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Case Center

Kentucky Coal Sludge

  • Issue: Environmental Litigation
  • Result: Settled claims for 400 property owners
  • 2003

Kentucky Coal Sludge Litigation

On October 11, 2000, near Inez, Kentucky, a coal waste storage facility ruptured, spilling 300 million gallons of coal sludge (a wet mixture produced by the treatment and cleaning of coal) into waterways in the region and contaminating hundreds of properties.

This was one of the worst environmental disasters in the Southeastern United States.

With co-counsel, Lieff Cabraser represented over 400 clients in property damage claims, including claims for diminution in the value of their homes and properties. In April 2003, the parties reached a confidential settlement agreement on favorable terms to the plaintiffs.