JACK SPADARO

More recently, I was asked to be part of the investigation of the Martin County, Kentucky Coal Slurry Spill, which took place in October of 2000. The conflicts involved in that investigation have been well documented by the press and even on national television. My only purpose in raising the alarm about this investigation as I did was to make certain that the mining company and the agencies responsible for enforcing mine health and safety and environmental laws be held accountable for their failure to do so. More than 100 miles of stream were polluted by the Martin County Coal Slurry spill. All life forms in and along the streams and rivers were obliterated. Thousands of people were affected. When I objected to weakened investigation reports and less than appropriate enforcement actions, I was immediately attacked by administrators in the Labor Department appointed by the Bush administration. They tried to fire me, but failed because of the public uproar. Again, I am reminded of..

Primary location: Hamlin United States