Eastern Kentucky University
Martin County Water Testing Project
Institution
Eastern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Stephanie McSpirit
Abstract
The Martin County Coal Waste Spill in 2000, delivering 300 million tons of slurry into local streams and rivers. 2001 survey results showed that more than 80% of residents thought that their drinking water was a “serious problem”. In June 2005, $150,000 was awarded to the Martin County Project Team at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). The purpose of the Memorandum of Agreement between EKU and the state of Kentucky was to conduct a systematic assessment of the public water system with full citizen participation to assess long-term impacts. This project placed special emphasis on citizen involvement, participation, and oversight. An assessment of the municipal water supply was done in collaboration with an outside evaluator and a team of university scientists. Though long-term environmental is assessment identified strengths and opportunities for improvement in water quality for Martin County residents. A team of university scientists, university-trained field researchers, and trained martin county citizens conducted a water assessment at the highest scientific standards. This poster will summarize the participatory research design, sampling and testing methods used in this water assessment as well as our findings.
Martin County Water Testing Project
The Martin County Coal Waste Spill in 2000, delivering 300 million tons of slurry into local streams and rivers. 2001 survey results showed that more than 80% of residents thought that their drinking water was a “serious problem”. In June 2005, $150,000 was awarded to the Martin County Project Team at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). The purpose of the Memorandum of Agreement between EKU and the state of Kentucky was to conduct a systematic assessment of the public water system with full citizen participation to assess long-term impacts. This project placed special emphasis on citizen involvement, participation, and oversight. An assessment of the municipal water supply was done in collaboration with an outside evaluator and a team of university scientists. Though long-term environmental is assessment identified strengths and opportunities for improvement in water quality for Martin County residents. A team of university scientists, university-trained field researchers, and trained martin county citizens conducted a water assessment at the highest scientific standards. This poster will summarize the participatory research design, sampling and testing methods used in this water assessment as well as our findings.