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Pump rental drains Martin County Water District again
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Water District hopes to resolve an issue that has become an ongoing financial drain on its resources and patience. The district is pressing for reimbursement of the steep costs of renting and fueling a raw water intake pump—expenses MCWD says are tied to Xylem Water Solution’s…
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Past harm is not a free ticket to future exploitation
Martin County’s past does not excuse future harm of any kind. We have heard simplistic statements from regulators, elected officials and developers (in public hearings and otherwise) such as, “Anything (nuisance) wouldn’t be as [bad] as coal mining.” Those words come from a place of ignorance and condescension. Let us explain. When regulators and officials…
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Martin County Water District Workgroup to meet Dec. 16
FRANKFORT — The Martin County Water District (MCWD) Workgroup will meet by video conference via Microsoft Teams on Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. EST, the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) announced. EEC Secretary Rebecca Goodman leads the Workgroup, which the EEC established in 2020. The Workgroup includes representatives from the EEC, the Martin County…
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PSC sets informal conference in Martin County Water monitoring case
The Kentucky Public Service Commission has announced an informal conference to address “a recent filing” in case 2020-00154 in which it monitors the Martin County Water District. Scheduled for Nov. 21 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., the meeting will be conducted via videoconference “to discuss issues presented in this matter.” According to a notice…
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Martin County Water elects new chair, reports record-low water loss
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Water District reported encouraging improvements in its meeting Oct. 22, including the lowest water loss rate recorded in the last several years. In a unanimous decision, the board elected Tim Thoma as its new chair. “I moved to this community two years ago and I…
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Level 1 drought declared in all Kentucky counties
FRANKFORT — The Office of the State Climatologist and the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, in coordination with the Kentucky Drought Mitigation Team, are issuing a Level 1 Drought Declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. A Level 1 Drought signifies moderate to severe drought conditions mainly affecting soil moisture and vegetative health. Serious impacts to…
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As drought lowers Tug River, Kermit takes measures to maintain water supply
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN KERMIT, W.Va. — The Tug River, strained by ongoing drought conditions, has receded to levels that have forced the Town of Kermit to resort to emergency measures to pump water to the treatment plant. In a town meeting Sept. 9, Mayor Charles Sparks outlined plans to employ a loaner pump…
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Family denied water service for new home in Martin County
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — After relocating from their 11-year residence at Eden West a month ago, Kenneth Daniels and his family are facing unexpected challenges securing water service for their new home on Rocky Top Hill. The Martin County Water District denied Daniels’ request for service. Daniels shared his exasperation with water…
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McCoy brings water district construction issues to light in Martin County: Leaky clarifier, failed pumps, low reservoir, no storage tank cleaning
Budget, management contract, record low water loss in June BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County Water Board member Nina McCoy questioned a series of water district issues in a board meeting July 25. Her questions brought to light current issues and potential future trouble, including leaking clarifiers, failed pumps, a low reservoir…