Uploaded December 2023 | Updated September 2026, 11 hours ago
This Dec. 22 marks the 15th anniversary of the largest coal ash spill in U.S. history. On Dec. 22, 2008, a dike containing coal ash from the Tennessee Valley Authority’s coal-fired Kingston Fossil Plant ruptured. The broken dike released 1.1 billion gallons of coal ash slurry into surrounding rivers and neighborhoods, with a force that pushed homes off their foundations.
Over the next six years, nearly 900 workers cleaned up this toxic disaster unprotected, as TVA’s contractor denied them personal protective equipment like respirators. Hundreds of workers have since come forward with illnesses, and over 60 have died.
Let us take time to remember and honor the workers who cleaned up TVA’s Kingston coal ash spill, by listening to their own stories.
To learn more, go to rememberkingston.wordpress.com
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The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters.
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This Dec. 22 marks the 15th anniversary of the largest coal ash spill in U.S. history. On Dec. 22, 2008, a dike containing coal ash from the Tennessee Valley Authority’s coal-fired Kingston Fossil Plant ruptured. The broken dike released 1.1 billion gallons of coal ash slurry into surrounding rivers and neighborhoods, with a force that pushed homes off their foundations.
Over the next six years, nearly 900 workers cleaned up this toxic disaster unprotected, as TVA’s contractor denied them personal protective equipment like respirators. Hundreds of workers have since come forward with illnesses, and over 60 have died.
Let us take time to remember and honor the workers who cleaned up TVA’s Kingston coal ash spill, by listening to their own stories.
To learn more, go to rememberkingston.wordpress.com
► Subscribe to the Sierra Club's YouTube Channel: http://smarturl.it/SierraClub_Subscribe
► Watch more videos from the Sierra Club:
youtube.com/user/NationalSierraClub
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters.
Stay connected with the Sierra Club online!
► Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/SierraClub
► Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/sierraclub
► Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/sierraclub
