “We didn’t have a lot of the house, complete with special thermal-solar sitting atop an older cement-block house. windows are made to limit the heat that maple,” said Sorell. “But we also didn’t windows and a PV hot water heating system on When Beth and Ralph Sorell tried goes out, which also limits heat coming in. the roof. Photos by Jamie Goodman want to cut [more] maple from our own drainage repair around their old block She persisted, and finally found Marvin, land.” Enter Snyder’s stock of wood. ficient and airtight—and made in the U.S. home to fix a water and mold issue, they a company that carries a window model “Different people have him cut trees SIPs are also structural, limiting the need discovered the problem was relentless. with a high solar heat gain. from their yard that they don’t want,” ex- for additional structural wood. When they decided to build rather than “Every afternoon it is so warm in this plained Sorell. “But they also don’t need The guest bathroom adds a touch of renovate, they didn’t realize that they house,” said Sorell. “We’ve hardly had to use the wood, so he sells it for them.” Mexico to the house. The flooring is made would be building up rather than out. the heat.” Sorell and her husband do have All of the wood was milled locally, of marmoleum—the original flax-seed, Visitors to the house climb past the a woodstove that they use for heating and some on their own land with a portable eco-friendly version of linoleum—that original concrete structure—now the cooking in the winter, as well as a propane sawmill and some at a mill called the Sorell found in the left-over pile at Build it basement—and up a simple locust staircase, heater as backup. They also have a solar Sawdoctor, down the road from where Naturally in Asheville, NC. The reasonably built from wood harvested locally. “Locust water heater attached to their metal roof. priced version of this natural coating had decking lasts a few lifetimes,” said Beth they live. Finishing Touches a price, however—it was mustard yellow. Sorell. “Somebody local wanted these trees “The cost is a little bit more, but it’s “I had to go with the Mexican theme cut and taken off their land, so they weren’t all local,” said Sorell. “When we started The house is insulated with structured from there,” said Sorell. “So we did the cut [just] for the purpose of the house.” thinking about this project last January, insulated panels (SIPs). These are made everybody was out of work. The mills had [recycled] blue and yellow tiling in the That is the point of Ian Snyder’s of styrofoam encased in plywood, but are shut down practically.” shower.” company Mountain Works—sustainable considered “green” because they are ef- “We were able to give them Completing the bathroom is a forestry. Snyder selects trees to cut that are business and keep some of them a low flush toilet from the ReStore, overcrowded or are split at the top, and going a bit longer.” Habitat for Humanity’s used and sur- uses draft horses instead of big machinery plus building store, and a refinished to pull the logs out of the forest. He brings The countertops are com- antique cabinet with a Mexican sink homeowners on tours through their land prised of recycled tiles mixed bowl inserted into the top—colorful and, together, they pick out the types of with marble squares of tile re- and fun and a perfect match with trees they want logged. mainders from people’s orders at the tile. Snyder introduced the Sorells to a the local tile store. It is rustic and A concoction of antique pieces, builder who not only agreed to build on natural without being overdone. restored furniture and reused ap- top of their old house, but told them they Solar Flair pliances fills the rest of the hosue. wouldn’t even have to move out during The house is filled with Mimicking the house’s outer shell, the the process. “Why destroy an old house natural light and heat, thanks to inside is a perfect combination of local, and put all that [debris] in a landfill, intentional passive solar meth- old, new and used—proving that you then rebuild a foundation and basement ods. Sorell and her husband are don’t have to start new to go green. again?” asked Sorrell. adamant about solar heating. Keeping it Local “It was almost impossible RESOURCES to find windows that let heat in To learn more about the prod- As you walk in the door, a mosaic of ucts, builders and materials the wood greets you. Pine wall paneling Sorells used for their house, please decorates the inside walls. Scarlet oak visit the sites below. flooring—much of it fallen naturally on Daltile...... daltile.com the Sorell’s land—stretches across the Land Ark...... landarknw.com open-spaced, 1,200 square foot home. Build It Naturally...... builditnaturally.com A long, sturdy birch kitchen table— Above: Local stoneworker T.T. Walker created a rock climbing Blue Ridge Building Supply...... brbs.net/v3 handmade by Tom Sternal, owner of wall to serve as a chimney, personally fetching the rocks from ReStore...... habitat.org/restores Elkland Handwerke—stands proudly local water sources. Sorell gave him freedom of creativity, Marvin Windows & Doors...... marvin.com next to the kitchen. Plain wood trim— asking only that he incorporate a sunbeam or sunburst into his artistic creation. Left: the restored antique cabinet that was Mountain Works...... mtnworks.prayaga.org reclaimed from their old roof—frames turned into a bathroom sink. Elkland Handwerke...... elkland.com

De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 5 Last Child in the Woods: Nature Nurtures Creativity Review by Jillian Randel Louv introduces the term writes Louv. “It travels along grass-stained “nature deficit disorder” in sleeves to the heart. If we are going to save Increased outdoor reference to the lack of time environmentalism, we must also save an playtime translates to spent outside - for children endangered indicator species: the child higher levels of cre- to run wild and free. in nature.” ativity, better critical What does nature do Louv offers an intelligent commentary thinking skills and a for us and why is it so im- on the situation of today’s children and the greater sense of confi- portant? Stress reduction, future we are creating for them through dence for today’s chil- greater physical health, a the practices that we teach. By allowing dren, Richard Louv poses deeper sense of spirit, more children to get outside and play, we are in his book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From creativity and a sense of play are fostering a wealth of knowledge and skills not skills that can be learned in the type they would otherwise miss. Nature-Deficit Disorder. of hands-off environment found in class- Last Child in the Woods is the seventh According to Louv, children have rooms today. book for Louv, who is also founder of the lost their connection to the earth. Direct Inventiveness and imagination of Children and Nature Network. Visit chil- experience has been cut off by machines, nearly all creative people is rooted in early drenandnature.org for more information and children now experience higher rates experiences of nature, argues Louv, stress- on his movement. of depression and anxiety. Concentration ing that unstructured time outside is vital Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our and learning problems manifest through to our children’s development. Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder; Rich- conditions such as ADD and ADHD (At- “Passion is lifted from the earth it- ard Louv, 2005, $14.95 tention Deficit Disorder and Attention self by the muddy hands of the young,” Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

More than Just costs and benefits to the region while also addressing up in the mountains of A Documentary mountaintop removal coal mining issues. eastern Kentucky, but Though the film does not come to any definitive con- on opposite sides of a Coal in Kentucky is an hour- clusions about the future role of coal in Kentucky, com- mountain ridge—and long documentary providing mentators in the film insist that the demand for energy opposite sides of the Movie Reviews a comprehensive overview of will keep coal alive until renewable energy resources are coal issue. The film de- by Megan Perdue the role of the coal industry economically feasible for most of the country. tails Beverly’s new anti- in historical and contem- Go to coalinkentucky.com for more resources and coal activist lifestyle foiled with Terry’s struggle to decide porary Kentucky society. information. whether he should keep or sell his property to mine owners. Individuals from the coal industry, Filmed in 2007, the documentary follows these two friends environmental activists, politicians, Coal Controversy Divides as they struggle to understand “who controls, consumes, scholars and citizens weave a cohesive analysis of coal Communities and benefits from our planet’s shrinking supply of natural issues facing Kentucky today. Deep Down: A Story from the Heart of Coal resources,” especially coal in eastern Kentucky. Presented by the University of Ken- Country demonstrates the polarization and Filmmakers Jen Gilomen and Sally Rubin explore tucky’s Center for Visualization and Vir- dichotomy of Appalachian coal issues— how coal separates communities and friends who rec- tual Environments and the Department especially mountaintop removal—by charac- ognize the environmental and health consequences of of Mining Engineering, Coal in Kentucky terizing two individuals on opposite ends of mining, but who cannot escape the necessary evil of coal is a well-rounded venture that focuses the issue spectrum. as a quick source of energy and work. on the coal industry, highlighting its Both Beverly May and Terry Ratliff grew Visit deepdownfilm.org for resources and information.

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De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Pa g e 6 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e

De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 7 Mining Our Heritage: Protest Songs Echo Coal Miners’ Lament Through the Decades

Editor’s Note: In the coming issues, The Appalachian Voice will examine the deep roots of Appalachian folk music and how the songs and lyrics that have resonated around these mountains affected everyday life throughout the region. In this issue, the link between coal mining protests and folk songs is examined.

Story by Jason Reagan “And Daddy won’t you take me back to Muhlenberg County, Down by the Green River, where Paradise lay. Well I’m sorry, my son, but you’re too late in askin’. Mr. Peabody’s coal train has hauled it away.”

Ask anyone if they know a song about Songwriters of old (and new) times who have sung about the struggles of coal miners include (l-r): Billy coal mining and chances are they’ll men- Edd Wheeler, Vernon Dalhart and John Prine. tion “Paradise,” by John Prine—a lament for the lost innocence of the award-win- The “progress” Prine vilified became “Appalachian protest songs have Press, 1972). ning singer’s beloved Kentucky birthplace the fertile soil for many songs by a diver- always interested me. I have always For more information about Richard before it was ravaged and sullied by coal- sity of folk musicians. been drawn to the story or the worker or Stooksbury, visit richardstooksbury.com. mining giant Peabody Energy. According to folklorist Archie Green, common man and feel that those stories But Prine’s elegy, recorded in 1971, is “Only a Miner” was one of the first pub- need to be told,” Tennessee-based singer- only one example in a long lineage of songs licly released recordings of a mining song. songwriter Richard Stooksbury said. that sprang from social upheaval in Appala- However, other sources say the very first “Though there have been many to chia. And, often the target of such upheaval was “The Dream of the Miner’s Child,” draw inspiration from over the years, landed in the deep shafts and dangerous recorded by Vernon Dalhart in 1925, my favorite continues to be Billy Edd strip mines of the coal industry. An anonymous tune, “Only a Miner” Wheeler’s ‘Coal Tattoo,” he said. At the turn of the 20th Century, the details the dangers, isolation and hard- Stooksbury’s sophomore album people of Appalachia faced a double- ships faced every day by coal miners and “South” features the track “Kudzu,” de- pronged paradox—the struggle between was released by Paramount in 1928. tailing temptations the coal mines often being forced to work in the mines for lack used. of better income and the knowledge that “The hard-working miner; their dan- “We were falsely promised riches the process took a tremendous physical gers are great with coal mines, toll on the people and on the pristine Many while mining have met their And forests with spruce trees to mountain landscapes their forebears had sad fate spare, known so well. While doing their duties as miners And the mills and the industry Used, Because unionization was often non- all do, and the progress, Rare & Out existent or the cause of violent bloodshed, Shut out from the daylight and We were given a shake that’s residents found more creative outlets in an their darling ones, too, never been fair,” of Print Books attempt to express their pain and often out- He’s only a miner been killed in the — “Kudzu” (Richard Stooksbury) Specializing in rage of the atrocities wrought by Big Coal. ground, Books about Black Now based in Nashville, Stooksbury “The songs and ballads which sprang Only a miner and one more is found, Mountain College grew up near Anderson County, at one from the soil of the anthracite coal region Killed by an accident, no one can tell, time Tennessee’s leading coal-producing have in them the crude strength, the natu- His mining’s all over, poor miner region—just a stone’s throw from the ralness and freshness of things that grow farewell. infamous Coal Creek labor dispute of the in the earth,” George Gershon Korson — “Only A Miner” (artist unknown) late 19th Century. wrote in his seminal 1960s work, “Min- “Although I had read a lot about coal strels of the Mine Patch.” Today, many folk singers owe a tre- mendous debt to Appalachian protest miners and their struggles, as well as hav- “Then the coal company came songs. Since the first recorded coal-mine ing heard the oral traditions, it was not un- with the world’s largest disaster in Black Heath, Va. in 1839, til I discovered songs like ‘Coal Tattoo’ that shovel musicians have expressed the pain and it took on the visceral emotion that only a And they tortured the timber and melancholy echoing through the stripped song can deliver,” Stooksbury said. stripped all the land, mountains and valleys. “When Hazel Dickens sings it - well, the floodgates just bust wide open,” he said. Powered Well, they dug for their coal ‘til Jean & Carl Franklin by (PV) 103 Cherry Street Solar Cells the land was forsaken, For more information on Appalachian Jason Reagan is a freelance writer living in the Black Mountain, NC 28711 Then they wrote it all down as protest songs as they related to coal- mountains of western North Carolina. He can the progress of man. mining, see Archie Green’s excellent book, (828) 669-8149 [email protected] — Paradise, John Prine be reached at [email protected]. “Only a Coal Miner” (University of Illinois

De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Pa g e 8 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Hiking the Highlands Them’s “The Breaks” KY/VA Interstate Park Offers Little-Known Hiking Opportunities Any Time of the Year

Story by Daniel Hawkins Within the coalfields, strad- dling the border of Southwestern Virginia and Eastern Kentucky, lies a little-known natural won- der of the Appalachian Moun- tains. Known as the Grand Canyon of the South, Breaks Interstate Park is home to one of the deep- est gorges east of the Mississippi. Over millions of years, the Rus- Evergreens and rhododendron, above, provide a green setting for “The Notches” on Laurel Branch Trail, sell Fork River cut a five-mile- even in the deepest winter. Photo by R.L. Mullins. At left, the view of the Towers from the Overlook Trail long gorge through the Pine is wrapped in a blanket of freshly fallen snow. Photo by Jenny Leigh O’Quinn, Breaks Interstate Park Mountains of Appalachia, creat- Laurel Branch Trail. Here a small crystal leads me alongside the creek, I am continu- ing a magnificent natural spec- clear stream snakes through giant rock ously amazed with the beauty of a stream tacle. With depths reaching 1,000 formations known as “The Notches.” I left mostly untouched by man—a rarity feet from the scenic overlooks to many wonders this seemingly dormant easily become lost in the peaceful solitude within the coalfields I call home. the river below, the gorge has attracted park has to offer. of nature as the moss covered stone walls I finally reach the river and rather than visitors from all over the world. I for one enjoy hiking the park in separate me from the rest of the world. continue on River Trail I will turn around The “Breaks,” as it is called by local winter as much as any other season, and I journey onward through thickets of and make the ascent back to the warmth of residents, provides visitors with breathtak- one of my favorite hikes begins on the mountain laurel and groves of hemlock the cabin I rented within the park. Tomorrow ing views from seven overlooks and offers Overlook Trail. Roughly a mile long, the which add a touch of green to the other- I may continue the journey from the Pros- an abundance of activities during spring, trail stretches between the Clinchfield and wise gray and brown hues of an Appala- pector Trail, but for this evening I plan on summer and fall. During these busier State Line overlooks, skirting along the chian winter. My breath begins to fog as relaxing by a warm fire. Hopefully the snow months, the park’s large amphitheatre edge of the canyon; I can clearly hear the I deepen my decent below the northern that has been forecast will blanket the area, plays host to a variety of weekly events Russell Fork River make its rocky decent side of the mountain. The crispness of the turning an already picturesque landscape and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy activities hundreds of feet below me. As I pass by air feels refreshing and soon I can hear the into an enchanting winter wonderland. ranging from camping and horseback rid- the many unguarded overlooks that give water of a creek flowing rapidly. I link up For more information or to make ing to mountain biking and swimming. the trail its name, I occasionally take a with Grassy Creek Trail, perhaps one of reservations visit www.breakspark.com As the splendorous colors of fall foli- weak-kneed step out to their edge to catch my favorites within the park. As the trail or call (276) 865-4413. age turn to brown and the abscission of amazing views of the gorge. leaves reveals many shades of grey bark, Once I’ve reached the State Line visitation to Breaks Interstate Park slows Overlook I link up with the Ridge Trail “Th e Br e a k s ” Tr a i l Hi g h l i g h t s drastically. The few who do brave the for a short hike through a grove of cooler temperatures find winter is one Overlook Trail—.75 miles, difficult. Ex- then becoming difficult in the last .5 miles. mountain ivy before intersecting with posed cliff edges require additional cau- Experience the natural beauty of the Appa- of the best times of the year to enjoy the tion. For amazing views of the gorge this lachian mountains along with some amaz- trail is an absolute must. ing rock formations. Ridge Trail—.5 miles, easy then becomes dif- Grassy Creek Trail­— .5 miles, moder- ficult. Mountain Ivy and Laurel thickets make ate. Enjoy the sounds of rushing water as this an excellent trail for bird watchers. Grassy Creek tumbles down this seem- ingly secluded hollow. Laurel Branch Trail—1.25 miles, easy

In-Pa r k Acc o m m o d a t i o n s

The Lodge & Rhododendron Res- Cottages—Two-room units with views of taurant—81-room hotel with 30 rooms the gorge, complete with full kitchen. $90 overlooking the gorge. $60 to $90 per to $125 per night. night. Campground—130 available RV and tent Luxury Cabins—Two- and three-bed- sites. Open from April 1 through October rooms with gas fireplaces and views of 31. Full hookups available. Laurel Lake. $125 to $255 per night.

De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 9 Hiking the Highlands The Hemlocks! The Hemlocks! Artist Lowell Hayes Raises Awareness of the Threatened Evergreen In A 3-D Painting Exhibition Story by Jamie Goodman A striking new art exhibit has cap- tured the life and death of the great east- ern hemlock, bringing the plight of this threatened tree to indoor audiences. Internationally-renowned artist Low- ONLINE RESOURCES ell Hayes, a resident of Valle Crucis, N.C., The bas-relief style paintings by artist Lowell Hayes incorporate gathered hemlock bark and twigs for U.S. Forest Service website on hemlock woolly has created eleven large-scale constructed- a striking 3-D rendition of Appalachian forest on a “floating” canvas. The largest, “Imagining Old adelgid invasion: na.fs.fed.us/fhp/hwa Growth,” above, measures 9 feet tall by 19 feet wide. Photo by Andrew Miller canvas paintings that incorporate natural Lowell Hayes’ website: lowellhayesartist.com materials such as bark and tree limbs for a half of them,” Hayes said. painting the Appalachian landscape and Turchin Center for Visual Arts: turchincenter.org striking 3-dimensional representation. Hayes has worked on the project for its people for 40 years, but the bas relief Schedule the tour: Email Brook Bower, greeneab@ appstate.edu “The exhibition is really not about the over four years, during which time he expe- hemlock canvases are considered his most blight. [It’s] about the life of the hemlock, rienced the loss of his mother to cancer. evocative and focused work to date. He who don’t get into the forest very much.” rather than the death of it,” Hayes said. “There I was immersed in the loss of the credits the project with encouraging him Viewing the massive paintings first-hand “The Hemlocks! The Hemlocks!” hemlocks, and [my mother] had cancer and to get out in the forest and relate to nature is a study in nature itself. Tree limbs, con- exhibit will show in the Turchin Center she was not getting any better,” he said. “We more intimately. “There have been a lot structed moss and rocks, and sections of real for the Visual Arts at Appalachian State knew it was only a matter of time.” of blessings involved,” he said. “That is a hemlock bark loom off the canvas in realistic University from December 3 through “You don’t sit around and weep with tremendous life experience, and I am very detail. The sheer size—the largest is 9 feet March 19, 2011. your mother [while she is dying],” he said. privileged, grateful to be able to do that.” high by 19 feet long—dwarfs the viewer. Across the eastern seaboard, a tiny inva- “You might have some tears, but when The ultimate goal of the exhibit is to During the exhibition, the art will be sive bug is wiping out the mighty hemlock you are with your mother you are trying connect viewers spiritually and emotion- complimented by a range of educational tree. Known as the hemlock woolly adelgid, to contribute to her having a good life so ally to the plight of this magnificent tree. materials about the woolly adelgid and the pest was first noticed in 1951 near Rich- long as she has it.” “It’s one thing to read about the dev- the demise of the hemlocks. mond, Va., and has since decimated ever- Hayes realized he did not want to astation, or even to go into the field and A two-story exhibition hall will also green populations from Vermont to Georgia. focus on the death of the hemlocks, but to observe it, but it’s another... to have an house a site-specific installation by Hayes Unconfirmed reports place the sap-sucking appreciate the tree while it lives. “What I artist’s take on how you feel when you are that includes a nearly 40-foot section of a adelgid as far west as Wisconsin. am painting in the representations and the with these hemlocks,” he said. dying hemlock tree. “Maybe we won’t have a time here interpretations of hemlocks is our being “I hope this does get a chance to [create] Hayes hopes to take the show on in the South when we will be [without] with them,” Hayes said. contact between people and hemlocks, es- tour after the Turchin exhibition, and is hemlocks, but we already have lost about Hayes, now in his 70s, has been pecially between people in urban situations seeking venues throughout the hemlock range, from Maine to Alabama and west Hemlock Disappearance Puts Songbirds at Risk to Minnesota. “The finest thing that anyone says to Except from an article by Hannah Aleshnick David Buehler, a professor of wildlife who completed post-doctorate work 14 me about my work is, ‘After seeing your (Read the complete version online at appvoices. sciences at the University of Tennessee, has years ago on the effects of the HWA on work, I saw what you mean [out] in na- org/thevoice/hemlocks) been studying the effect of the HWA on northeastern forests, says that 90 percent ture,’” he said. birds in the Blue Ridge Mountains. “When of Acadian Flycatchers nest in the affected With a face more yellow than green, “I like to say, ‘This is heaven, don’t the [HWA] started to become an issue in conifers. “If these species spend more of the Black-throated Green Warbler can often miss it while you’re here.’” the early 2000’s and we saw what was their time in hemlocks, and the majority of be seen between delicately needled hem- Work by Lowell Hayes has been in- happening further north, we started these hemlocks disappear, then their habi- lock branches. It is the second most com- cluded in a touring exhibition by the Na- documenting the species [associ- tats are going to be restricted,” he says. mon warbler in southern Appalachia. tional Museum of American Art and graces ated with the hemlocks].” “Hemlocks are an important compo- This species—along with the Black- numerous private and public collections, David Orwig, a Forest nent of forest ecosystems, especially throated Blue Warbler, the Blue-headed including the University of North Carolina Ecologist at Harvard Univer- in the Smokies, says Dr. Buehler. Vireo and the Acadian Flycatcher—relies and the Tennessee State Museum. sity, believes that Acadian “The significance here is tre- heavily on the Eastern Hemlock for nest- The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts Flycatcher populations mendous.” ing and breeding, a tree that is disappear- is located at 423 W. King Street, Boone, will suffer as hem- Black-throated blue ing from the Appalachian landscape due warbler. © Paul Tessier N.C., and is open Tuesday through Satur- locks decline. Orwig, to the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). day. Admission is free.

De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Pa g e 10 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e

Across Appalachia Environmental News From Around The Region Contamination Concerns Mount as Gas Fracking Heats Up Story by Jillian Randel Appalachia, a company drilling for natural back to the surface during fracking could private rights on the issue. contain uranium, posing severe health The negative effects of fracking for gas near her home. After drilling started Haggling with Halliburton in 2009, Armstrong began suffering from risks. natural gas just keep, well, stacking up. In November, the EPA issued a sub- contact dermatitis, barium poisoning, “We need a fundamental understand- The impact of drilling in Appalachia has poena to Halliburton for failing to submit pain and numbness in her face and hands, ing of how uranium exists in shale,” said already been substantial. The Marcellus a report of the chemicals they use during deformities of the bones in her hands and Banks. “The more we understand about Shale formation, which stretches from New hydrofracturing. Calling the request “un- severe headaches. Her water tested posi- how it exists, the more we can better pre- York to Pennsylvania and Ohio down to reasonable,” Halliburton said it would tive for methane in September of 2009. dict how it will react to fracking.” West Virginia, contains large reserves of negotiate with the EPA’s demands, but still natural gas, and instances of water con- Uranium Unearthed Drilling in State Parks a refused to submit the requested data. tamination continue to mount. Adding During Fracking? Possibility Tracking the Fracking fuel to the fire, President Obama delivered A recent study announced that ura- Pennsylvania’s Ohiopyle State Park, A community action group based a controversial speech on Nov. 3, during nium may be another heavy metal released which sits atop the Marcellus Shale forma- out of Kentucky and Virginia created a which he voiced support for natural gas during fracking. According to Tracy Bank, tion, is under threat as the natural gas in- network to address natural oil and gas is- drilling. Ph.D, assistant professor of geology at the dustry eyes it for extraction. Pennsylvania sues emerging in Appalachia. The group is Thirty-two states now have natural University of Buffalo and lead researcher does not own the subsurface rights of the focused on reaching out to and educating gas fracking. of the study, shale rock naturally traps park, increasing the potential for drilling landowners as well as working on ways to metals such as uranium. According to to take place. This site is one of 35 national Reigning in Methane address policy makers about natural gas Banks’ report, fracking releases uranium parks on or near the Marcellus Shale, rais- Judy Armstrong of Bradford County, violations. Visit: fracturedappalachia.org into a soluble state, thus water released ing the near-future question of public vs. Pa., recently filed suit against Chesapeake for more information.

NOTES FROM ALL OVER finished fifth overall and first in women’s visit www.epa.gov/reg3wcmd/spp/. with a time of 3 hours and 49 minutes. Land Trusts To Preserve man carcinogen. Bally’s water supply was The 31.1 mile ultramarathon used 50,000 Acres in Western NC polluted during the sixty-year operation of Winter Stokes Fears of local and minimal waste products and Bally Engineered Structures manufactur- Bat-Killing Fungus Nine regional land trusts have agreed donated all of its proceeds to the National ing plant, which closed in the mid-90s. to a five-year plan aimed at protecting Committee for the New River. With the onset of winter and bat hiber- 50,000 acres of Blue Ridge Mountains in nation, scientists are cautioning spelunkers western North Carolina. The coalition, Running for Nature in the to take extra care in cleaning equipment WVU Named To EPA’s known as Blue Ridge Forever, is expecting New River Trail 50k and clothing between outings to prevent 8,000 additional acres to come under their Sustainability Program the spread of white nose syndrome in bats. One hundred and thirty runners took protection by the end of 2010. Nearly $110 West Virginia University recently be- The fatal fungus attacks bats as they hiber- to the trail for the Third Annual New River million in public funds, $32 million from came the newest member of the U.S. Envi- nate; once the fungus infests a cave, 90 to Trail 50k run at the New River State Park private donations and over $196 million ronmental Protection Agency’s Sustainability 100 percent of the bats die. Experts are still in Fries, Va., in October. in cash or land value donations from in- Partnership Program (SPP), a project that de- uncertain what causes the disease or how to Prizes were awarded to the top three dividual property owners went to protect signs sustainability plans for organizations in combat it, but believe the disease is spread finalists for each gender in three catego- the land. mid-Atlantic states that use large quantities from cave to cave by human activity. ries: under 40, over 40, and over 55. Chris- Blue Ridge Forever focuses on protect- of energy, water and natural resources. The topher Motta, 26, from Virginia, finished ing North America’s most biologically university will help promote the program first overall with a time of 3 hours and Sign Up For National diverse temperate forests to offset a 77% throughout the state. For more information, 33 minutes. Kate Brun, 24, from Georgia, Brownfields Conference increase in development in the region over the last twenty years. Registration is underway for the 14th AARP’s Operation Energy Save Helps Elderly annual Brownfields Conference, sched- uled for April 3-5, 2011 in Philadelphia. Clean Water Back in the This winter, the Energy Save is a pro- Co-sponsored by the U.S. Environmen- Taps for Penn. Borough American Association gram to mobilize vol- tal Protection Agency and the International Residents of Bally, Penn., will soon for Retired Persons unteers across the state City/County Management Association, no longer rely on bottled water, thanks to (AARP) is launching a to donate time toward the conference focuses on cleaning up and the Environmental Protection Agency’s new program to help winterizing the homes redeveloping abandoned, underutilized addition of a new well connected to their older Virginians modify of neighbors, friends and potentially contaminated properties. public water system. Approximately 1,000 their homes for energy efficiency and and family who need help. The pro- The three-day event offers educational ses- residents have depended on bottled water save money on energy bills. For elderly gram also encourages participation and sions on issues facing brownfield practitio- since the 2003 discovery of local ground- or disabled folks, applying modifica- sponsorship by local service clubs and ners, policy makers and communities. water contamination by 1, 4-dioxane, a tions to a home is a daunting—if not organizations. For more information, For more details or to register, visit substance the EPA considers a probable hu- impossible—task. AARP’s Operation visit www.aarp.org/energysave. www.brownfields2011.org.

De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 11

Across Appalachia Environmental News From Around The Region The Chestnut: Restoring an American Classic Story by Jillian Randel been able to cross and then backcross the northern forests rapidly. A American and Chinese species to develop second pathogen called Phy- A century ago, one in four trees in the a tree that is fifteen-sixteenths American tophthora had also been invad- forests of Appalachia and throughout the chestnut. Characteristics of the Chinese ing southern forests. Within eastern United States was an American species make the new tree resistant to fifty years, the two blights had chestnut, providing a reliable source of blight while retaining dominant charac- killed four billion trees. food and timber for humans and animals. teristics of the American species. Now it may grow once more. One of the approaches Cryphonectri Since 1983, The American Chestnut In 1904, the first signs of employed for chestnut tree parasitica Foundation (TACF) has been working , known as chestnut blight, ap- revival is planting on re- to restore the American chestnut to its peared. The blight came to America through claimed mine sites, which original habitat. Japanese and Chinese chestnuts that were will restore the tree to its The catkins of the American chestnut tree. Today’s commercially- Scientists working with TACF have transplanted here. It spread throughout native region and also help sold chestnuts are imported mostly from Europe, where the blight reforest the mine sites—re- was less effective in destroying the trees. mediation and re-vegetation Appalachia Flunks State Energy Ratings... Again is a federally required law for chestnut is better than none.” mining companies. It could take 75 to 100 years to com- Story by Megan Perdue year, scoring in first “While some make the claim that it is plete reintroduction efforts and even Energy Report Card place, while North Da- The results are in from 2010 2009 not our true American chestnut, without longer to return the American chestnut to kota finished in the 51st the annual State Energy Georgia 37 44 doing something like this, we won’t have the full extent of their natural range, but Kentucky 36 33 position. Efficiency Report Card any adult chestnuts,” said Dr. Neufeld, success in growing other hardwood trees North Carolina 24 26 The Energy Efficien- by the American Council biology professor at Appalachian State on reclaimed sites provides a promising South Carolina 40 37 cy Report Card reviews for an Energy-Efficient Tennessee 35 38 University. “Given how important this outlook for a successful reintroduction all 50 states and the Dis- Economy, and once again Virginia 34 34 species was in the 19th and early 20th program in Appalachia. West Virginia 43 45 trict of Columbia on best most Appalachian states century, I think having a fifteen-sixteenths Visit acf.org for more information. faired poorly. ranking is out of 51 & includes District of Columbia practices and leadership North Carolina lead in energy efficiency mea- the region, coming in at 24 overall. Other sures. Country-wide, the nearby states showed improvement in 2010 ratings found a near doubling of state their rankings, with the exception of Ken- energy efficiency budgets from the 2007 tucky and South Carolina. West Virginia spending levels. performed the worst, coming in at 43rd. Visit www.aceee.org/sector/state-pol- California was the leader again this icy/scorecard to view the complete list.

Regional Universities Improve Sustainability Grades, But Still Lag Behind National Average Story by Megan Perdue Universities in Appalachian states Regional Schools by Grade still lag behind in sustainability efforts, Dickinson College A- Furman University according to the latest College Sustainabil- A- Virginia Commonwealth University ity Report Card. Released in late October, A- Berea College the annual report grades universities on B+ Clemson University B+ their dedication to and implementation Davidson University B+ of campus sustainability. Berry College B+ Virginia Tech For the first time since the report B+ University of Tennessee-Knoxville card’s inception, seven schools achieved B University of Virginia the highest grade of A, but none were in B West Virginia University B- Appalachia. Schools with grades of A- or East Kentucky University C+ higher are disguished as “Overall College University of Kentucky C+ Sustainability Leaders.” The Report Card grades schools on nine categories: administration, climate investment priorities and shareholder change and energy, food and recycling, engagement. green building, student involvement, To view additional scores, visit www. transportation, endowment transparency, greenreportcard.org. De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Pa g e 12 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e The COAL REPORT From Appalachia and Beyond Eastern Kentucky Power Halts Proposed Smith Power Plant Story by Jamie Goodman mit $125,000 toward a joint effort lion already spent on materials. between the involved parties to “I believe this decision by EKPC is the Environmental groups in evaluate and recommend new right one for Kentucky,” said KFTC mem- Kentucky are celebrating a ma- energy efficiency and renewable ber Tona Barkley. “I am heartened by this jor victory over a proposed energy programs. new development and the commitment coal-fired power plant slated for In exchange, Kentuckians for EKPC has made to work in a collaborative Clark County. the Commonwealth (KFTC), Ken- fashion with co-op members and the other Eastern Kentucky Power tucky Environmental Foundation parties to the agreement.” Cooperative (EKPC) reached a and the Sierra Club agreed to drop “This new openness and more demo- settlement with environmental a number of lawsuits and admin- cratic method will, I believe, help bring groups, three individual co-op istrative challenges against the the co-ops back to their original purpose- members, the Kentucky attorney cooperative. -serving its rural members in a transparent general and Gallatin Steel— According to EKPC representa- fashion,” Barley said. EKPC’s largest industrial cus- tives, the decision was based on finan- The groups involved in the settlement tomer—agreeing to halt plans Kentucky citizens attend an air permit hearing press conference for the cial concerns and not environmental also agreed to not oppose the utility’s ef- for the utility’s proposed Smith Smith plant last February. Eastern Kentucky Power Cooperative reached pressure. Estimates for the total cost forts to recover costs already spent on the coal-fired power plant. a settlement with several groups and agreed to cancel plans to build the of constructing the Smith plant were plant, including selling turbines and other EKPC also agreed to com- 278MW power plant. Photo by Kentuckians for the Commonwealth around $819 million, with $150 mil- parts that were already purchased. WVDEP Required to Obtain Discharge Permits EPA Weighs ‘Major’ Discharge Classification According to the 4th Circuit Court of The DEP appealed the initial deci- For Select Coal Mine Water Permits Appeals, the West Virginia Department of sion in 2009, stating that since the agency Environmental Protection is required to did not create an abandoned site it was Compiled by Jamie Goodman ficials opposing stricter controls and obtain permits to discharge pollutants at attempting to clean up, it should not more frequent inspections by the EPA or The EPA is considering reclassify- abandoned coal mines. The decision up- have to obtain a permit to discharge authorized state regulators. ing select coal mines as “major” holds a ruling by a U.S. District court which acid mine drainage. The agency has not dischargers under the Clean While states with a heavy faulted the DEP for violating the Clean commented on future plans to appeal the Water Act. The reclassifica- mining presence could ben- Water Act with acid mine drainage. new decision. tion could render existing efit from the change in general permits ineligible designation, possibly and require mines to gaining additional Clean HIAN DENT Water Act grant monies ALAC AL CA obtain individual water APP RE aimed at helping states Steven Airey, D.D.S., P.A. permits that include pos- sible increased monitor- run delegated water law William Mott D.D.S. Licensed Orthodontist ing and enforcement. programs, some feel indus- 166 Furman Road, Suite A Boone, NC 28607 try would likely fight such Mining states could ben- a move as it might force mine efit from the new designation, operators to comply with stricter con- gaining additional Clean Water Act trols and more frequent inspections by the grant money designed for water law EPA or state water law authorities. programs. The reclassification, however, FFrreeee EExxaamm may meet resistance from industry of- (DO110) (DO210) && XX--RRaayyss with cleaning Judy Bonds, winner of the 2004 with cleaning(D1110) Goldman Environmental prize and an iconic member in the movement Free 0rtho Records to end mountaintop removal coal EXPIRES JANUARY 30, 2011 mining, is currently facing a different ** Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and more personal struggle. The Rock Creek, WV native-turned-activist is call 828-264-9938 today! undergoing chemotherapy treatments for stage 4 cancer. Individuals inter- • Emergency Patients Welcome • Same Day Treatment in most cases ested in sending well-wishes to Judy We Accept Most Insurances • One Day Root Canals • are encouraged to write her at P.O. • Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry • Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Box 135, Rock Creek, WV, 25174. • Three Minute Whitening • Adult and Child Orthodontics

De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 13 The COAL REPORT From Appalachia and Beyond After The Hoopla: What The 2010 Elections Mean for Mountaintop Removal Story by J.W. Randolph & Bill Kovarik Fifteen cosponsors of the Clean Water Senate the original cosponsors of the ARA won their reelections, and a Republican Congressman The mid-term elections this November Protection Act lost their re-election battles, The lead sponsor of anti-mountaintop and CWPA supporter from Illinois, Mark will have mixed results for efforts to end including Tom Perriello of Virginia. Numer- removal legislation in the Senate—the Appa- Kirk, was promoted to the Senate. Barbara mountaintop removal coal mining, with ous regional supporters of the bill, however, lachia Restoration Act (S 696)—is also a mem- Boxer, who is chairwoman of the Environ- Republicans gaining control of the U.S. regained their seats, including Shuler, Chan- ber of the Republican leadership, lending mental Committee and has often been out- House of Representatives for the next two dler, Yarmuth, Cooper and Connolly. significant credibility to the bill. Although Joe spoken on mountaintop removal mining in years and Democrats retaining leadership On average, the Democrats remaining Manchin, a very pro-mountaintop removal the past, also won her re-election easily. in the U.S. Senate. in Congress for the 112th session will tend Democrat, won easily in West Virginia, all of to be more progressive than the previous House of Representatives caucus. Of the roughly 54 conservative tidbits The Clean Water Protection Act (CWPA) blue dogs from the 111th Congress, a Protest by Planting: More than 50 people from deepdownfilm.org/virtualmine. had 173 bipartisan cosponsors at the end of whopping 29 will not be returning. Mountain Justice and Climate Ground Zero attend- Carbon Capture Capital: The U.S. Department the 111th Congress. With 17 CWPA cospon- Bi-partisan support for the Clean Water ed a non-violent protest on Kayford Mountain in of Energy has officially committed $1 billion to sors already scheduled to retire or leave for Protection Act seems strong and will still October. About 20 protesters walked on to Patriot FutureGen, the controversial carbon capture and higher office, most supporters of the bill be supported by six returning Republican Coal’s mine site and planted hemlock, walnut, red sequestration (CCS) pilot project. The new Illinois oak and tulip poplar trees in protest of mountaintop maintained their seats during the election cosponsors in the House, eight “bluedog” facility would capture carbon dioxide typically re- removal coal mining. No arrests were made. leased into the atmosphere by its coal-fired power shift and will be supportive during the Democrats and eight bipartisan members FOUL WATERS: Officials in Mecklenburg County, plant and store the greenhouse gas deep inside 112th Congress starting in January 2011. from mountaintop removal states. Rep. N.C., twice detected arsenic levels above state the earth. Critics of CCS say it would take decades Pro-mountaintop removal mining Nick Rahall will no longer serve as chair- standards near an ash pond discharge pipe to realistically implement the technology on U.S. Democrats from Appalachia took a hit, man for House Natural Resources Com- from the Riverbend power plant during October. coal-fired power plants, numbering nearly 600. The incident prompted a call for state regulators with incumbents Rick Boucher (VA), Mike mittee, and his pro-mountaintop removal Bo With A Purpose: Bo Webb of Coal River to enforce stricter regulations at the Duke En- Mountain Watch was honored with a $50,000 Oliverio (WV), Lincoln Davis (TN), Zack position will have less influence over other ergy facility, situated upstream from Charlotte, Purpose Prize, a national award granted to social Space (OH), and Charlie Wilson (OH) Democrats. Many Republicans will be look- N.C.’s main water supply. entrepreneurs over 60 who are “using their ex- all losing their seats. Nick Rahall (WV) ing for popular bipartisan bills such as the Cumberland Plateau Protection: U.S. Sena- perience and passion to make an extraordinary remains the only Democrat Congressman Clean Water Protection Act as they gear up tor Lamar Alexander (R-TN) filed a petition with impact on society’s biggest challenges.” Webb the Department of the Interior requesting that a works on the campaign to end mountaintop re- in central Appalachia. for tough reelection fights in two years. 1,200-foot, 67,000-acre Northern Cumberland moval coal mining in his native West Virginia. Plateau ridgetop be considered unsuitable for COAL GETS A REALITY SHOW: Producers of the surface coal mining. popular reality shows ‘Deadliest Catch,’ ‘Ice Massey for Sale?: On November 22, The New Road Truckers’ and ‘Ax Men’ will go under- York Times reported that the Massey Energy ground with coal miners in the new show, board of directors were “conducting a review ‘Coal,’ scheduled to debut in April 2011. The 10 of strategic alternatives,” possibly resulting in episode series will follow miners and owners of the sale of the company, “despite the objection the Cobalt Mine in Westchester, W.Va. of the company’s executive, Don Blankenship.” BOILER MACT AT THE BOILING POINT?: A bi-partisan Several companies have expressed interest in panel of 41 senators oppose the EPA “Boiler buying Massey Energy, which holds some of the MACT” rule, which requires the employment of largest reserves of metallurgical coal. special technology to filter toxic air pollutants, Virtual Energy Policy: Makers of the docu- like mercury, from boiler emissions. In the letter mentary Deep Down teamed up with the to the EPA, senators expressed their concern popular computer game Second Life to create a that the blanket regulations would indirectly virtual 3-D mountaintop removal coal mine and effect hundreds of jobs and do little to help power plant, complete with an emerging power the environment, and that the environmental crisis for gamers to solve. The project includes safeguards for US boilers could rise into the videos and a curriculum for teachers. See http:// tens of billions of dollars.

Mediation in Rawl Water Lawsuit Fails Photo and story by Antrim Caskey Energy’s Rawl Sales and Processing poi- • Delicious Deli-Style soned them through years of documented More than 600 Mingo County plain- Sandwiches underground coal slurry injections into tiffs were required to appear at a me- the region’s drinking water supply, diation hearing in hopes of resolving a claiming that massive illnesses that swept • Homemade Soups massive class-action lawsuit that was through their community were the result first filed in 2004. of “drinking coal sludge.” • Vegetarian Fare Hundreds of residents and former After more than two days of meet- residents of what is locally known as ings, the mediation efforts failed. The case • and Much More! the “Forgotten Communities of Rt. 49” will go to trial in August, 201l. gathered at the West Virginia Supreme Court on November 15, in Charleston, Check out Caskey’s Mountaintop Mining W.Va. The plantiffs allege that Massey Watch series at www.bagnews.com. Shadowline Drive, Boone, North Carolina • (828) 262-1250

De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Pa g e 14 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 15 Appalachian Environmental Degradation and Pollution

A recent study by Dr. Michael Hendryx and with greater cancer mortality rates” for inhabitants. other researchers at the West Virginia Rural Health In areas of Appalachia where coal is mined, the study Health Report Research Center found that rural areas in Appala- found higher mortality rates for non-mining residents, and chia have more exposure to agriculture-related pol- not simply those working in the coal mines. lution than urban and metropolitan areas. The report concluded that health care professionals The study also found a significant correllation be- working in rural Appalachia will need “appropriate training tween areas with water pollution and both cancer and total and resources to diagnose and treat environmentally- An End-of-the-Decade Checkup on the Wellbeing of Our Region death rates. In addition, sites within these rural regions that instigated or mediated disease.” are monitored as air pollution sources “were associated How much money would you take in exchange for 40 years of your life? $1 million? $1 billion? Would any sum of money be sufficient to replace the years with your family and friends, the laughter and the love we all hope to share? In Appalachia, there is an alarming trend of lower life expectancy and higher disease rate A 2009 study done by the more likely to have diabetes than the onset of diabetes—and poor poverty stricken areas, “food than in most other parts of the country. Poverty, lack of education, a spotty regional medical infrastructure Centers for Disease Control and the rest of the country. nutrition, common in the region, deserts” are created, forcing in- and polluting industry are all contributors to the numbers that are stacking up against us. The real question Prevention (CDC) of distressed While eight percent of the contribute to the prevalence of dividuals to rely on convenience counties in Appalachia—counties U.S. population has diabetes, 10 the disease. According to one stores and gas stations for their is, how do we reverse the trend? Story by Parker Stevens and Jeff Deal that fall in the bottom 10 percent percent of Appalachian residents CDC study, there are fewer full- daily food supplies—limiting nationally for employment rate, suffer from diabetes. In distressed service grocery stores in Appala- their access to fresh produce and per capita income and poverty Appalachian counties, the num- chia than in many other parts of nutritious food. rate—found that residents in ber grows to 13 percent. the country. As businesses such

t’s often remarked that if you The Appalachian Regional Com- ploited by the health care system—or Rural Health, says that there is DIABETES these counties were 62.5 percent Obesity—a major factor in as grocery stores retreat from have your health, you’ve got ev- mission (ARC) classifies one in four being unfairly, or unjustly, stereotyped. a lack of municipal hospitals erything. As I watched my grand- Appalachian counties as “high pov- Many Appalachians are reluctant or and community clinics in the Imother die of bone cancer at 63 years erty.” Per capita income in Appalachia lack the time and means to partici- region. “Most rural counties of age, I realized just how profound, consistently falls below the national pate in preventive screenings—such don’t have community health Cancer mortality rates are in the Appalachian portions of eral years have undergone fewer People living in economically for me, this cliché is. average. Impoverished residents in the as mammograms—without showing centers,” Myers says. “Only two higher in Appalachia when com- the states. mammograms and Pap smears, distressed areas are more likely When you think of the ancient roll- region have a life expectancy equal to acute symptoms of an illness. or three Appalachian counties pared to the United States as a Those living in Appalachia and fewer adults on the whole to smoke and use tobacco prod- ing green tree clad mountains that form that of Panama and Mexico. A report Geography also isolates Appala- have academic medical centers or a whole. Cancer statistics from U.S. generally receive fewer preven- have sought colonoscopies to ucts and less likely to engage in states encompassing Appalachian tive screenings than individu- screen for colon cancer. Late-stage adequate physical activity. These the backbone of the Eastern seaboard, released by the ARC indicates that chian communities from urban ones, teaching hospital.” counties show that certain types of als in other parts of the nation. cancer diagnoses is more preva- same behaviors increase the like- what do you imagine? Most find Appa- people living in poverty and without where health care resources are more The shortage of doctors is cancer—like cervical, colon, and According to the ARC, women lent in Appalachia than in most lihood of cancer, diabetes and lachia a premiere vacation destination, health insurance are more likely to die abundant. According to the ARC, particularly difficult for Medicaid CANCER lung cancer—are more common in Appalachia over the past sev- of the country. cardiovascular disease. a land of flora, fauna and four distinct prematurely, particularly from cancer nearly half of all rural Appalachian patients, as many doctors will seasons—a landscape of near indescrib- or cardiovascular disease, than people counties are designated as health not accept Medicaid due to low able loveliness, where one can relax, with higher incomes. professional shortage areas. reimbursement rates. Patients often “get away” and “breath easy” while Exposure to harmful substances Wayne Myers, founder of the have to travel long distances to larger An ARC report on mental northern and southern parts of and those with coal mining. the residents. Of the 50 states, fishing a trout stream, swimming in a in coal mines, chemical factories, and University of Kentucky Center for cities and urban areas in order to seek health disorders in Appalachia the region. The disparity is even The Gallup-Healthways Ohio, Kentucky and West Vir- hole, hiking to a waterfall or daydream- agriculture—common occupations in treatment covered by Medicaid. reveals a higher prevalence of more acute in economically dis- Well-Being index considers a ginia come in 47th, 49th and 50th, tressed areas. According to the re- number of physical and emo- respectively. Seventy-five percent ing lazily under the lone tree of a serene the region—can also prove damaging Education improvements do pro- psychological issues in the re- gion compared to the rest of the port, hospital admission rates for tional factors, ranking congres- of Appalachian states fall in the mountain pasture. to the health of an individual. vide access to jobs that raise families nation, and even higher rates in opiate abuse and other synthetic sional districts and states by the bottom half of the rankings. It is ironic to consider the health A study published in the Cali- and communities above poverty and ill- HEALTH

MENTAL MENTAL central Appalachia compared to drugs are higher in poorer areas overall health and happiness of challenges faced by many living in fornian Journal of Health Promotion ness, but must develop apace with other or near this most enchanted natural found that, on a cultural level, economic opportunities—or the newly wonder. there is a general sentiment educated leave for greener pastures. Poverty and poor health have long of mistrust among Appala- With the betterment of health A report by the CDC and the than in any other part or our nation. that Kentuckians living in the Ap- other parts of the state. plagued Appalachia. Quality of health chian people with respect care access and public campaigns U.S. Department of Health and Hu- The same study estimates that 1 out palachian region have a greater The Virginia Department of concerns in the region have been influ- to health care profession- encouraging healthy lifestyles, man Services, National Surveillance of every 3 people living with asthma diagnosis rate of asthma—and Health notes that 22 of its 35 health enced by issues of prosperity, education, als. Appalachian communities for Asthma—United States, 1980– reside in the same region. “consistently experienced a higher districts had adult asthma rates 2004, found more deaths caused by The Cabinet for Health and death rate from asthma” between 7.3 percent higher than the 2004 physical landscape, culture, history, According to the study, can gain prosperity, good asthma in the southern United States Family Services in Kentucky notes 2000 and 2008—than those in state average.

medical infrastructure, health insur- some residents fear being health, and well-being. ASTHMA ance, occupation and daily behaviors. taken advantage of or ex-

De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Pa g e 16 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Health Fairs & Clinics: Neighbors Healing Neighbors

Story by Jeff Deal and a half days, the confederation of COMMUNITY volunteer community members and While the U.S. Congress wrestled professionals met with more than CAREGIVERS with the question of uninsured Ameri- 1,250 patients seeking treatment for cans, many Appalachian residents A number of organizations are working to com- ailments ranging from depression to were without health insurance bat health disparities and improve the physical and pulmonary disease in the impro- in 2008 and 2009. emotional well-being of people in Appalachia. From vised examining rooms of the According to the U.S. public universities to statewide nonprofits to com- county’s fairgrounds. Census Bureau’s Current Pop- munity clinics, there are programs throughout the Wise will once again ulation Survey, the number of region that provide medical care to the uninsured, offer this service when insured residents in the region advocate for healthcare legislation and educate chil- they hold the 11th an- ranges between one out of every dren about the importance of healthy behaviors. nual health clinic July five people in Georgia to one out Appalachia Community Cancer Network 22 - 24, 2011. Volunteers is an of eight in Virginia, compared seeking to assist with the initiative funded by the National Caner Institute to a national average of one out fair may submit their applications in aimed at reducing cancer disparities in the region of six. Growing concern regarding Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, April, 2011. through community participation in education, re- access to substantive health care is 2007 to 2010 Annual Social and Economic Supplements Grundy, Va.,—an hour and half search, and training. They focus on the prevention mounting. providers team up with volunteers to northeast of Wise—is also the site of a and early detection of cervical, lung and colorectal To address the limited access to af- donate their medical expertise to those yearly RAM clinic, taking place each cancers, all of which have high incidence rates in fordable healthcare, health profession- lacking these critical services. October. According to RAM, his year’s the region. Based at the University of Kentucky, als have united with local communities Wise, Va.,— lying in the south- Grundy clinic treated 766 patients an ACCN serves the northern and central Appalachian to address the shortfall of medical western corner of the state—hosted a estimated $89,000 worth of medical regions. www.accnweb.com services within their communities at 2010 Remote Area Medical Volunteer care in just two days. free health fairs and clinics around Health Kentucky works with a statewide network Corp “RAM” clinic in July. In just two “Volunteering with RAM was a the region. Doctors, nurses and other of volunteer health care providers, dentists, phar- powerful experience that helped me macies, and pharmaceutical companies to provide decide to go to medical school,” says free health care and medication to uninsured resi- Patricia Feeney, a student at the Vir- Clinics Around the Region dents of Kentucky. Since 1984, they have provided ginia College of Osteopathic Medicine In addition to the volunteer medical Clinics (www.vafreeclinics.org free health care to more than 300,000 patients. www. in Blacksburg, Va., who volunteered at clinics organized by RAM, other or call 804-340-3434). healthkentucky.org a Union, Tenn., RAM event last year. free and/or accessible clinics offer  North Carolina also has an As- “We need more accessible and afford- Appalachian Regional Healthcare operates health care for Appalachian resi- sociation of Free Clinics (www. able long term care in Appalachia, and a system of hospitals in eastern Kentucky and dents in need. ncfreeclinics.org or call 336- while we work for that, RAM gives us southwestern Virginia. In 2010 they were named  The West Virginia Association 251-1111). all a way to reach out to our neighbors an Outstanding Rural Health Organization by the of Free Clinics offers medical  Residents without health insur- and help meet immediate needs.” National Rural Health Association. www.arh.org services at 13 sites throughout ance in Kentucky may con- Tennesseans in need of health Healthy Appalachia Institute – part of UVa- the state (www.wvafc.org or call tact Health Kentucky to gain services had opportunities to attend Wise – provides policy makers, healthcare workers, 304-414-5941). information regarding health RAM clinics in Oneida, Knoxville, educators and community members the necessary  Fifty-nine member clinics, care opportunities in their area Nashville, Pigeon Forge, and Clinton; tools, resources, ideas and strategies to foster a spread over the state, make up (www.healthkentucky.org or call these sites will once again offer clinics healthy population. They provide community The Virginia Association of Free 1-800-633-8100). during 2011. RAM accepts all volunteers, in based research opportunities, service learning and addition to physicians and health health education. www.healthyappalachia.org care professionals. RAM clinics The Center for Rural Health Development, provide eye exams, prescription Inc. provides leadership on rural health issues eye glasses, and dental care, as in West Virginia. They work with community well as primary care visits. For health centers, hospitals, private physicians and more information on the Remote dentists to improve the health of WV residents. Area Medical Volunteer Corp, They also work with banks to provide financing visit www.ramusa.org or call for healthcare providers strengthening rural health 1-877-5RAM-USA. infrastructure. www.wvruralhealth.org For a comprehensive step- by-step guide to available health Rural Health Association of Tennessee advo- insurance options by state, as well cates and educates on rural health issues including as an explanation of the health substance abuse, mental health, health professional care reform legislation enacted education, disease prevention, oral health and by the U.S. Congress, visit www. emergency preparedness. www.rhat.org healthcare.gov.

De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 17 Combating A Culture of Substance Abuse in Appalachia State Meth Lab Incidents Per Year Story by Jared Schultz lead to substance abuse. confines both data collection and actions to 2007 2008 2009 During a 2006 conference run by Beh- individual states, poses yet another barrier At the Grandfather Home for Chil- Kentucky 202 428 707 ringer and colleagues, 26 different groups to decisive action at the community level. dren in Watauga County, N.C., evidence of Tennessee 560 586 589 of people from six different states and a Each state has different policies and the devastation that addiction can wreak North Carolina 156 196 209 variety of professional backgrounds— laws for addressing substance abuse, on families and communities resides in the Virginia 22 19 28 including doctors and journalists—came raising the potential for finger-pointing residents, some as young as infants. West Virginia 44 50 52 together to brainstorm options for dealing between elected officials over who passed One baby, less than a year old, went Source: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration with the problem. Following the confer- through a multi-week detox process when what laws. But substance traffickers and ence, Behringer and colleagues received substance abusers do not care about state he first arrived—his mother had shared problem. Most telling was the finding that approximately $400,000 worth of regional boundaries, particularly in a region as her drugs with him as a way to lull him to painkiller abuse was particularly bad in grants to develop 16 different community tightly knit as Appalachia. sleep. The boy was removed from a home central Appalachia, where the coal mining programs to combat substance abuse. The goal, according to Behringer and drenched in chemicals used to make meth; regions of eastern Kentucky and southern Initiatives that emerged included Bowers, is to draw different professions exposed to the harsh chemicals, his skin West Virginia had the highest rates. project PEP, a program designed to instill working together at the community level in was so sensitive and painful he would not “In Appalachia, we have a number community participation and Appalachian order to address the problem of substance allow anybody to touch him. of hard labor kinds of jobs that tend to pride in the citizens of Lee County, Ky. abuse, and then to convince lawmakers to Three siblings between the ages of three produce injuries or long-term effects for Despite this progress in developing work together across state lines. and six also reside in the center; the Depart- which prescription painkillers are often community programs, one cultural barrier The key to making all of this work, ment of Social Services took them into cus- prescribed,” explained Kris Bowers of to a ground-up approach is ingrained in says Howell, is for professions and states tody when they were found wandering the the Coalition on Appalachian Substance the mountains of Appalachia, according to to make the appropriate policy changes, streets alone at two o’clock in the morning. Abuse and Policy. Behringer; the view that substance abuse such as integrating psychological health Their parents were out doing drugs. In addition to the mining industry, is an individual family’s private problem, into physical health care, and to shift “The vast majority of children have Bowers pointed a finger at jobs such as long rather than a community problem. “How funding from correctional institutions to come here not because of their particular distance trucking, as well as at increasing are we going to address substance abuse is- prevention and treatment programs. actions but because of things that have numbers of cancer and arthritic patients. sues if you can’t get people to think beyond “There are a lot of policy shifts that been done to them,” said Jim Swinkola, “Those kinds of things require heavy the individual impact?” Behringer said. are pending and need to take place,” said CEO of the Grandfather Home for Chil- doses of pain meds which can also be sub- A political culture that does not look Howell. “That’s where it’s at.” dren. “If you’re a kid, it’s unfair that you’re verted to sell on the street,” Bowers said. at Appalachia as a region, but instead the one who has to go to a new school or “The problem is the culture of sub- a new place to sleep.” stance use in Appalachia which then turns The problem is not unique to the into substance abuse,” said Bruce Behringer children of the Grandfather Home, or of the Division of Health Sciences at East- to Watauga County. Family and cultural ern Tennessee State University. When poli- disintegration due to substance abuse and cies are created to crack down on illegal “What a great magazine!” addiction have been booming in Appala- substances like meth, lab busts go up and “I discovered your chia over the past ten to fifteen years. The when the meth becomes scarce, the drug magazine while visiting term ‘meth orphan’—now regularly used problem appears to initially go away. and found it to be in stories such as these—has become more Unfortunately, taking away one drug uplifting and delightful! and more common. does not take away the substance abuse cul- This image of a region full of fami- ture. People still have easy access to equally I plan on moving to your lies shattered by meth addiction is only addictive and destructive substances like area and am thrilled to enhanced by reports of dramatically in- opiates that are legal and advertised. stay in touch through creasing numbers of meth lab busts. Maps High rates of painkiller abuse, mental your magnificent found on the United States Drug Enforce- illness and poverty afflicting the same re- magazine online.” ment Administration website of meth lab gions in Appalachia suggest that regardless incidents show that, in Kentucky alone, if the abused substance is meth, cocaine —Best, Karen from California the number of lab incidents more than or painkillers, the overarching problem is doubled between 2007 and 2009. whose parents live in not one of illegal substances or crime, but Vilas, NC Pharmaceutical Abuse lack of economic and social opportunities. Appalachia’s decade-long increase in “We have a lot of people who have painful, substance abuse-related problems can be debilitating lives filled with sorrow,” said attributed to one specific development— Louise Howell, Executive Director of Ken- the advent of opiates. tucky River Community Care (KRCC). A study conducted by the National Searching for Solutions 828-737-0771 Opinion Research Center on health dis- Advocates like Behringer are trying to PO Box 976, Linville, NC 28646 parities in Appalachia found painkiller take a ground-up approach to combating At stores & businesses almost everywhere in the High Country ... and online at CarolinaMountainLifeMagazine.com abuse between 2002 and 2005 to be of pri- substance abuse in Appalachia by working [email protected] mary concern, contradicting beliefs about with communities to identify and improve methamphetamine abuse as the biggest social and economic problems that could

De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Pa g e 18 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Coal Ash: One Woman’s Fight To Save A Community

Story by Jillian Randel to fill in road gullies, to build up land for construction, as fill for abandoned mines, Elisa Young walked to the front of the or in products such as cinder blocks, run- room, slammed down a jar of blackberry ning tracks and roofing shingles. Young ginger crepe syrup and a ziploc bag of coal first noticed coal ash being used in her ash in front of the three Environmental county for road maintenance. Protection Agency government officials. “The coal ash that comes into Meigs “Think about the blackberries grow- County proper is from the power plants ing in the unlined coal ash ditches of Meigs in Mason County, W.Va., and across the County when you eat that,” she said. “And Meigs County line in Gallia County, Ohio,” the chickens who can’t free range anymore said Young. “None of it is being generated for fear of drinking out of the puddles, or in Meigs. We have no idea how much is dusting their feathers in the coal ash.” making its way into our county, or where Forces on the Front it’s coming from—including outside of Elisa Young is an eighth generation our direct area.” Appalachian. Her German ancestors—a Mason and Gallia County are littered group of nine brothers—all fought in the with coal ash ponds and landfills, some revolutionary war. Six generations ago, of which are on the EPA’s potential high her Welsh ancestors immigrated here and hazard list. There is currently no federal Elisa Young discovered coal ash innundating her community of Meigs County, Ohio, shortly after started a boarding house for Welsh miners moving to her family’s farm. She has since dedicated her life’s work to stopping the discriminate regulation on lining the ponds and landfills, and a school for local young women. She dumping of the ash in her community. Photo by Daniel Shea (dsheaphoto.net) which would add a barrier between the is the great-great-granddaughter of a coal earth and ground and water supplies. A re- miner. Young’s roots are as embedded in Young. She began hosting native teachers coal-fired electric power plants. Coal ash port by Earth Justice confirmed toxic leach- this land as the coal itself. to do herb walks and started construction is laden with heavy metals and poisons ing at 137 coal ash ponds in 34 states. In 2000, Young moved to Meigs on a straw bale structure. such as arsenic, lead, barium, cadmium, Further complicating the matter is that County, Ohio, to be caretaker of her fam- Her plans were soon dashed when she mercury and chromium. Meigs County is the only county in the ily’s farm. Meigs County lies on the Ohio discovered coal ash in her community. Coal ash is currently disposed of in state that does not have a Toxic Release River, separating Ohio and West Virginia. “I had seen those smoke stacks on impoundments known as coal ash ponds, Inventory (TRI) report. The area is home to the second largest the horizon for as long as I can remember or as a “beneficial use” product. The coal “If you were a power plant and want- concentration of coal-fired power plants as a child, but I never thought anything ash labeled as beneficial use can be applied ed to get rid of waste where no one would in the country. Four of the 18 plants along about it,” said Young. “When I asked have to keep a record of receiving it, do the Ohio River are located within 12 miles my grandma what they were, she you think you might prefer a county of Young’s home. shrugged and said, ‘Oh, honey, According to the Physicians for Social with no TRI inventory accounting?” Responsibility report on coal ash: Young’s grandfather ran a dairy farm that’s just where they make the questioned Young. “I do.” on their land. When she moved, Young electricity.’” “If eaten, drunk or inhaled, these toxicants Coal ash became a widely rec- brought her chickens and heirloom plants ognized toxin when it hit the media Coal Ash Communities can cause cancer and nervous system impacts with her. She had plans to turn the farm into such as cognitive deficits, developmental during the 2008 Tennesse Valley Au- Coal ash is the waste produced a sustainable living and teaching center. delays and behavioral problems. They can also thority coal ash spill—5.4 million cu- from burning coal. The U.S. Envi- “Since I had as much to learn as cause heart damage, lung disease, respiratory bic yards of coal ash broke out of an anyone it made sense to me to start with ronmental Protection Agency (EPA) distress, kidney disease, reproductive problems, impoundment and flooded 300 acres workshops to bring people in to teach so estimates that approximately 150 of land and two nearby rivers. million tons of coal ash is produced gastrointestinal illness, birth defects, and that many of us could learn together,” said Continued on page 23 each year, most produced from impaired bone growth in children.” Two years after the coal ash disaster: Class action lawsuits target TVA and others Story by Bill Kovarik requested—sometime in 2011 or 2012 in dismissed a request for an injunction this groups issued an urgent call for the reform of the EPA’s regional regulatory agency Lawsuits against the Tennessee Val- eastern Tennessee. The court denied TVA’s September that would have compelled this November, noting the need for more ley Authority are continuing in the wake earlier attempt to dismiss the lawsuits. better handling procedures in the Perry transparency and accountability. Accord- of the coal ash disaster two years ago. At present, plaintiffs are taking County, Ala., waste dump that is receiving the TVA coal ash waste. The firms handling ing to Bullard, these and other coal-ash Currently, 58 lawsuits against TVA pre-trial depositions from Tom Kilgore, the waste have declared bankruptcy and issues need to be seen in the context of the have been consolidated into a class action chief executive officer of TVA, and other must deal with bankruptcy before they can struggle for environmental justice suit alleging various health, economic and TVA officials, according to the law firm be sued on other matters, the court said. environmental damages from the collapse Beasley-Allen. Among the evidence to be Meanwhile, a decision on whether to of a poorly-built dam and release of one bil- presented at the trial are positive tests for Dr. Robert D. Bullard, director of the regulate coal ash as a hazardous waste is lion gallons of coal ash on Dec. 22, 2008. heavy metals in some residents’ blood- Environmental Justice Resource Center due from the EPA sometime in December, stream, Beasley-Allen said. The suit will be heard by a federal dis- at Clark University in Atlanta, and a 2010 following a round of public hearings trict court judge—not a jury as plaintiffs In a related lawsuit, federal courts coalition of Southeastern environmental this summer and fall.

De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 19 A Coal Miner’s Health Short term gains and long term loss

Story and photo by D.A. Hawkins I worried more about the easiest ways to Coal mining is dangerous work. be killed suddenly rather than the long Spend any length of time talking with a term debilitating health effects of mining. group of underground coal miners and you Whenever the subject did come up, it often are sure to hear “war stories” about close centered upon Coal Worker’s Pneumoco- calls with severe injury or even death. Every niosis (CWP), also known as “black lung.” I aspect of the job requires a constant vigilance eventually realized there was a much bigger for potential hazards. Numerous miners picture, with CWP being the tip of the ice- have been killed by sections of the mine roof berg. Underground mining not only fills a or coal ribs falling suddenly on them. Many miner’s lungs with dust, it wears their body others have been killed when crushed by out and can even give them cancer. heavy machinery in confined spaces. With ever increasing production As a coal miner, for the longest time quotas, coal mining has become faster paced during recent years. The rigorous work required A continous miner operator does his pre-operational checks at the start of shift. Dangers On the Surface in confined spaces leads to Surface mining, while not as unhealthy as its un- joint deterioration, especially payments and support my family on social just glad I retired union and have [United derground counterpart, is still considered one of the within the lower back, knees, more hazardous professions in America. security checks. I have to do what is neces- Mine Worker’s Association] retirement According to a Department of Labor coal fatality re- shoulders and neck. sary to keep going an’ keep working.” medical coverage. If I didn’t, there is no port, surface mining incidents accounted for approximately Newer generation miners Also of concern is the constant expo- way I could afford to fight my leukemia.” 30% of total “on-the-job” suffer from such injuries de- Instant-Death Coal Mine sure to various chemicals in the mines. Ted To make matters worse, the National coal mining deaths in the last Fatalities, 2006-2010 spite only a few years of expe- Mullins, a retired electrician who worked Institute of Occupational Safety and Health 5 years. The most common * rience in the mines. Those who surface mining risks include U S in an underground coal mine/prep plant (NIOSH) has lately examined the increased falling from highwalls, elec- 2006 36 9 are financially bound to their complex in eastern Kentucky, is fighting usage of diesel equipment in underground trocution and crushing inju- 2007 18 14 jobs rely upon pain medica- an ongoing battle with leukemia. mining. A website published by NIOSH on 2008 15 12 ries from heavy machinery tions to continue working. As a “I sometimes wonder if a lot of the the subject of diesel exhaust reveals poten- or large rocks. 2009 6 10 ** result, prescription medication cancer me and many of my friends have tial links between diesel exhaust and cancer. Additionally, a report 2010 41 6 Underground / Surface abuse within the coal industry been diagnosed with came from chemicals According to the website, underground by NIOSH shows that dur- ** as of November 26, 2010 has steadily risen over the past ing a special screening be- we were exposed to in and around the miners may be exposed to 100 times the tween 1996-97, 6.7% of surface miners were diagnosed decade and spread throughout mines,” Mullins, who now lives in Lexing- amount of diesel exhaust as compared to with silicosis, a potentially fatal lung disease caused by the surrounding communities. ton, Ky., said. He listed off several names; the rest of the population. exposure to silica dust. Dust samplings taken by the “I can’t get on disability,” all were men he knew from the mines who While the U.S. Mine Safety and Health MSHA from 2003-2008 showed that dust overexposures one young miner, wishing to keep have since died from cancer. Administration and various state mining continued to occur, with drillers and driller helpers hav- his anonymity, explained. “There ing the highest risk of exposure. “Miners today don’t think about their agencies have put various laws regarding is no way I can afford my house health years down the road,” he said. “I’m Continued on page 23

New Coal Dust Regs Aimed at Black Lung Disease Resurgence “If these new standards keep even one other family from having to ex- Story by Bill Kovarik coal dust in half, to 1.0 mg/m3 (milligrams coal miners, the Centers for Disease perience what my family has experi- per cubic meter). Control recently found that cases of An alarming rise in new cases of black enced, they will have an enormously The regulations also require changes black lung disease had stopped fall- lung disease inspired new Mine Safety in sampling procedures, which have been ing and started rising again among positive impact.” and Health Administration regulations a source of contention. Federal investiga- younger, active coal miners. —Shirley Stewart Burns, author of Bringing Down announced this fall by the Obama Ad- tors have repeatedly caught mine opera- Black lung disease is a centuries- The Mountain and daughter of a black lung victim ministration. tors falsifying coal dust samples, and the old problem going back to the dawn The new regulations come 15 years old system with a weeks-long delay in of coal mining. The need for protec- after occupational safety and disease con- three quarters of claims take three to six providing results will be replaced by real- tion and compensation for miners inspired trol agencies recommended a tightening of years to approve, according to a 2009 study time monitoring systems under the new the 1969 Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, standards. They also come seven years after by the Government Accountability Office. regulations. which set up a black lung payments sys- the Bush administration loosened coal dust Shirley Stewart Burns, author of tem funded by a small tax on coal. But the safety standards. Although widely hailed, the regula- Bringing Down the Mountains, hopes the system has been subject to corruption and The regulations are designed to im- tions are a relatively small step in chang- new coal dust standards are enough to abuse over the years, and most individual prove safety for 72,000 miners working ing dangerous working conditions in coal reduce black lung disease. “If these new claims are still routinely fought by teams of in more than 400 underground mines and mines. Especially troubling for public standards keep even one other family from coal industry doctors and lawyers. more than 1,100 surface mines. Technically, health advocates are the estimated 1,500 having to experience what my family has deaths per year from black lung disease. Currently, only about 13 percent of the regulations require coal mines to cut Continued on page 23 While most of these have been retired initial black lung claims are approved, and

De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Pa g e 20 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Appalachian Alternatives Home Remedies Both Old & New* Story by Jillian Randel naturopathic medicine is to ‘iden- also a natural antibiotic used tify and treat the cause.’” by Cherokees and is often com- Cold and flu givin’ you the We have listed some of the bined with echinacea, as it is said blues? According to Natural most common herbal and natural to enhance the effectiveness of Medicines Database, Americans remedies below to help you get the former. Neither goldenseal contract close to a billion colds per started. Check with your local nor echinacea should be used year and around 50 million people health professionals or do your long-term. Most often taken in in the U.S. get the flu annually. own research to create the perfect pill form or tea. Natural remedies are resur- cold and flu care package that Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) facing in pharmacies and health suits your body and lifestyle. are small, dark berries used to stores across the country. They Echinacea Echinacea (Echinacea purpu- help reduce flu-like symptoms. often have less side effects and rea) has traditionally been used They come in liquid capsules can be a more wholesome form ing and antiviral effects, and can a tonic or in pill form. for its immune and antiviral stim- and a syrup form. of medicine. be beneficial in treating the com- Eucalyptus (E. tereticornis) ulant properties and is effective Sage (Salvia officinalis) is na- “Many people who seek mon cold. Most often taken as steam inhalation is said to re- for prevention and treatment of tive to the Mediterranean and is alternative medicine have not lozenge or in pill form. lieve nasal and sinus congestion upper respiratory tract infections an alternative medicine used to received the relief they desire Ginseng (American) (Panax and clear coughs and throat such as cold and influenza. Most treat sore throat, inflammation, from conventional medicine or quinquefolius L.) is known as the infections. It can be done with often taken in pill form or tea. colds, headaches and flu. It is said have experienced negative effects green gold of the forests. It is a the dried leaves boiled in water Goldenseal (Hydrastis canaden- to be effective for the throat when from it,” said Janelle Humphrey- slow-growing plant, valued for two to four times a day to relieve sis L.) is a popular treatment for used as a mouthwash or gargle. Rowan, ND, of Alternatives it’s roots and is most commonly symptoms. Eucalyptus cough the common cold and upper re- Zinc is an essential mineral Holistic Health Consulting in used for immune system en- drops are also said to help with spiratory tract infections. It was claimed to have immune-enhanc- Fairmont, W.Va. “A principle of hancement. Most often taken as coughing caused from cold.

Tictures at Mountain *Please remember that most natural remedies are not FDA approved, and are not a substitute to regularly Gardens prescribed drugs or doctor recommendations. Conduct thorough research and check all labels for any side effects before taking any and all herbal and natural substances included on this page. Folk Remedies: Useful Plants From Your Backyard Story by Yuri Woodstock is beneficial to the urinary tract. It is used to treat cystitis, urethritis and prostatitis, and prevents the Mtn Garden Offers Herbal Learning There exists, under our feet, a cornucopia of formation of bladder stones. Corn silk is also con- edible or medicinal plants, fungi and algae. The Story by Yuri Woodstock sidered useful in childbirth, encouraging contrac- wide variety of beneficial species in Appalachia— tions of the uterus. Corn seeds contain allantoin, Mountain Gardens is a botanical garden nestled in the Black and their application to a multitude of ailments— a cell-proliferant (in common with comfrey) that Mountains of North Carolina that offers visitors a chance to work comprises a massive realm of knowledge. A speeds the healing of wounds. hands-on with Chinese and native herbal medicines. Peterson field guide lists wild sarsaparilla root, Another vegetable with uncommon uses is Originally a paradise garden planted by owner Joe Hollis over for example, as a folk remedy for stomachaches, pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo). The crushed seeds are twenty-five years ago, Mountain Gardens now boasts the widest coughs, burns, boils, ulcers, fevers, infections considered a powerful anti- variety of medicinal herbs on the East coast. and rheumatism, among worming remedy. Mix with A constantly shifting community runs the nursery. The center others. milk and honey and drink offers an involved eleven-week apprenticeship program, and also The trick is to start at breakfast for three days, hosts shorter term stays for participants willing to work in trade somewhere, with herbs then purge with castor oil. for their food. The environment at Mountain Gardens is radically that are already abundant Pumpkin is also rich in holistic; apprentices live together in alternative housing ranging in your surroundings. The immunity-building zinc, from antique cabins to yurts, cultivating wild food and cooking following is a brief guide and the juice is beneficial communal meals in an outdoor kitchen. to using a few common externally for burns and One unique feature at Mountain Gardens is the help-yourself Appalachian plants in less- rashes. library and tincture lab. Guests are invited to educate and diag- than-common ways. Infor- Stinging Nettle nose themselves, if they wish, with a massive variety of dried mation was gathered from One extremely wide- common plan- ingredients ready to be mixed into medicinal remedies. Peterson’s Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs and spread species is Plantago major, or tain The concept of paradise gardening is a movement toward plant expert Joe Hollis. , a plant usually found in domestic lawns. A tea evolving the gardener into more of a caretaker than an owner. The first on our list is already propagated for from the leaves is thought to ease stomach ailments The ultimate goal is to alter the natural ecology slightly, so that it consumption and found ubiquitous in the Ameri- and diarrhea. Plantain is known as an antibacte- sustainably benefits while not depleting itself. can diet. Corn (Zea mays), however, has another rial, expectorant (cleanses lungs), an astringent Mountain Gardens also offers workshops and tinctures, seeds and side altogether, contained in its silk. A simple tea (discourages bleeding) and an anti-inflammatory. dried herbs for sale. For more info visit mountaingardensherbs.com. from corn silk strands is known as a diuretic and Continued on next page

De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 21 Get Clean and Green Around the House Home Remedies Both Old & New Story by Jillian Randel Vinegar Walk through the cleaning aisle in the White vinegar is made by fer- grocery store and you will find shelves menting and then purifying corn al- upon shelves stocked with cleaning cohol. Vinegar’s high acidity makes it an effective home cleaning agent products. for killing mold, bacteria and other Gels meant to clean the toilet bowl, germs. It also leaves surfaces shiny window spray for the mirror, a leave-on and clean without leaving behind concoction for the shower and a sepa- any chemical residue. Five uses for rate solution for the sink. Four bottles of vinegar include: chemically-laden cleaning agents meant to clean one tiny room in your house... 1. Mix equal parts vinegar and what happened to cleaning the old fash- water to clean no-wax floors, win- ioned way—with vinegar, baking soda dows, refrigerators, microwaves, kitchen and bathroom counter- and lemons? tops, grills and cutting boards. The EPA listed household clean- Add 1 cup of vinegar to your ing products as a contributing factor to 2. toilet bowl, let sit 1/2 an hour and poor indoor air quality. Volatile Organic scrub clean. tomato sauce stains; or renew colors in odorant. Compounds (VOCs), are gases emitted 3. Add 1 cup vinegar to the bottom of your bright clothing. 3. Mix with water and use to exfoliate from chemical substances—including dishwasher before starting the cycle. your skin. home cleaning products. VOCs have Baking Soda 4. Spray vinegar near outside openings Baking soda is amphoteric, meaning it Lemons documented short and long-term health like doorways or window sills to de- can react as either an acid or a base. This al- Lemons are acidic and have both anti- effects associated with organs such as the ter ants. Placing a bowl of vinegar on lows it to regulate the pH of substances that bacterial and antiseptic properties. Lemon liver and kidneys, as well as respiratory kitchen countertops will it comes in contact with. juice can also be combined with baking and reproductive systems. kill fruit flies. If a substance is too acid- soda or vinegar for better cleaning results. Household cleaning products also 5. Soak sponges, loofahs Toothpaste ic or too alkaline, baking BEWARE: never leave lemon juice sitting contribute to polluted water systems. and dishrags in vinegar Recipe soda can neutralize it, too long, because it is very powerful! Five Every day, runoff from household activi- overnight to remove Combine 1 part baking making it an effective uses for lemons include: ties enters our lakes, rivers and streams smells and stains. soda to one part hydrogen home cleaning prod- Wood furniture: mix equals parts lemon as we wash and flush chemicals down 1. Vinegar in peroxide. Add a few drops of uct. Five uses for baking juice and olive oil for a deep clean and our drains. Using nontoxic household your laundry peppermint or spearmint oil soda around the house shine. products whenever possible is an impor- Adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup to flavor and freshen your include: 2. Clean cutting boards by rubbing lemon tant way to stop water pollution in our of white distilled vinegar paste. A few drops of tea 1. Sprinkle on carpet across surfaces. communities. to your rinse cycle will tree oil will help soothe and stains or smells and let 3. Remove tupperware stains by squeez- Vinegar, baking soda and lemons are be gentle on fabrics, but disinfect. Do not swallow. sit before vacuuming. ing lemon and sprinkling baking soda inexpensive, healthy for you and have a strong enough to break Sprinkle on the bot- into containers. variety of uses around the house. Just one up soap and detergent 2. tom of garbage or recy- 4. Remove dark mold and mildew spots of these three can clean an entire room in residues. Use vinegar to remove: soap cling cans, litter boxes or pet beds. with a one part lemon juice, one part your house. So, grab your rags, turn on buildup that makes black clothes look dull; Add to washing machine to boost your baking soda paste. Allow to sit for 2 your favorite tunes and get scrubbing! campfire or musty smells; armpit smells 3. detergent’s power and balance pH. hours, then rinse off. from athletic clothes; mold; mustard and 4. Mix baking soda with water and use 5. Submerge lemon slices in a bowl of as a scrub to get tea and coffee stains out water and microwave for 30 seconds of kitchenware. to remove odors and break up stain in Useful Plants From Your Backyard microwave. Continued from previous page 5. Remove burned-on food from pots spleen ailments. It is also a depressant, and and pans by soaking them in baking Lemons in your Laundry Externally, this plant is especially useful for has a relaxing effect. soda and water. Remove blood, grass and rust stains bug bites and stings. Chew up a leaf and St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Uses of baking soda for beauty include: on clothing by rubbing lemon juice and press the substance on a bee sting; the pain is a yellow flowering herb common to salt onto the mark, let sit, rinse thoroughly, usually stops within a minute. this region but originally from Europe. 1. Dip your toothbrush into baking soda then wash as usual. Soak whites in 1/2 cup If you’ve ever encountered stinging Tinctures and oil extracts can be used to neutralize mouth odors and whiten lemon juice and one gallon of hot water or nettle (Urtica dioica), you probably knew externally on wounds, burns, sores and teeth. add 1/2 cup lemon juice during the rinse it all too well. But nettle sting is actually even varicose veins. St. John’s Wort is 2. Pat on your underarms cycle to brighten your whites! known to promote circulation, and has thought to be especially useful in healing for an all-natural de- been used to treat arthritis. A leaf tea is areas where nerve damage has occurred. also considered useful against any sort of Internally, this remedy has been used to Quick tip: use the lemon itself to scrub surfaces. itch, anemia, gout, glandular diseases and treat depression, anxiety and PMS.

De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Pa g e 22 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Editorial Appalachia’s Christmas Future If Charles Dickens were alive today spinning Christmas yarns, he would be writing about the health and well-being of Appalachia. He wouldn’t write about how industries “keep the lights on.” He’d worry about the grim conditions that keep the hospitals full and the environment foul. As Dickens heard demands for cuts in environ- mental and safety regulations—as well as health care access for working Americans—his attention would turn to the calls of struggling families seeking hope and a new era. Dickens might not be tempted to wax rhapsodic about the ingenuity of American industry. Instead, he would expound on the frailty of human nature in the face of overwhelming greed. In A Christmas Carol for our time, Scrooge would be a wholly-owned self-interested corporation focused exclusively on the bottom line. Viewpoint And of course, he would be visited by the three Christmas ghosts. Appalachian Christmas Past would take Scrooge A Broken Relationship in Southern Appalachia on a tour of the public health, labor and environmental By Rev. Pat Watkins Hosea connected these relation- Our desire for cheap electricity justice movements. He’d see the moments when people As Christians on this earth, we are ships in such a way that if our connec- somehow has given us “permission” fought for their rights, but lost to the financial power called to be in relationships with God, tions with God and each other are not to abuse not only our neighbors in of small super-affluent special interests. with each other and with creation. We right, then God’s creation will actually Appalachia but also God’s mountains. Appalachian Christmas Present would float care for God’s people with a special provide the evidence. Somehow we have come to believe the Scrooge through the grotesquely dismal insurance place in our hearts for the poor, the Mountaintop removal coal min- mountains belong to us to do with as claims process for black lung disease and cancer...and oppressed, children and those who ing, taking place in central Appalachia, we please, but the Psalmist says other- the many insults and treatment denials the current have no voice. But with so may other provides evidence that the land is wise; “In God’s hands are the depths of health care system hurls at the dying. problems facing us, who has time to mourning, the wild animals and birds the earth; the heights of the mountains Appalachian Christmas Future would bring think about the planet? of the air are languishing and even the are God’s also.” (Psalm 95:4 NRSV) Scrooge to an isolated graveyard, surrounded by sterile In truth, the earth also has no fish of the sea are perishing. To use Faith speaks to abusive and bro- rocky fields where toxic streams flow down to a dead voice, and in recent history has begun Hosea’s theology, perhaps the evidence ken relationships, whether with each and oily sea. to be oppressed. It is time for Chris- of mountaintop removal points to a other or the planet. But isn’t faith about But how does the redemption that Dickens writes tians to stand up in defense of God’s failure, not just of our relationship to healing broken relationships? into the Victorian-era tale come to Appalachia? creation. God’s creation, but also a failure in Perhaps faith can be and maybe Picture our Scrooge, flinging open the window The prophet Hosea took the three our relationships with each other and even has to be part of the solution. Christmas morning, realizing that its not too late. relationships with God to a new level; with God. Faith heals broken relationships; faith Imagine the now-reformed-geezer rallying bipartisan he knew the connection between our Mountaintop removal mining is directs us in how to appropriately live support for environmental protection and humane relationship with the Almighty and an environmental disaster, no doubt. out our connection with God through health-care policies. Imagine his campaigns to put new our relationship with His creation. But could it also be a relationship our ties with each other and with God’s life into local businesses like home weatherization, When the Israelites had failed in their disaster? Relationships are hard; none creation. renewable energy and farmers markets. relationships with God and each other, are perfect. We all make relationship When our relationships with Most of all, imagine Scrooge on his knees, praying Hosea indicted them: “There is no mistakes that cause pain and hurt and God and each other are redeemed, for forgiveness, remembering what Marley told him: faithfulness or loyalty, and no knowl- suffering for ourselves, others—even God’s creation will celebrate, even “Mankind was my business. The common welfare was edge of God in the land. Swearing, those we love the most—and for the the mountains of Appalachia will cel- my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevo- lying, and murder, and stealing and planet itself. ebrate. Thanks be to God, the creator lence, were, all, my business.” adultery break out; bloodshed follows As the health of the mountains in of heaven and earth! Appalachia deteriorates, so dwindles As the joy of the moment fills us with blessings bloodshed. Therefore the land mourns, the health of the people who live there. for each and every one of us, let’s take the pen from and all who live in it languish; together Rev. Pat Watkins is the executive director It is no coincidence that when our Dickens and help draft the happy ending—and new with the wild animals and the birds for Caretakers of God’s Creation, a church relationship with God’s creation suf- beginning—for our Treasured Appalachia. of the air; even the fish of the sea are and community ministry of the United fers, our relationships with each other Methodist Church. He can be reached at Season’s Greetings, Appalachia—here’s a toast to a perishing.” (Hosea 4:1a-3 NRSV) suffer as well. [email protected]. New Year working together for a healthier future.

De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 23 Coal Ash: One Woman’s Fight To Save A Community According to the Ohio Dept. of Health: Continued from page 18 Meigs County has the highest rate of uninsured children (18.6% a 1/2 mile away,” said Young. “My heart digestive track and compared to the state average of 9.8%) and second highest rate of A Likely Carcinogen sank. She was the closest person to a saint lungs. She lost him six uninsured people for all ages (17.9% compared to the state average I’ve ever known.” months after he was According to EPA reports, “If you live of 11.2%). Patient ratio: 3,852 people per physician compared to “You could see the power plant emis- diagnosed. near an unlined wet ash pond and you get the state average of 852 people per physician). your water from a well, you may have as sions from [Helen’s] porch. It’s a hard Rewriting the thing. Her husband retired from AEP much as a 1 in 50 chance of getting cancer Regulations from drinking arsenic-contaminated water.” (American Electric Power) as an electri- opponents of the coal industry, focusing her Last fall, the EPA held several public It didn’t take long for Young to realize cian. There are several people on our road most recent efforts on coal ash. “The people hearings and commentary on two pro- that something was seriously wrong. “I’ve who worked for them. But we all feel the who get active are the people who know posed regulations for handling coal ash. lost 6 neighbors to cancer,” said Young. consequences—whether it was us that how they are being affected,” she said. One option would require that coal ash “Every Sunday more people are added to collected the paycheck or not.” She has been involved in community be federally regulated and would classify the prayer list.” Another factor contributing to poor organizing and educational outreach to the ash as a hazardous material. A second “I’ve had melanoma,” continued health in Meigs County is the high rates civic, state and national groups, and worked option will allow coal ash to remain a non- Young. “I’m past the seven year mark for of uninsured residents. The state health on various documentaries including Coal hazardous waste and would continue to survival, but I also now have precancerous department lists Meigs among the eight Country. In 2006, she received the Women be regulated state by state. conditions for breast and thyroid cancer, Ohio counties with the fewest primary of Peace Power Foundation Award for her Young favors the first option, but only but no health insurance to get the recom- care physicians per person. activity in the True Cost of Coal tours. if there are additional regulations for ben- mended follow-up treatment since the The county also suffers from one of “Every time another person dies, eficial use. Stricter regulations will make biopsies. I try not to think about it.” the highest rates of asthma incidence in it’s made it harder for me to ignore what storing the ash more costly for the coal Ohio Department of Health reports the state and has no hospital. Without pri- the consequences of trying to stay here industry, so without any provisions for show that Meigs County has the second mary care physicians or health insurance, are,” said Young. “But, I don’t think any this, more of it will be applied as beneficial highest rate of death from cancer in the people in Meigs County are less likely to industry has the right to render an entire use in communities like hers. state (second to Perry County, also a large have early detection of illness and have less region unsuitable to sustain life. No one “It may be beneficial to industry,” said coal-producing area) and the highest rate of an ability to afford care once they have has that right.” Young. “But not to us.” of death for lung and bronchus cancer. been diagnosed. To find the distribution of coal ash Young obtained the tax plot map of It isn’t just humans that are affected Taking Action ponds in your area, visit www.sierraclub. the townships in her county and started by coal ash either. Several of Young’s Young is among the most outspoken org/coal/coalash. highlighting the people on her road that neighbors report cattle and poultry losses had been touched by cancer. Most of the to cancer, and many hunters have found lands were highlighted. tumors in the deer they’ve shot. Young’s “I remember when Helen got cancer, dog, Charlie, was found with inoperable she lived just around the corner—less than cancer in his brain and throughout his

Coal Miner’s Health his or her life working in mines will be left Continued from page 19 with little health to enjoy retirement. Many miners make every effort to warn their diesel equipment in place, miners are left children about following their footsteps to wonder if it will be enough. “NIOSH into the mines, hoping the next generation cannot definitely determine that cur- will strive for a better education and avoid rent diesel regulations will result in the a similar fate. elimination of all diesel health concerns,” As life would have it, many of those chil- stated Ed Blosser, Public Affairs Officer for dren become enticed by the high wages of NIOSH. “The reason for this uncertainty coal mining as compared to other jobs in the is that there is still incomplete information coalfields. They look only at the short-term concerning the level of exposure to diesel gains while ignoring the long-term losses. emissions that may cause health effects.” As one of those young miners so elo- Anyone living within the coalfields quently put it, “You’ve got to die someday.” will tell you that a coal miner who spends

Black Lung Disease coalfields, far away from the urban centers Continued from page 19 that benefit from the ultimate sacrifices of coal miners like my father.” experienced, they will have an enormously “Like so many other families, we nev- positive impact.” er received any money from federal black Burns, who grew up in Matheny, West lung payments,” Burns said. “It is a cum- Virginia, lost her father to black lung dis- bersome system with an extremely low Visit our website at: ease. “I was still a teenager,” Burns said. number of people who actually benefit… “The magnitude of his loss on me and my The system is set up to turn down many www.therefugefoscoenc.com family cannot possibly be put into words. people who actually have the disease.” Or call 1-800-667-0805 and We’ll Arrange the Fly!! It is a reality that is experienced all over the De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Pa g e 24 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e INSIDE APPALACHIAN VOICES Music on the Mountaintop Donates $5,500 to Help Appalachian Voices The burgeoning annual Music on the Mountaintop festival (MOTM) recently donated $5,500 of their 2010 profits to Appalachian Voices. Festival organizer Jimmy Hunt shook hands with Ap- palachian Voices’ Executive Director Willa Mays (pictured center) to seal the deal in a special function attended by AV staff and board. Although new to the mountaintop removal activism scene, Jimmy Hunt said he chose Appalachian Voices be- cause of our dedication to the environmental and cultural integrity of the Appalachian region. “I am super thrilled to work with a great group of people working in the Boone area and fighting the same cause,” Jimmy said. “[Appalachian Voices does] a good Members of Appalachian Voices’ board and staff join with Music on the Mountaintop founder Jimmy Hunt to celebrate the $5,500 the job of encouraging people to be excited and is such a good festival was able to donate from proceeds. L-R: Kathy Selvage, Jeff Deal, Liz Aycock, Jimmy Hunt, Bunk Spann, Willa Mays, Benji cause to fight for because it has such a ripple effect.” Burrell, Christina Howe, Dot Griffith, Lauren Waterworth. Photo by Jamie Goodman MOTM grew to a larger and more extensive music festival this year, adding two days and a larger musical the festival by aiming for more recycling, combating fes- MOTM 2010 took place the last weekend in August and line up. Jimmy still sees improvements in the future, tival consumption and bridging the connection between brought national and regional music acts together for two however, like continuing the sustainability initiative of music, community and the environment. days of music and fun with an environmental approach.

AV Helps RAN on coal companies that made RAN’s cam- and Cafe. Trees on Fire is donating 5% of through the TVA spill shortly after it oc- Secure a Benny paign possible. the proceeds of their new album, Organica, curred. PNC and USB are the latest banks to Trees On Fire: Music for to Appalachian Voices. Check them out on Expedition Blue Planet is presented issue strong statements about severely the Mountains www.myspace.com/treesonfiremusic. by National Geographic. Visit alexan- limiting their funding of mountaintop re- dracoustea.org and nationalgeographic. Trees on Fire, a band based in Charlot- Riverkeeper Featured on moval mining. Rainforest Action Network com/water. tesville, Va., plays an unique, passionate Expedition Blue Planet (RAN) has been the main force behind this and danceable blend of “reggae, hip hop, In September, Appalachian Voices’ AV Joins Coalition to grassroots campaign to pressure banks rock, electronica, classical, klezmer, funk Upper Watauga Riverkeeper traveled Urge for Stronger Ozone to cease public financing of mountaintop and beyond.” They have recently been back to Harriman, Tenn., to meet with Regulations removal mining projects. touring the Southeast and blowing listen- Alexandra Cousteau and Expedition Blue Appalachian Voices joined a national The Business Ethic Network recently ers away with their high-energy perfor- Planet to film an episode about the TVA coalition of over 200 organizations in awarded RAN a Benny Award for their mances, including a special show in our coal ash disaster. urging the EPA to adopt stronger pro- work; Appalachian Voices received a hometown of Boone, N.C., at Galileo’s Bar The team, along with research partners posed ground-level ozone regulations. supporting award for providing the data at the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation According to the coalition, stricter rules Institute, spent the day testing fish on the on smog pollution would save 12,000 Emory River and conducting interviews nndd eeditiditioonn A Guide for Southern lives and prevent tens of thousands of 22 A Guide for Southern in the shadow of the Kingston coal-fired asthma and heart attacks each year. Top AppalachianAppalachian LandownersLandowners power plant. national groups that signed on include ManaManagginingg Now with a FREE DVD: “The TVA coal ash spill was the most the American Lung Association, Interfaith “Landowner’s Guide to horrific and gutwrenching environmental Power and Light, Sierra Club, National YourYour Sustainable Forestry” - from the disaster I’ve ever seen on a waterway,” Latino Coalition on Climate Change and s Model Forest Policy Program Donna Lisenby said during the interview. the American Academy of Pediatrics. WWoodoodlanlandds The Riverkeeper was one of the first and Visit plowsharegroup.com/media_down- Our handbook will give you the only independent scientists to paddle loads/ala_ozone_push.php knowledge and resources to make smart decisions about your piece of Appalachian forest, and help you be a good steward of the land.

To get your FREE copy, sign up at www.appvoices.org Call 1-877-APP-VOICE, or Email [email protected] DOUBLE De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 25 APPALACHIAN VOICES INSIDE APPALACHIAN VOICES AV’s Riverkeeper Initiates Case Against Kentucky Coal Companies

Coalition Files NOIS Over Claims of Falsified Monitoring Data reviewed for three years.” said Appalachian Voices’ Upper Watauga charge monitoring reports (DMRs), Donna Lisenby. Riverkeeper team assembled a lineup of water quality monitoring reporting The plaintiffs are being rep- heavy-hitting environmental groups in required by the Environmental Protec- resented by lawyers with the Ap- October to file suit against three Kentucky tion Agency. The reports are supposed palachian Citizens’ Law Center, mining companies for violating the Clean to be monitored for accuracy by the the Capua Law Firm and the Pace Water Act. Kentucky Division of Surface Mining Environmental Litigation Clinic. A coalition including Appalachian Reclamation and Enforcement with ICG, owner of subsidiaries ICG Voices, Kentuckians For The Common- enforcement oversight by the Kentucky Knott and ICG Hazard, responded wealth, Kentucky Riverkeeper and Wa- Division of Water. Permits issued by that they would promptly investi- terkeeper Alliance filed a sixty day “intent the state allow coal mining companies gate the allegations violations of to sue” notice letter alleging that three to discharge limited amounts of pol- and, more troubling, their moral obligation the Clean Water Act, stating that companies operating in eastern Kentucky lutants into nearby streams and rivers; to the people of the state of Kentucky.” “The company is completely committed exceeded pollution discharge limits in those same permits, however, also require According to Donna Lisenby, the to conducting its operations in accordance their permits, consistently failed to con- industries to carefully monitor and report claims brought, “may just be the tip of with applicable laws.” duct the required monitoring of their pollution discharges—such as manganese, the iceberg when it comes to irresponsible Under the Clean Water Act, the com- discharges and, in many cases, submitted iron, total suspended solids and pH—to mining reporting practices and a failure in panies have sixty days to respond to the false monitoring data to the state agencies state officials. the state’s monitoring program.” When allegations made in the notice letter, after charged with protecting the public. “The sheer number of violations we the Riverkeeper team was in the London which the plaintiffs have stated that if all Joining in the lawsuit were several found while looking over these compa- regional offices of the Kentucky Depart- violations have not been corrected, the local residents impacted by the dumping nies’ monitoring reports is astounding,” ment of Surface Mining, they found stack coalition plans to file complaint in federal of mining waste into Kentucky’s water- said Donna Lisenby of Appalachian Voic- after stack of DMRs from more than 60 coal district court. The 60-day time period ends ways. es. “It shows a systematic and pervasive mines and processing facilities covered in in early December with more legal filings The three companies, IGC Knott, pattern of misinformation. These compa- dust on desks. expected shortly after The Voice press date. For the most current updates, visit IGC Hazard and Fraser Creek Mining, nies are making a mockery of their legal “We don’t think they had been were cited for inaccurate or false dis- responsibility under the Clean Water Act AppalachianVoices.org/ky-litigation.

D.C. Team Thanks Citizens For Their Help in Congress It is critical that the Appalachian people tinue delivering our message to Congress Chair Barbara Boxer and many other critical receive permanent protection in the form of - “They’re blowing up our mountains and committee members and target Senators. a federal law that bans mountaintop remov- there oughta be a law to stop them.” The fight continues into the 112th al because whatever the Obama Adminis- Residents from Kentucky, Tennessee and Congress, and we’re going to need all of tration may choose to do, it could always be Virginia met with the offices of more than two your assistance encouraging officials in overturned by the next President. dozen key political leaders to discuss the ur- Washington to protect Appalachia. Congressional election season may be gent need to address toxic waste from moun- Thank you for being a part of our over, but that doesn’t mean the work for taintop removal. Mountain residents spoke shared effort to end mountaintop re- the Appalachian Voices team in D.C. stops with the offices of Senate Majority leader moval. for a minute. As Congress reconvened for Harry Reid, Majority Whip Dick Durbin, Sincerely, the lame duck session in November, we Environment and Public Works Committee Appalachian Voices’ D.C. Team teamed up with citizens who are directly impacted by mountaintop removal to con-

Citizens and Appalachian Voices staff gathered in Washington to talk to representatives about AppalachianVoices mountaintop removal coal mining. Left-right: John Humphrey, AV volunteer; Amber Davidson, AV Business League Members intern; Carl Shoupe of Benham, Ky.; Vickie Terry New & renewing for Sept/Oct/Nov 2010 of Campbell County, Tenn.; Austin Hall, AV Field Abigail Higgins Gardening Services...... Vineyard Haven, MA Coordinator; David Beatty of Fentress, Tenn. Early Girl Eatery...... Asheville, N.C. Town & Country Landscaping...... Hickory, N.C. See page & Special Thanks to Music on the Mountaintop! 28 to learn how We encourage you to patronize members of the Business League. your impact To become a business member visit www.AppalachianVoices.org or call us toll free at 877-APP-VOICE De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Pa g e 26 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e

No profit. { Yet so much to gain. }

Since November 2009, Grandfather Mountain has been operated by a non-profit foundation. Our goal is to protect the natural wonder of this magnificent landmark Grandfather ® while offering the public access to its fantastic scenery. We invite you to join us in Mountain protecting this amazing place. Find out how you can help preserve Grandfather’s legacy for future generations by visiting, volunteering or making a donation. Wonders never cease www.grandfathermountain.org | 1-800-468-7325

De c e m b e r 2010 / Ja n u a r y 2011 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 27 Naturalist’s Notebook The Eastern Wild Turkey trekking through the winter terrain

Story by Jillian Randel gobble, which can be heard up to a mile As I rambled up the hill through the away (these male birds demand attention, tree farm near my house, my dog heard oh yes they do). He lowers his wings and the crunching noise before I did. It was seductively drags the tips of his feathers the distinct sound of thousands of newly along the ground, to attract the female fallen leaves shuffling around. Something turkeys. (And yes, that was plural. Male was trampling through the woods to our turkeys mate with many females in a sea- left. I saw the first one. son, not just one.) Wild turkeys! They were foraging the Females lay anywhere from 4 to 18 ground for insects, fruits, acorns, nuts and eggs, incubating them in shallow depres- little bugs, scratching to see what hidden sions hidden under brush for a month treasures they could find. before the young turkey poults hatch. The My dog whined then gave a bark, poults learn to fend for themselves quickly, Female wild turkeys have great eye-sight and are extremely alert and wary of their surroundings. the foragers all stopped in their tracks. as female turkeys bear sole responsibility Photo by D. Gordon E. Robertson Eyeing us through the trees, the first one for raising their young. took off in flight, then the second, third... The Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris ward. Throughout the 1700 and 1800s, now has huntable turkey populations. ten turkeys total, all female. The females gallopavo silvestris) is the most abundant as woodland habitat disappeared and Unlike domesticated turkeys, wild are much plainer than the males. of the five subspecies of na- population demands increased hunting, turkeys are a smart bunch. They have They lack a beard, which tive turkeys that exist in the the wild turkey began to disappear from great eye-sight and are extremely alert on a turkey is a small United States. They range its habitat. By 1920, the wild turkey had and wary of their surroundings. It often tuft of feathers on the entire eastern side been hunted to near extinction and could takes two men, one to call the bird and his chest. Females of the country from only be found in the most remote places. one ready and waiting with a gun, to bag are also missing southern Canada to It disappeared completely from 18 of the a wild turkey. a wattle, the red Mexico, thriving in original 39 states it once occupied. Hunting seasons officially began in bunch of skin mixed hardwood After the Great Depression and fol- 1991, with each state setting the rules that hangs from forests with wide lowing World War II, reintroduction proj- on bag limits and hunting season dates. a turkey’s chin. openings, large ects were implemented to restore the wild Check out nwtf.org for details on your Most interestingly, pastures, fields turkey. The species made a huge comeback state’s regulations. the male’s head changes and marshes. as a result of trap and transplant programs. Since my original sighting of the tur- from red, blue, or white During pre-colonial The wild turkeys were captured from their keys, I have seen these ladies on almost depending on the sea- times, the turkey was a remote hideouts, bred and brought back every walk through the tree farm near my son. The males have an staple in Native American to thrive on their native lands, which were house. Perhaps there is good foraging up added bonus of an extra diets and became a necessity simultaneously undergoing reforestation there, or maybe, somehow, they know that spur, or claw, on their long, to the first Europeans arriv- projects. area is protected from hunting. I can say stocky, pink or gray legs. ing in America in the 1600s. Populations were estimated to be one thing, I like having my own little flock The male struts around, The birds were found around 30,000 in the early 1900s and today’s in the woods to keep an eye on, and I think A male turkey on display fanning out his tail feath- across all of America as during mating season. estimates are around seven million. With the they keep my dog daydreaming about ers, and making a distinct Europeans pushed west- exception of Alaska, every state in the U.S. having his own little turkey flock too.

u ou M sic from the M ntains Voted best barbeque Offering a diverse mix of music and informative programming in the region for the diverse heart of Appalachia. Broadcast from Your listener supported radio, WMMT. by Appalachian Voices’ the Appalshop crack staff of tasters! Hwy 321 Bypass Blowing Rock,North Carolina (828) 295-3651 www.woodlandsbbq.com

91 Madison Ave., Whitesburg, Ky • (606)633-0108 • www.wmmtfm.org Open for lunch and dinner. Closed Mondays.

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Non-Profit APPALACHIAN VOICE Organization 191 Howard Street US Postage Paid Boone, NC 28607 Permit No. 294 www.appalachianvoices.org Boone, NC

The above photograph detail was taken as part of Daniel Shea’s 2009 Plume exhibit, a series of images documenting what he considers “an unusually dense concentration of coal-fired power plants” in southeast Ohio. Plume is a follow-up to Shea’s 2007 exhibit, Removing Mountains, in which he examined the “cultural implications of extracting coal from Appalachian mountains.” Both exhibits are on display now through January 28, 2011 at Berea College’s Appalachian Center in Kentucky. DOUBLE Donate to Appalachian Voices’ your matching grant impact fund. A generous donor has pledged up to $37,500 for Appalachian Voices’ Appalachia Water Watch initiative, but first we must raise the match. Every penny counts—give today!

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