Stephanie McSpirit

Residents' Perceptions of Tap Water and Decisions to Purchase Bottled Water: A Survey Analysis from the Appalachian, Big Sandy Coal Mining Region of West Virginia

In this exploratory effort, we examine the possible externalities associated with coal mine production and its ensuing effects on drinking water. Past experiences in the coal fields suggest that this has significant economic impacts on household budgets, with many residents choosing to buy bottled water rather than rely on their local tap water for consumption and household usage. Through an analysis of survey data, this study explores the relationship between resident perceptions of watershed pollution associated with coal mining, its perceived effects on drinking water quality, and decisions to purchase “store-bought” water (bottled water). While findings reveal an indirect association between perceived pollution impacts, perceived drinking water quality, and resident decisions to purchase bottled water, the most robust direct predictors of purchase are perceived tap water quality, the saliency of drinking water concerns, and trust/distrust in the local water treatment facility.

The Long-Term Effects of a Coal Waste Disaster on Social Trust in Appalachian Kentucky

In October 2000, a coal impoundment structure emptied more than 300 million gallons of toxic coal waste into the streams of Martin County, Kentucky. This study compares surveys conducted in the months following the disaster with surveys administered 10 years later to determine the long-term impacts of the disaster on trust in government, corporations, and experts. We find that the social trust levels in Martin County partially recovered in the 10 years since the impoundment rupture. This suggests that technological disasters, including those that result in toxic contamination, do not always permanently damage the social fabric of the communities that experience them. However, some factors suggest that Martin County’s recovery in trust may be unwarranted, which, in turn, raises concerns about this community’s susceptibility to environmental hazards and possible future disasters.

Assessing the Impacts of Coal Waste on Residential Wells in the Appalachian Region of the Big Sandy Watershed, Kentucky and West Virginia: An Exploratory Investigation

Abstract This paper examined issues surrounding coal waste and its potential impacts on residential private wells by reviewing the existing literature to identify the possible issues and parameters associated with coal waste and its possible effects on private wells. Using well water data from the Big Sandy Region of Kentucky and West Virginia (n = 42), drinking water quality was examined using standard heavy metal parameters associated with coal waste: arsenic, cadmium, chromium, iron, lead, manganese, zinc, and sulfate. Findings showed significantly more wells in sub-watersheds with coal waste impoundments with iron levels above secondary drinking water standards. A review of similar wells from the Kentucky Groundwater Database Repository showed a similar trend. This pattern warranted further study of Fe as a possible coal slurry waste marker. Other general findings revealed high concentrations of manganese, lead, and arsenic across our sampling of cases. Levels of these metals were high in Appalachian rock, so linking their levels to coal mining is problematic. Overall, findings suggested that residential well water in the coal mining area of the Big Sandy region of Appalachia may be of variable and sometimes unhealthy quality.

Interest in Nutrition and Local Food Systems among Food-Insecure Households in an Appalachian Community

ABSTRACT Appalachian Kentucky has high levels of food insecurity and related health problems, such as obesity. Countermeasures based on local food systems have been suggested to address this issue, but for communities to implement these community-based interventions effectively, it is necessary to understand the perceptions of the food-insecure households they aim to serve. In this study, the primary food preparer in 259 households in Berea, Kentucky, completed a survey as part of a community food assessment. Households were identified as relatively more food secure (FS) or food insecure (FI) on the basis of their responses, and bivariate analysis was performed between relative food security status and other measures. The results indicate significantly different (P < .05) perceptions between FS and FI households regarding the role of convenience, location, and price in determining their food choices. Despite these differences, both groups placed equally high importance on nutrition and local produce, and FI households were also significantly more interested than FS households in activities such as cooking clubs and work exchange for free local food. These findings have implications for the development of programs and policies to combat food insecurity.

Major Impacts and Challenges facing Kentucky's Streams and Wetlands: A Summary of Agency, Other Expert, and Stakeholder Views

Abstract To protect our nations water resources, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have declared a goal of “no net loss” of our nations water and wetland resources to be a national priority for the past 20 years. To meet this objective, the EPA has encouraged states to develop state wetland conservation plans and incorporate stakeholders into the development of those plans. Recently, the Kentucky Division of Water initiated a streams and wetlands conservation planning process. As part of the process, we conducted surveys and interviews of Kentucky stakeholders in stream and wetlands issues. Results of the surveys emphasized three impacts of concern: sewer overflows and straight pipes, coal and energy development, and residential growth. Stakeholders had wide areas of agreement, although their perspectives were not entirely uniform. Perception of the relative importance of some types of impacts was dependent on job position, level of awareness, and watershed region. Kentuckys first phase planning process illustrates the importance of soliciting watershed-based multi-stakeholder input in conservation planning as mandated by the EPA. We conclude by recommending directions for a second phase of planning and a subsequent implementation stage for the streams and wetlands conservation planning process.