Sludge materials, c.2005

Sub-Series (ap.afc.08.07)

Extent
68 Video cassettes
3 Audio cassettes
20 Photographic images
2 Boxes
Part of
Appalshop Films Collection, 1969-2015 > Series VIII. Appalshop Films, 2000-2015 > Sludge materials, c.2005
Scope and Contents
Contains material related to the color documentary Sludge, a 2005 release.  The film recounts the break of a coal waste dam in October 2000 during which 306 million gallons of sludge spilled into the Tug River in Martin County, Ky.  The spill damaged municipal water systems and caused extensive property damage.   Through interviews with community residents and officials, public hearings, and video footage the film documents the aftermath of the disaster, the Mine Safety and Health Administration “whistle blower” case of Jack Spadaro, and the threat of coal sludge ponds throughout the Appalachian mountains.   Subjects include environmental aspects of coal mining, coal mine waste, coal slurry, and coal mine accidents in Kentucky.