August 13, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — The Department for Natural Resources’ Division of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) announced today the commencement of construction for the Butcher Hollow Water Supply Project for Johnson County. Little Creek Construction has been awarded the project contract with a low bid of $382,033, with Sisler-Maggard Engineering providing engineering inspection services. On-site construction will begin August 17 with a projected completion date of January 2010.
The Butcher Hollow Groundwater Contamination Study identified impacts from pre-law and interim coal mining as factors contributing to the reported groundwater problems. Sixty-seven residences of Butcher Hollow, Patterson Creek, Right Fork of Grassy Creek and Sycamore will be served. The homestead of Loretta Lynn, in Van Lear, will now have available municipal water. This “cabin on a hill” was made famous by Lynn’s recording of Coal Miner’s Daughter, when she sang, “I remember well, the well where I drew water.”
The proposed project, operated by Paintsville Utilities Commission, will involve the construction of a waterline supply system with one water storage tank, two booster pump stations, approximately 6.0 miles of water main, and the installation of meters at residences. New service lines will tie into existing public waterlines.
“I am pleased these folks will be getting a much needed clean, potable water supply. Expanding municipal water supplies remains an AML priority,” said AML Assistance Director Mark Meade.
“We will soon break ground on yet another water project benefiting the citizens of eastern Kentucky by addressing abandoned mine land hazards in our state. Satisfying the basic water needs of Kentuckians remains an ongoing DNR initiative,” added Commissioner Carl Campbell.
AML is authorized under KRS 350 to abate hazards to public health, safety and the environment from abandoned coal mines. AML has a water supply replacement program that extends waterlines into areas where well water has been contaminated by past coal mining. To date, AML has expended over $74.5 million for waterline improvements and has provided over 11,316 households with potable water supplies in 24 counties in eastern, southern, and western Kentucky. AML funds a portion of the cost of these water replacement projects based on the mining impacts found in groundwater quality studies.
Contact : Corey Ann Howard 502-564-2141
