Natural Resources andEnvironmental Protection Cabinet

Henry C. List, Secretary

Department for EnvironmentalProtection

Robert Logan, Commissioner

Department for Natural ResourcesHugh Archer, Commissioner

Department for Surface MiningReclamation and Enforcement

Carl E. Campbell, Commissioner

Land, Air & Water is publishedquarterly by the Natural Resources and

Environmental Protection Cabinet with stateand federal funds. Subscription to this

publication is free. Write the Office of theSecretary, Communications Staff,

514 Capital Plaza Tower, Frankfort, KY40601 or phone (502) 564-5525 to have

your name added to the mailing list.Address changes and deletions alsoshould be sent to this office or faxed

to (502) 564-3354.

The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet does not discriminate onthe basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability and provides, onrequest, reasonable accommodations including auxiliary aids and services necessary to affordan individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in all services, programs andactivities. To request materials in an alternative format, contact the Office of the Secretary,Communications Staff, 514 Capital Plaza Tower, Frankfort, KY 40601 or call (502) 564-5525.Hearing- and speech-impaired persons can contact the agency by using the Kentucky RelayService, a toll-free telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD). For voice to TDD, call(800) 648-6057. For TDD to voice, call (800) 648-6056.

Printed on recycled paper with state and federal funds

Agency CoordinatorsMartin Bess, Maleva Chamberlain,

Lillie Cox, Mary Jean Eddins,Matt Hackathorn, Gwen Holt,Leslie Cole, Cecilia Mitchell,Lee Ruggles, Julie Smither,

R.C. Story

Visit Land, Air & Water magazine on the World Wide Web atwww.environment.ky.gov/nrepc/landairwater.htm

Online

State of KentuckyPaul E. Patton, Governor

EditorDesign & Production

Cindy Schafer

Co-editorKerry Holt

Thomas takes the reins at EasternKentucky PRIDEBy Cindy SchaferOffice of the Secretary

Being named the leader of a successful organization is no small task, but RichardThomas is ready for the challenge. Thomas was selected as the new executive directorof Eastern Kentucky PRIDE (Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment) inAugust.

Thomas is no stranger to PRIDE. As a former principal assistant in the NaturalResources and Environmental Protection Cabinet (NREPC), he served on the PRIDEexecutive committee and coordinated the cabinet�s Open Dump Initiative to rid theCommonwealth�s landscape of illegal dumps. �Richard has been a leader in PRIDE since it began,� said U.S. Rep. Harold �Hal�Rogers, R-Somerset. �I am confident that he will continue PRIDE�s success and leadthe organization to even greater heights.�

�I welcome the challenge Rep. Rogers has given me,� said Thomas. �I plan tocontinue moving the organization along the path of success.� Eastern Kentucky PRIDE was created in 1997 by Rogers and the late GeneralJames Bickford, former secretary of the NREPC, and serves 38 southern and easternKentucky counties by assisting them in the cleanup of community rivers and streams,illegal dumps and promoting environmental awareness.

Richard Thomas (left) and U.S.Rep. Hal Rogers at the 2003Envi Awards. Photo provided byEastern Kentucky PRIDE

On the Cover

what�s inside

Fall 2003

Features

Contents

Get yourfeet wet 5-6

Discover the benefits ofwetlands in the Daniel

Boone National Forest.

HB 174 is healingKentucky�s

landscape 13The new law is generat-

ing money to fix solidwaste problems.

Thomas takes the reins at Eastern Kentucky PRIDE................................................................... Inside CoverGlass recycling is making a comeback......................................... 1City managers learn energy management .................................... 2Wildland urban interface .............................................................. 3McCreary gets results with firewise council ................................ 4$1.4 million grant will educate Kentuckians about water pollution ........................................................................ 7Mammoth Cave National Park makes the switch to E-85 fueled vehicles ................................................................ 8Outreach program soars �into the air� ........................................ 11Workshops go statewide to help communities with runoff pollution..................................................................... 14The business of e-business grows .............................................. 15State, DOE sign cleanup agreement ........................................... 16The spirit of Gato del Sol �rayces� on ....................................... 17Agency tours slurry spill site ...................................................... 18Teachers �energized� by workshop............................................ 19Conferences & Awards .............................................................. 20Kentucky River banks receive a spring cleaning ........ Back Cover

Volume 14 Number 4

Printed by Post PrintingLexington, Kentucky

This beautiful fall photograph was taken in NelsonCounty by Thomas G. Barnes, University of Kentucky,Department of Forestry.

James E. Bickford preservededicated

Forty-fifth nature preserve namedfor public servant passionate

about Pine Mountain.

5-6

9-10

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Land, Air & Water1

A few Kentucky communities havegotten into the swing of PGA marketing,and we�re not talking about golf commer-cials featuring Tiger Woods.

Pulverized glass aggregate, or PGA,is a clever alternative for effectivelyrecycling glass. Since glass is an inertmaterial derived from sand, cities andcounties can incorporate PGA as fill inany number of projects, such as roadconstruction, culvert emplacement andseptic applications.

The glass recovery market hasdeteriorated in the last five years, duemainly to manufacturers� steady migrationto packaging made from plastic andaluminum, coupled with the high costassociated with recycling glass.

The national plummet of the glassmarket forced several Kentucky commu-nities to stop offering recycling services tocitizens. Most community recyclingoperations struggle to break even, sohandling a virtually worthless (not tomention heavy and bulky) commoditynaturally creates a drain on resources.

This unfortunate economic trend hasresulted in the majority of container glass

generated in Kentucky going into land-fills. In many instances, glass beingreturned to recycling operations piles upbecause it�s cheaper for the manufacturingindustry to use raw materials.

Tom Heil, a veteran recyclingspecialist who runs the Kentucky Recy-cling and Marketing Assistance (KRMA)program for the Department for Environ-mental Protection, worked with staff fromthe Department of Highways in theTransportation Cabinet to obtain approvalfor PGA use in city and county roadprojects. Last April the TransportationCabinet approved experimental fieldtesting of PGA in local roadbeds, culvertbases and other engineering plans.

Henderson, Rowan and Union

counties have completed PGA-relatedprojects, and other counties have started toseek funding support for pulverizingequipment, which runs somewhere in theneighborhood of $10,000.

�Until recently, the KRMA staff wasadvising Kentucky recyclers to avoid glassaltogether because it just couldn�t competewith plastic and aluminum as a recyclablecommodity,� said Heil. �Now, any localcommunity has a cheap and very benefi-cial alternative for effectively reusingevery single bit of glass they can take in,provided the recycling program canconvince local government to help coverthe start-up expense.�

Glass recycling is making a comebackBy Matt HackathornDivision of Waste Management

LEFT: A Henderson County road department employee used a hand compactor to level afour-inch-thick layer of PGA in a five-foot-wide trench as part of a road-widening project inJune. Henderson was the first county in Kentucky to use pulverized glass aggregate as fill in aroad project. Photo by Matt HackathornUPPER RIGHT: The Morehead-Rowan County-MSU Community Recycling Center mixedglass aggregate with wet concrete to create this recycling pad on Morehead State University�scampus. The inset provides an up-close look at the decorative effect the different colors of glasscreates. Photo by April Haight, Morehead State UniversityLOWER RIGHT: Container glass can be pulverized into different grades of aggregate. Theglass on the left has rounded edges and poses no danger to construction workers. The glass onthe right was processed with a much less expensive pulverizing machine, resulting in small,sharp shards. Either grade is suitable as fill in road construction and culvert projects.Photo by Matt Hackathorn

Continued on Page 16

Land, Air & Water 2

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City managers learn energy managementBy Julie SmitherDivision of Energy

Natural gas prices are rising.Budgets for local governmentsare feeling the pinch of increased

heating and cooling costs�and it�s goingto get worse before it gets better.

Through a grant received from theU.S. Department of Energy, a workshopwas conducted in June by the KentuckyDivision of Energy with the KentuckyPollution Prevention Center to helpLexington Fayette Urban County Govern-ment (LFUCG) learn how to reduce its $5-7 million utility bill. More than 40LFUCG managers attended the workshopand learned the basic whys, whats andhows of an Energy Management Program.

Why have an Energy Manage-ment Program? In addition to theobvious cost savings, improvements inenergy efficiency save on buildingmaintenance and increase building value.These improvements create better workingenvironments, leading to improvedemployee performance and satisfaction, aswell as reduced absenteeism. Anotherpositive outcome is the community goodwill from the environmental stewardshipdemonstrated by these efforts.

Implementing an ESPC project includesinstallation of energy-efficient lighting.Photo provided by the National Renewable EnergyLaboratory

plained that the goal of an EnergyManagement Program is to develop andimplement a comprehensive approach toenergy efficiency. This includes reducingusage of electricity, natural gas, propane,heating fuel, water, sewage and otherutilities through upgrades of facilities andpurchases of energy-efficient equipment.It also includes occupant education toensure their cooperation in implementingenergy-saving procedures.

The first step, Metcalf explained, is tolook at a building�s usage of energy�ifit�s not measured, you can�t manage it.Figure out the consumption per squarefoot, compare that to other buildings in thesame geographical location, then focus onthose buildings that are wasting energy,prioritizing the facility upgrades. Thesewill include improvements to heating andcooling systems, lighting, insulation anddigital controls, as well as equipment such

Four of the 10 buildings on Western Kentucky University�s campus that were upgraded in theESPC project. University photo

funding solely through the savings inutility costs.

How do you pay for theseupgrades? Neil Morgan, propertymanager for the federal government�sGeneral Services Administration office inLouisville, described the benefits ofpurchasing energy-efficient products andequipment. He gave examples of how hisoffice had performed life cycle costanalyses on equipment and had purchasedENERGY STAR-labeled items whereverpossible.

The Division of Energy�s EddieRiddle discussed an energy savingsperformance contract (ESPC) at theworkshop. This is a method of fundingupgrades through utility savings gener-ated by improving energy efficiency.

Mike Mahoney with Custom Energy,a private energy services company,explained how an energy services com-pany (ESCO) would design and

Continued on Page 12

What is an Energy ManagementProgram? Kentucky Pollution Preven-tion Center director Cam Metcalf ex-

as computers, printers, copiers and faxmachines.

Metcalf said that a well-run EnergyManagement Program could be self-

Land, Air & Water3

A forest fire can destroy your home and property in amatter of minutes. Acres of land can be consumed in thetime that it takes to dial 911, and your home could be inthe direct path of a blazing inferno. Are you doingeverything you can to prevent a wildfire from spreading toyour home?

The National Wildland Urban Interface ProtectionProgram defines wildland urban interface as �an areawhere development and wildland fuels meet at a well-defined boundary.� Basically, it means if you live in ornear forestland you live in the interface.

Why should you be concerned about living in theinterface? The many benefits of choosing to live in such adesirable location are compromised by the increased riskof wildland fire to your home. Most homeowners ininterface areas don�t think about the dangers wildfirescreate until they occur, but the time to deal with wildlandfires is before they begin.

Individual landowners are not the only ones impacted whena fire occurs in the wildland urban interface�the entire commu-nity is impacted. Local firefighting and water resources arestrained, valuable timber is lost and an increase in respiratoryillness occurs due to heavy smoke. Tourism may also beaffected, which could lead to loss of employment if touristswon�t visit the smoke-filled area.

Though many associate wildland fires to the western UnitedStates, the potential for devastating wildfires exists in Kentucky.�In 2000, Kentucky experienced one of the worst fire seasons inmany years,� said Leah MacSwords, director of the KentuckyDivision of Forestry. More than 178,000 acres burned, and

thousands of homes were threatened. In McCreary County, twohomes were lost and several others were damaged. �The tirelessefforts of local firefighters and other firefighting resources luckilysaved many homes, but it�s a matter of time before there is aserious increase in the number of homes, and possibly lives, lostdue to wildland fires in interface areas,� she said.

How do you protect your home and community fromwildfires? There are several simple things you can do to decreasethe wildland fire risk to your property�don�t stack firewood nextto your house, and keep tree limbs trimmed away from the roof.

To decrease the risk to your community you can establish afirewise council to evaluate fire risks community wide, and thentake steps to reduce them.

Wildland urban interfaceWildland urban interfaceWildland urban interfaceWildland urban interfaceWildland urban interfaceWhere there�s smoke and fire

By Gwen HoltDivision of Forestry

Continued on next page

there�s danger to your home

Land, Air & Water 4

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Following the devastating wildfires of2000 in McCreary County, a firewisecouncil was established (see McCrearygets results with firewise council on thispage). The council applied for andreceived federal grant funds to reduce firerisks in its community. Local volunteerfire departments work with individualhomeowners to remove fire hazards, andin return the council donates the grantfunding to the fire departments to pur-chase much-needed equipment.

The McCreary County FirewiseCouncil is currently the only council inKentucky. It has been very successful andhas substantially decreased the wildlandfire risk to the local community.

Don�t wait until your home has beendestroyed to take action to reduce firerisks. To learn more about protecting yourhome visit the firewise Web site atwww.firewise.org. You can also learnhow to establish a firewise council in yourcommunity by attending a free FirewiseCommunities Workshop.

The Kentucky Division of Conserva-tion, along with the Kentucky Division ofForestry, University of Kentucky Coop-erative Extension Service and USDAForest Service are currently conductingFirewise Communities Workshops. Formore information contact the KentuckyDivision of Conservation at (502) 564-3080 or visit their Web site at http://www.conservation.ky.gov/firewisebrochure.pdf. Workshops are planned forlate summer and early fall of 2003 andJanuary and February 2004.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Firefighters work to ridproperty of leaves and debris near ahomeowner�s dog pen. Fire and smoke areseen in the background. Division of ForestryphotosTHIS PAGE RIGHT: Firewise instructorE.J. Bunzendahl of the U.S. Forest Serviceprovides information about protectingcommunities from wildfires to members of theMcCreary County Firewise Council andcitizens from Knox and Madison counties.Photo by Gwen Holt, Division of Forestry

McCreary gets results with firewise council

Three years ago, the citizens of McCreary County learned firsthand the tremendousimpact arson and wildfires can have on a community. In 2000 the county, which islocated entirely within the Daniel Boone National Forest, saw a severe build up of forestfuels from an ice storm and a southern pine beetle epidemic, as well as an increase inwildland arson. Consequently, forest fires destroyed two area homes and taught thecommunity the difficult lesson that arson is everyone�s problem.

The loss of the homes impacted the entire county and helped to encourage thecommunity to take action. A firewise council was established that included state,federal and local county government representatives, as well as local fire departments,local business owners and private citizens.

The McCreary County Firewise Council established the following goals:· reduce the fire hazard in McCreary County,· prevent wildfires through public education,· teach citizens about defensible space, and· educate citizens about the overall fire potential that exists in McCreary County.McCreary County saw many improvements as the result of its community outreach

effort. The number of fires decreased in 2001, and the fires were not near homes. Thecitizens learned that overcoming apathy is possible and that arson is a communityproblem. The firewise council also taught the public that partnerships are the key tosuccess, and the National Fire Plan is available to help communities establish firewiseprograms. As a result, in 2002 there were only 15 wildland fires countywide.

Recognizing McCreary County�s success rate in the reduction of wildland fires, theKentucky Division of Conservation partnered with the Division of Forestry, USDAForest Service and University of Kentucky�s Cooperative Extension Service to holdFirewise Community Workshops throughout the fire-prone areas of eastern Kentucky.The objective of the workshop series is for individuals and groups to learn how to usethe collaborative firewise community planning process and effectively transfer theknowledge and techniques to their own communities, regardless of size and structure.

The Division of Conservation will be working with its strong network of conserva-tion districts to get local officials and citizens involved in the firewise planning processand to develop local firewise councils in their communities. �Conservation districts inother parts of the state can do what McCreary County did�get concerned citizenstogether, whether it be the countyjudge or other community leaders,that can help,� said Hurstle Smith,district supervisor for theMcCreary County ConservationDistrict. �Each county needs atleast ten interested people to-gether, and they need to try to getmembers of the community toattend meetings,� he said. Smithalso believes that educating thepublic is an important way toincrease public involvement infirewise councils.

Lola LyleDivision of Conservation

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Land, Air & Water5

ring together one part clay or silty soil, one part water and two parts patience. In time,and with the right environmental ingredients, this recipe will yield the perfect home fora variety of wildlife, including frogs, ducks, geese and a large host of salamanders andother aquatic animals. This perfect home is often referred to as a vernal pond, or wetland. Once naturallyoccurring, wetlands were a common feature throughout Kentucky�s landscape.Historically, Mother Nature produced these areas by floods, earthquakes, fires orchemical reactions with the soil.

In the early 1800s a farmer found that by using drainage tiles to dry up wetlands on hisproperty, he was able to produce better crops. The practice caught on across the country

causing wetlands to vanish, and along with it an abundance of wildlife and plant species.However, thanks to the efforts of environmentalists like Tom Biebighauser, wetlands are

making a comeback. Biebighauser, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Forest Service in Morehead,has made it a goal to restore wetlands in and around eastern Kentucky.

According to Biebighauser, wetlands are the most productive ecosystems in the country.They provide nutrient-filled water that attracts many animal species. Wetlands also provide aprotective habitat and supply an abundant food source for ducks and white-tailed deer. They serveas an essential means for flood control, by soaking up excess water during heavy rains, preventingflooding in streams and rivers.

Recently Biebighauser and members of the Sheltowee Environmental Education Coalition(SEEC) applied for grant money from Eastern Kentucky PRIDE to restore and enhance wetlandswithin the Daniel Boone National Forest.

History in the wildWetlands reflect Kentucky�s forgotten landscape

By Kerry Holt and Cindy SchaferOffice of the Secretary

Continued on next page

Land, Air & Water 6

Eastern Kentucky PRIDE (Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment) helpscommunities clean up illegal dumps, eliminate straight pipes and promote environmental efforts.PRIDE selected the SEEC wetland restoration project to receive a $50,000 community grant torestore at least eight seasonal (vernal) wetlands and 13 shallow marsh wetlands on public land inMenifee and Rowan counties. Along with additional contributions from other environmentalgroups, state organizations and nonprofit volunteers, more than $100,000 will be used to beginconstruction of the wetland restoration projects in the Daniel Boone National Forest by July2004.

�$100,000 is a major contribution towards wetland restoration. Not only are there benefits towildlife and flood control, purifying runoff and keeping our streams clean, there are the tourismbenefits,� said Biebighauser. �For many people, wetlands are great places to see wildlife, andthere are people who drive a considerable distance to view birds and animals. Kentucky is one ofthe few places where tourists can see restored wetlands,� he said.

According to Biebighauser, one wetland can cost between $2,500 to $3,000 to restore.SEEC will use the grant money for contracting bulldozer, track hoe and bushhog work, as wellas purchasing necessary seeds, straw and PVC drain pipe.

Only a small amount of the grant money will go towards purchasing plants for the newlyestablished wetlands. Under the right conditions, seeds that have lain dormant for years willbegin to germinate, alleviating the need to introduce new plants. Because of this, Biebighauserthinks it�s relatively easy for landowners to convert to wetlands. The key is to sit back, watchand let nature take its course. �Be patient when building your own vernal pond. In five years youcould see up to 50 varieties of plant species begin to emerge,� Biebighauser says.

However Biebighauser has one word of warning�don�t expect your wetland to become thenewest area fishing hole. Fish cannot survive in vernal ponds since they occasionally dry upduring summer months. The absence of fish also allows amphibians and aquatic insects toreproduce.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Kerry Holt and Tom Biebighauser dip for lifeforms in a wetland.BELOW LEFT: The fragrant waterlilly (Nymphaea odorata) is one of the rarestplants found in the Daniel Boone National Forest.BELOW RIGHT: The surface of this shallow marsh, or wetland, is covered with watershield (Brasenia schreberi). Photos by Cindy Schafer

Continued to Page 16

Land, Air & Water7

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What�s the number one environmen-tal issue of concern in Kentucky? What�sthe major source of the problems thatcontribute to that concern?

�When we survey Kentuckiansconcerning their knowledge and attitudesabout the environment, they identify waterquality as their number one issue ofconcern. However, only a small minoritycan correctly identify the major source ofwater pollution,� says Jane Eller, directorof the Kentucky Environmental EducationCouncil (KECC).

Nonpoint source pollution (NPS), alsoknown as runoff pollution, is the greatestcontributor to degraded water quality.

An ambitious project to educate everyKentuckian about the causes and effects ofnonpoint source pollution has received a$1.4 million grant, the largest NPSeducation grant ever awarded in theEnvironmental Protection Agency�sRegion 4.

The project, known as the Compre-hensive Commonwealth Water EducationProject, will attempt to educate everyperson in Kentucky about the causes andeffects of nonpoint source pollution. It

will emphasize specific sources andremedies, especially practices individualsengage in that contribute to nonpointsource pollution.

Some of the activities being plannedfor the project include:

· A unified media message �toolbox,� including radio, TV and printmaterials that will raise awareness aboutnonpoint source water pollution that willbe developed by Western KentuckyUniversity�s Journalism Department.

· A television documentary to beproduced by Kentucky EducationalTelevision (KET) that will include avirtual tour of a watershed. KET will alsodevelop units concerning the importanceof watersheds and how actions of indi-viduals affect water quality to be usedwith the virtual tour and broadcast onKET�s Star Channel.

· A professional developmentprogram for teachers to engage them inunderstanding the science of water and itsinhabitants, and the correlation of land-usepractices and personal actions that affectthe health of aquatic ecosystems. Thisprogram will be prepared by teams from

environmental education programs at theUniversity of Louisville, NorthernKentucky University, University ofKentucky, East Kentucky ScienceCenter, Western Kentucky Universityand Murray State University.

· Units of study developed by theKentucky Department of Fish andWildlife Resources to complement itsnewly opened �Living Stream� exhibit.

· A statewide training program forlocal elected officials, a cooperativeendeavor of the Kentucky Division ofWater, Kentucky League of Cities,Kentucky Transportation Center andKentucky Association of Counties.

The KECC will develop evaluationsfor measuring increased knowledgeabout nonpoint source pollution and thelikelihood of changed behaviors to stopthis type of pollution.

Recipients of the grant award are theUniversity of Louisville Department ofGeography and Geosciences in partner-ship with the KECC and 20 otherorganizations and agencies.

In accepting the award, Dr. ShirleyWillinhnganz, acting provost of theUniversity of Louisville, said, �Wefirmly believe that education mustextend beyond the boundaries of theclassroom to all citizens. This projectprovides an excellent example of lifelonglearning about one of Kentucky�s mostvaluable natural resources.�

For more information aboutnonpoint source education grants, go tohttp://www.water.ky.gov/NPS/nps_grants.htm.

$1.4 million grant willeducate Kentuckiansabout water pollutionBy Rosetta FacklerDivision of Water

Dr. Terry Wilson (right), WesternKentucky University�s Center for Math,Science and Environmental Educationdirector, demonstrates water testingtechniques to Momoko (left) and WataruSuzuki (center) of the Ministry of theEnvironment, Japan during the RiverInstitute Teacher Professional Develop-ment Program funded through a Section319(h) grant. The Suzukis are learningabout water management in the UnitedStates by participating in the Volunteer inParks program sponsored by the NationalPark Service. Photo by Debra Spillman

Land, Air & Water 8

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Mammoth Cave holds the record for the longest cavesystem in the world totaling 336 miles. Now, it is going theextra mile by leading the way among national parks acrossthe country in addressing air pollution by replacing tradi-tional gasoline and diesel with cleaner fuels.

Mammoth Cave sits in aregion of poor air quality. Thedischarge from power plantsto the west, as well as airpollution from the Ohio RiverValley and Nashville, arebrought to the region byprevailing winds. NearbyWarren County is on the top-ten list of counties in Ken-tucky that don�t meet theattainment standards for airquality set by the U.S.Environmental ProtectionAgency.

�There is a serious airpollution problem all over thesoutheastern United States,�said Steve Kovar, facilitymanager of the park. �As anational park, we wanted totry something to correct it, or at least todo our part.�

So in 1998, the park began switchingits fossil-fuel vehicles to E-85, a blend of15 percent gasoline and 85 percentethanol, created by fermenting the sugarfound in corn. Last spring, the remainingfossil-fuel light-duty vehicles switched toa 10 percent ethanol, 90 percent gasolineblend, which doesn�t require any vehiclemodification. The park installed anethanol refueling station for thesevehicles, thanks in part to the assistanceof the Kentucky Corn Growers Associa-tion and the Kentucky Clean FuelsCoalition.

The park�s heavy equipmentswitched from diesel to a biodiesel blend made from soybeanoil or yellow grease, purchased from Valor Oil in nearbyBowling Green. Even the park�s lawn tractors and its two

ferryboats operating on the Green River are powered bybiodiesel.

The park wanted every facet involved, and ForeverResorts, the company that owns the park�s hotel and buses, wasa full participant. These buses transport 400,000 visitors

a year from a commonparking area to the caveentrance. Forever Resortsobtained a grant toconvert six of its busesto propane. The parkobtained a grant to installpropane refueling stationsfor those buses.

The park�svehicles represent the first100 percent alternative-fuel fleet in Kentucky andthe first national park inthe country to install E-85refueling on site.

This leadership inthe alternative fuel arenacontributed to the park

recently being recognizedas a �National Park of

Environmental Excellence� by theU.S. Department of the Interior. Itwas one of 20 parks to receive thisdesignation out of the 385 parksin the national parks system.

�I knew Ron Switzer (park superin-tendent) was totally committed to thisproject the first time I met him,� saidMelissa Howell, executive director ofthe Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition.She explained that a federal mandaterequires all federal agencies topurchase alternative-fueled vehiclesfor their fleets, but it does not requirethe actual use of the alternative fuelsin the vehicles. �When I asked if heplanned to ever put ethanol fuel in,

Ron said, �Why would we have the vehicles and not use thecleaner fuels?� Mammoth Cave has gone above and beyond inits proactive approach addressing air pollution.�

MAMMOTH CAVENational Park makes the switch to E-85 fueled vehicles

By Julie SmitherDivision of Energy

A Mammoth Cave employee refuels at a new ethanol fueling station.National Park Service photo

For moreinformation

Mammoth Cave National Park�salternative-fuels project

contact Jim Carroll at (270) 758-2191or e-mail jim_carroll@nps.gov.

Biodiesel or other energy issues,see the Kentucky Division of Energy Web

site at www.energy.ky.gov or the KentuckyClean Fuels Coalition Web site at

www.fillupkentucky.com/index.html

Land, Air & Water9

On July 30, 2003, the sun broke outbetween torrential downpours just in timefor the dedication ceremony of the JamesE. Bickford State Nature Preserve(Bickford SNP). Located on the campus ofthe Pine Mountain Settlement School(PMSS) in Harlan County, Ky., this 348-acre newly dedicated state nature preservewas named in honor of the formersecretary of the Natural Resources andEnvironmental Protection Cabinet(NREPC) who died in October 2002.

More than 200 individuals represent-

ing a multitude of federal, state and localgovernment agencies and various organi-zations were present for the KentuckyState Nature Preserves Commission(KSNPC) quarterly meeting and dedica-tion of the new preserve.

Conducted inside the beautiful andhistoric chapel at PMSS, the commissionquickly dispensed with routine business inorder to begin their consideration of theBickford SNP. As part of thecommission�s dedication deliberation,informative narratives with slideshows

were provided by KSNPCstaff members. MarcEvans, senior ecologist,discussed the ecologicalvalue of the entire PineMountain corridor,including PMSS. EllisLaudermilk, invertebratebiologist, focused on the

unique species endemic to the preserveand Sawmill Hollow Cave.

�I don�t think I can overemphasizethe importance of the Nature PreservesCommission and all the people that makethings like this happen on behalf of thestate of Kentucky,� said NREPC SecretaryHenry List.

Many special guests attended thededication, including Gov. Paul Pattonwho spoke of his friend, James Bickford,who was raised in Harlan County. Pattonsaid that when it comes to our land, �Noneof us own the land; we are only stewardsof the land, at best, for just a lifetime. Andas stewards of the land, not only asindividuals, but as a society, we have anabsolute responsibility to make sure thatwe leave this earth better than we foundit.�

State dedicates nature preserveto honor Bickford By Cecilia Mitchell

Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission

UPPER LEFT: U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, along with help from SecretaryJames Bickford, created the Eastern Kentucky PRIDE program.Creative Services photoUPPER RIGHT: Pine Mountain Settlement School property.Photo by Mark York, Office of the SecretaryLEFT: The unveiling of the James E. Bickford State Nature Preserve signthat will be placed near the trailhead of the preserve. Creative Services photo

Continued on next page

Land, Air & Water 10

· For information on theJames E. Bickford SNP or forinformation about the KSNPC, call(502) 573-2886 or visitwww.kynaturepreserves.org.

· For information on PMSS,call (606) 558-3571 or 3542 or visithttp://www.pinemountainsettlementschool.com.

· For information aboutongoing activities to protect andpreserve the Pine Mountaincorridor, call the Kentucky NaturalLands Trust at (877) 367-5658 orvisit http://www.knlt.org.

· For information aboutHarlan County, Ky., visithttp://www.harlancounty.com.

· For information about thePine Mountain Trail State Park,visit the Kentucky Department ofParks Web site at http://www.kystateparks.com or contact thePine Mountain Trail Conference athttp://www.pinemountaintrail.com.

U.S. Rep. Harold �Hal� Rogers,R-Somerset, spoke of creating EasternKentucky PRIDE (Personal ResponsibilityIn a Desirable Environment) withBickford. �I can�t thank you enough, allwho have been a part in naming thisbeautiful preserved land in the name ofJames Bickford. He was a man who was,if there ever was one, an ideal publicservant,� he said.

Dr. James Greene III, with the Boardof Trustees of PMSS, also spoke saying,�Many of the great issues that confrontKentucky and Appalachia today are tiedintimately to the environment, such asflood control, water quality, solid wastedisposal, logging and timber management,road building, mineral extraction anddevelopment of energy resources. Thecreation of rational environmental policiesrequires a citizenry which is educated andunderstands what is at stake.� Greene alsosaid that Pine Mountain Settlement Schoolcan play an important role in environmen-tal education.

Shirley Bickford, widow of JamesBickford, commented about her husband�sdevotion to improving Kentucky�senvironment and praised the work of theNREPC and KSNPC. �This preserve willspeak of Jim�s love for Harlan County, forPine Mountain and of eastern Kentucky.It will serve as a reminder to my childrenand grandchildren, as well as to yours, ofthe importance of protecting Kentucky�senvironment,� she said. �I believe if Jimcould pick any mountain on which to restit would be here on Pine Mountain, aspecial place he truly loved.�

For additional informationThe James E. Bickford State

Nature Preserve encompasses 348acres on the north face of Pine Moun-tain in Harlan County. The preserve islocated on the grounds of the historicPine Mountain Settlement School, ahighly regarded community andenvironmental education facilityfounded in 1913.

The preserve protects a high-quality mixed mesophytic forest, thetypical natural community found onthe north face of Pine Mountain. Thepreserve also protects Sawmill HollowCave, a small cave that developed inthe limestone layer exposed on thenorth face of Pine Mountain. Addi-tionally, the preserve supports adiverse invertebrate fauna, includingtwo rare beetles and two species newto science. Six rare plant species,including fetterbush and goldensaxifrage, are known to occur on thepreserve. For access to the preserve,please contact the Pine MountainSettlement School.

More about the preserve

Continued on Page 12

These plant species are found on PineMountain: (right) Stripped wintergreen(Chimaphila macualta); (lower right)Rock harlequin (Corydalis sepmervirens)and (below) Wintergreen (Gaultheriaprocumbens). Photographs by NicholasDrozda, Kentucky State Nature PreservesCommission

Land, Air & Water11

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Outreach programs soar �into the air�By Lillie CoxDivision for Air Quality

Public outreach is an important cabinet priority, especially for the Division for AirQuality. The division believes that citizens of the Commonwealth have a responsibilityto protect the air they breathe, as well as all of Kentucky�s natural resources.

However, unless they are educated they may not know they can �do their share forcleaner air.�

That�s why the Division for Air Quality takes its message across the Common-wealth to citizens of all ages.

Here are just a few of the events that were held in 2003. For more informationabout any of these programs, contact the Kentucky Division for Air Quality at (502)573-3382 or e-mail Lillie.Cox@mail.state.ky.us

Additional information can be found by visiting http://www.air.ky.gov.

LEFT: The divisioncontinues to educatethe public about thenew ozone standard.John Lyons and JohnGowins explain thestandard to electedofficials in Louisvilleand surroundingcounties.UPPER RIGHT:Governor�s scholarscheck citizens� vehiclesfor leaking gas capsduring five weeks ofstudies and communityinvolvement atNorthern KentuckyUniversity.RIGHT: �Do yourShare for Cleaner Air�materials are distrib-uted to Clean Air-A-Thon participants inthe northern Kentuckyarea.

LEFT: The division�s open burning exhibithelps educate Kentuckians at conferences andother events about the consequences of burningillegally. Handouts, such as �Does your garbagehave you over a barrel?� are always popular andinformative.BELOW: Division-sponsored puppeteers fromMcLean County High School interact withstudents and the public as they perform �ThePerils of Pol Lution� at schools and otherspecial events. Photos provided by Lillie Cox

Land, Air & Water 12

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Facilities, described the university�ssuccess with its ESPC. Two years ago,before legislation made the process easier,WKU completed an ESPC project on 10of its buildings.

Implementation has been completed,and the university is now realizing itsenergy savings from the project � morethan $300,000 annually that will occurover the next 12 years. WKU was the firststate government entity to accomplish anESPC in Kentucky and is now considereda leader in performance contracting.

Where do we go from here?Riddle advised the participants that

once the commitment to complete anESPC is made, an energy manager couldbe hired or a committee could be formedto implement and monitor the ESPC. Headded that it is vital to have support fromtop management.

LFUCG chief administrative officerMichael Dohoney said after the workshop,�I am convinced that the workshop willprove beneficial in helping our organiza-tion become more energy efficient.� Headded, �We would readily recommendthis type of workshop to other localgovernments.�

For more information on an EnergyManagement Program, contact EddieRiddle, Kentucky Division of Energy, at(800) 282-0868 or visit www.energy.ky.gov/doeespc.html .

implement the upgrades, understandingthat the project is financed through utilitysavings. The ESCO then guarantees theenergy savings.

Western Kentucky University�s(WKU) John Osborne, associate vicepresident for Campus Services and

Because of General Bickford�s love for Pine Mountain, he signed a Lands Unsuit-able for Mining Petition in 2001 that was instrumental in protecting more than 2,000acres of the historic school�s property from surface mining operations.

Nancy Adams, PMSS director, said that Bickford made the critical decision toprotect PMSS from outside development, and added that Bickford �took a personalinterest in the school and encouraged us to join others to work to improve the educa-tional and economic opportunities for people in surrounding counties to restore theirhopes for the future,� she said.

The KSNPC commissioners voted unanimously in favor of dedicating the James E.Bickford SNP. Commission chair Clara Wheatley said, �the commission is honored tobe dedicating land owned by the Pine Mountain Settlement School on the north face ofPine Mountain, which will provide the highest level of protection available under statelaw.�

After the formal dedication, a 3- by 5-foot cedar sign was unveiled that will beerected at the trailhead entering the Bickford SNP.

After the meeting and dedication ceremony, everyone was invited to a receptionhosted by PMSS and the KSNPC. The reception and refreshments took place in thescenic Laurel House, which serves as a dining hall and lodging facility at PMSS.

In addition to the reception, guided hikes of the Bickford SNP were offered by BenBegley, PMSS naturalist, and Kyle Napier, KSNPC regional preserves manager.Unfortunately because another driving rain erupted, only a very few daring individualsactually hiked on the preserve that day. A handful of drenched folks were seen return-ing from their wet walk through the new preserve.

Information �stations� highlighting the programs and ongoing work of the KSNPCwere featured in the reception room. On display were maps on state nature preservesand properties in the state�s Natural Areas Registry program; the Natural Areas Inven-tory; the Rare Plant Recognition Act; the agency�s database of rare, threatened andspecial concern species; examples of mussel shells; a sampling of technical publicationsavailable from KNSPC and the agency�s timeline.

No one among the standing-room-only crowd attending the dedication of the JamesE. Bickford SNP seemed to mind the on again/off again rain on the lush and verdantPine Mountain.

The dedication by KSNPC guaranteeing the perpetual preservation of this importantnatural area, as well as the homage of naming the preserve for former NREPC SecretaryJames E. Bickford, brought together many individuals representing diverse positions inKentucky�s environmental arena. On this day, both the environmental regulators andthe regulated came together for a day of celebration.

The James E. Bickford SNP brings the number of dedicated state nature preservesto 45. As KSNPC Executive Director Donald S. Dott Jr. was overheard saying, �AllKentuckians�past, present and future�benefit by this action today.�

State dedicates nature preserveto honor BickfordContinued from Page 10

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City managers learnenergy managementContinued from Page 2

Don�t forget to attend theGovernor�s Conference on the Environment

Oct. 27-28, 2003at the Embassy Suites Lexington

For more information visit http://environment.ky.gov/nrepc/governor/2003/2003conference.htm

Land, Air & Water13

A new solid waste law designed toremedy such environmentalinfections as roadside litter, illegal

dumps and improperly closed landfills ison course to help heal Kentucky�s solidwaste problems, according to a reportissued by the Natural Resources andEnvironmental Protection Cabinet(NREPC) in July.

The cabinet�s Division of WasteManagement (DWM) issued a mandatedsummary to the Kentucky GeneralAssembly Appropriations and RevenueCommittee outlining the status of the newenvironmental remediation law, com-monly referred to in solid waste circles asHB 174. The 2002 General Assemblyenacted the measure to generate revenuefor growing solid waste concerns acrossthe Commonwealth. The law, which tookeffect Jan. 1, 2003, draws funding fromthree different sources.

According to the implementationreport, since September 2002 the DWMhas sent more than $4.9 million coursingthrough Kentucky communities to battlethe litterbug. Counties and cities havealready received two �boosters shots� totheir operating budgets in the form of litterabatement grants distributed by DWM.

A $5 million reallocation of fundsfrom the Transportation Cabinet�s roadfund and highway construction contin-gency fund into the NREPC�s KentuckyPride Fund provides grant money tocounties for litter cleanup. �The amount ofgrant funding cities and counties receive is

calculated based on population and roadmileage as prescribed in the statute,� saidResource Conservation and Local Assis-tance (RCLA) Branch Manager SaraEvans, whose branch is responsible forcalculating the amount going to eachcounty and city. �We have agreementswith 117 out of 120 counties, as well as235 cities across the state to conduct littercleanups during calendar year 2003.�

Since the environmental remediationstatute stipulates that the NREPC receivetwo increments per year from the roadcontingency fund ($2.5 million in Septem-ber and $2.5 million in April), countiesand cities also receive two increments�inthe fall and spring. Counties must have anapproved solid waste management plan tobe eligible for monetary support for litteractivities.

A second �green� source for environ-mental cleanup comes from a $1.75 perton environmental remediation fee, or�tipping fee,� assessed on waste generatedin Kentucky and disposed at municipalsolid waste disposal facilities. Revenuegenerated by the fee is collected quarterlyand placed in the Kentucky Pride Fund to

Tonic for an ailing environment

Continued to Page 19

ABOVE: Leachate escapes through the topof a vent in the leachate collection system pipeat the old Floyd County landfill, which is #1on the priority list for cleanup.LEFT: Dead vegetation due to leachateoutbreaks.

Erosion has caused this gully to form in thelandfill cap. Photos provided by Tony Cooley,Department for Environmental Protection

By Matt HackathornDivision of Waste Management

Land, Air & Water 14

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For people who had been wondering how to apply for a319(h) grant to help stop runoff pollution, the staff of theKentucky Nonpoint Source Implementation Program went tovarious locations in the state to answer questions about projects,impaired streams and whom to call for help with applicationpreparation. Grant guidance teams visited several locationsstatewide from August through October.

This is the first year the team has conducted a recruitmentprogram from the field. Nonpoint Source Program staff has usedthe workshops to attract new project partners and to assistexisting partners in developing projects that will show measur-able improvements in water quality. The goal of the workshopswas to recruit partners who can achieve results like those realizedin the lower Rock Creek Watershed.

The Rock Creek Task Force, formed in order to restore thelower Rock Creek Watershed, includes 12 state and federalagencies and conservation organizations. Total funding for theproject was $970,000 from a diverse partnership that includedfunds from a Clean Water Action Plan, Nonpoint Source Section319(h) Grant, Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative, EasternKentucky PRIDE, Abandoned Mine Land Program and the U.S.Geological Survey.

Restoration of the stream is being achieved through reducingsediment and acidity entering Rock Creek and, where coalprocessing refuse dumps are located, returning the land to avegetative state compatible with the surrounding area. The

Workshops go statewide to help communitieswith runoff pollutionBy Rosetta FackerDivision of Water

project involves removing the coal refuse from the banks of RockCreek, installing open limestone channels, constructing amodified vertical flow system and applying limestone sand. As aresult of this work populations of fish are improving and num-bers and diversity of fish species are increasing. Due to theseimprovements, Rock Creek now provides partial support foraquatic life and swimming according to the 2002 List of Impaired

Waters for Kentucky (KDOW2002).

For details on this project seeTech Bulletin #3 at http://water.nr.state.ky.us/dow/pubs/Technical_Bulletin_Rock_Creek.pdf.

Funding in the amount of$3.5 million is available for the2005 grant year. These funds willbe available for watershedrestoration projects in streamsthat have a Total Maximum DailyLoad and in First Priority 303(d)watersheds. This level of fundingprovides an opportunity to putsubstantial resources intowatershed remediation projectsthat are results-oriented withgoals and objectives focused onreducing nonpoint sourcepollution, improving waterquality and meeting waterquality standards.

Before and after photos of the Rock Creek Watershed areaillustrate restoration of the land from a coal processingrefuse wasteland to a lush revegetative area with improvingfish populations. Photos provided by the Division of Water

Land, Air & Water

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15

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With every passing year, businessesincrease their demands that importantdocumentation be easily obtained by thesimple click of a mouse button. Severalyears ago, Gov. Paul Patton created theEMPOWER Kentucky Initiative, wherebystate government was to become moreefficient and effective by streamlining thedelivery of services to Kentucky taxpay-ers. The cabinet�s Department for Surface

Mining Reclamation and Enforcement(DSMRE) was directed by this initiative tomove toward a paperless office. Duringthe last seven years, much of the worktoward this goal has taken place�fromscanning mine maps for easier accessibil-ity of closed, abandoned or active minesto creating databases of abandoned minesthat are available to citizens over theInternet�(see Winter 2003 and Spring2003 issues of Land, Air & Water).Currently, several permit applications canalso be submitted to the department on aCD-ROM or via the department�s Website.

Former cabinet secretary, James

The business of e-business growsBy David NanceDepartment for Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Bickford, envisioned a mobile office thatwould enable cabinet inspectors and mineoperators to sign paperless reportsgenerated in the field. Today, that officeis a reality. While on a mine site inspec-tors use laptop computers to createinspection reports and other documentsutilized by the department.  The electronic workflow system issimply a sophisticated e-mail system. It

moves the electronic documents fromperson to person via laptop and desktopcomputers. This process begins with theinspector �docking in� at the regionaloffice and transmitting their reports intothe regional field office�s computer, andthen the information is forwarded on tothe central office in Frankfort in the sametime interval as a simple e-mail message.

Presently three of the five regionaloffices have been brought online. Theremaining offices are not far behind.  All of the reports completed byregional office personnel are placed into adocument management system, which isan electronic version of a hard copy file

room. Electronically generated inspec-tion and enforcement documents arefiled in predetermined file structuresaccording to their importance. Informa-tion concerning a specific permit caneasily be recalled on a computerworkstation at any regional office, aswell as in Frankfort.     �The ability to store and communi-cate photographs, engineering analyses

and enforcement documents has reducedthe department�s response times tocitizens� complaints and increasedefficiency in each of the divisions,� saidDSMRE Commissioner Carl Campbell.

This system represents a tremen-dous savings to the environment in thatno hard copy paper versions of thedocument are created.  Inspectors have had to assimilate agreat deal of computer knowledge.Many had never used a computer beforethe workflow system began. However,the field office staff has embraced theprocedure and has become proficientwith the equipment.

 

LEFT: Cabinet inspector Jeff Benton writes a report on-site during a mining inspection. CENTER: Debbie Stone receives the report at thePrestonsburg Regional Office. RIGHT: Keith Smith reviews the report at the Department for Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcementheadquarters in Frankfort. This process takes only minutes, whereas before Benton would have had to deliver the hard copy report to theregional office in person, then it would have been sent via the U.S. Postal Service for delivery to Frankfort. Department for Surface MiningReclamation and Enforcement photos

Land, Air & Water 16

Some benefits of using PGA forengineering applications include savings ontransportation, gravel and landfill costs, aswell as the satisfaction of demonstratinggovernment leadership to promote resourceconservation. Perhaps the best feature forrecyclers is the eliminated need to separatethe glass by its color, a common criticismof traditional glass recycling.

�This opportunity was a �no-brainer�decision for us,� said Pauline Allen, solidwaste coordinator for Henderson, Unionand Webster counties. �Our Tri-CountyRecycling Corporation was able to benefi-cially reuse 12 tons of container glass for aroad-widening project in Henderson and aculvert emplacement in Union. We estimatethat the two counties avoided more than$1,200 in expenses, while diverting a lot ofmaterial that would have ended up in thelocal landfill.�

Rowan County took a differentapproach with its first PGA project. TheMorehead-Rowan County-MSU Commu-nity Recycling Center, an equal partnershipinvolving the city of Morehead, RowanCounty and Morehead State University,used PGA to create a concrete pad for arecycling station on Morehead�s campus. Auniversity maintenance crew mixed theglass aggregate one-to-one with wetconcrete. The resulting concrete padincluded more than 800 pounds of pulver-ized glass.

�We�re very interested in finding waysto incorporate recycled glass into variouscounty projects,� said Rowan CountyDeputy Judge-Executive Tim Gibbs. �Wecurrently have several tons of PGA at thecounty garage that we plan to use inupcoming road projects.�

The Federal Environmental ProtectionAgency estimates that Kentuckians generateabout 100,000 tons of container glass eachyear. Increased collection and reuse of thismaterial will greatly add to waste reductionresults in the Commonwealth.

For engineering data and informationregarding other states� use of PGA, contactTom Heil at (502) 564-6716 or e-mail himat Thomas.Heil@mail.state.ky.us.

Glass recycling ismaking a comebackContinued from Page 1

One insect you won�t find reproducing in a wetland is the mosquito. Althoughmany people associate shallow, nonmoving water as a breeding ground for mosquitoes,that is not the case with wetlands. Because of the abundant population of bats, dragon-fly, salamander and other predatory insects, mosquitoes are unable to live long enoughto reproduce.

Plants, however, are another story. On the surface of a restored wetland floats oneof the rarest plants in the Daniel Boone National Forest�the fragrant waterlilly.Although the exact origin of the lilly is not known, Biebighauser believes that a seedtraveled by way of a duck or heron as it migrated through the state. The potential forunusual plant life is extraordinary.

This is not first time that PRIDE money has been used to restore wetlands. Twoyears ago, SEEC also received a community grant to launch a wetlands restorationcampaign in the Clear Fork Creek area of Rowan County.

With the leftover grant money from 2003, SEEC plans to purchase waterproofwaders so that youngsters and adults can get �waist deep� during their field trips to thewetlands. The U.S. Forest Service has led more than 300 students on field trips into therestored wetlands of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Many Kentucky teachers arealso working with volunteers to build vernal ponds as outdoor classrooms on schoolproperty.

People interested in seeing a wetland (without getting their feet wet) can visit theDaniel Boone National Forest�s Shallow Flats wildlife and viewing area on Highway801 in Rowan County. The U.S. Forest Service restored this particular area in 1977 tobring the Canada goose back to the area.

If you are interested in constructing your own wetland, you may request a copy ofBiebighauser�s book, A Guide to Creating Vernal Ponds, by e-mailing him attombiebighauser@fd.fed.us or download a copy from the U.S. Forest Service�s Webpage at http://www.southernregion.fs.fed.us/boone/vernal.pdf

Eastern Kentucky PRIDE�s community grants are awarded yearly. To learn moreabout PRIDE, visit their Web site at http://www.kypride.org.

History in the wild Continued from Page 6

State, DOE sign cleanup agreementFollowing negotiations that lasted for more than a week, Gov. Paul Patton signed a

Letter of Intent (LOI) on Aug. 20 with the federal Department of Energy (DOE)outlining a commitment to accelerate environmental cleanup at the Paducah GaseousDiffusion Plant.

�I believe that we have now achieved the progress necessary for the environmentalcleanup of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant,� said Patton.

By signing the LOI, the DOE agrees to begin cleanup on the highest-priority areasat the plant during what is to be the first of a two-phase-cleanup approach. Phase 1 is

expected to be completed between2010 to 2019.

DOE has also agreed to pay a $1million penalty for Notices ofViolations issued by the state andspend $200,000 for environmentalimprovements near the plant.

The state and DOE is expectedto negotiate and sign an agreed orderto completely resolve the enforce-ment and compliance issues.

Creative Services photo

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Land, Air & Water17

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Twenty-three-year-old Ben Macke summed it up: �Solar,wind and hydroelectric power are all environmentally soundfuels that start with the sun. It seems only natural that we use thesource of all life on this planet as a fuel source as well.�

Ben is a member of the University of Kentucky (UK) teamthat constructed Gato del Sol, the university�s first solar car.Gato del Sol, or Cat of the Sun, was named after the 1982 Derbywinner from Paris, Ky. The team was organized in 1999 bymechanical engineering student Bianca McCartt, and the car wascompleted in time to enter July�s American Solar Challenge, thelongest solar �rayce� in the world.

Sadly, Gato del Sol never made it past the 140 miles ofqualifying laps. It was one of the 10 entries that did not qualifyfrom a field of 30. The weather was cloudy, and Gato del Solcarried 100 pounds more than most in its class.

However, the spirit of Gato del Sol lived on through Cal Sol,the solar car from the University of California, Berkeley. On thestarting line, Cal Sol burned out its motor controller, harming thecar�s motor. Without a spare motor, Berkeley was out of therace.

Enter Gato del Sol. The University of Kentucky teamoffered the use of Gato del Sol�s motor and controller. Cal Sol,now with the spirit of a Kentucky thoroughbred and a UK stickeron its front, pulled away.

�It was an exciting moment, watching the blue Californiasolar car come to life, take a �victory� (test) lap, and pull out intoChicago traffic,� said Karen Robb, �the white University ofKentucky sticker sparkling on its new location under the life-

The spirit of Gato del Sol “rayces” onThe spirit of Gato del Sol “rayces” onThe spirit of Gato del Sol “rayces” onThe spirit of Gato del Sol “rayces” onThe spirit of Gato del Sol “rayces” onBy Julie SmitherDivision of Energy

giving sun.� Robb is a member of the team and a biosystems andagricultural engineering junior.

Not ready to go home, five members of the UK teamfollowed the race from Chicago to California�down old Route66, across the Great Plains, through the Rocky Mountains, andover the Great American Desert to the finish line in southernCalifornia.

�We received a lot of positive feedback about the car fromother teams and the race officials and should be encouraged thatwe have a very good, robust car that will compete next year andpossibly for many years to come,� said McCartt. �Expect to seeus race next May in the Formula Sun Grand Prix and try theAmerican Solar Challenge again in 2005.�

For more information on UK�s Gato del Sol, see http://www.engr.uky.edu/solarcar/index2.htm. To learn more aboutharnessing the power of the sun, see the Kentucky Division ofEnergy�s Web site at http://www.energy.ky.gov.

�We received a lot of positive feedback about the car from other teams and the race offi-cials and should be encouraged that we have a very good, robust car that will competenext year and possibly for many years to come,� said McCartt. �Expect to see us racenext May in the Formula Sun Grand Prix and try the American Solar Challenge again in2005.�

TOP: The UK blue solar Gato del Sol with student team members.

LEFT: The Gato del Sol team with its Derby-winning namesake atStone Farm in Paris, Ky. Back row, left to right: Advisor Dr. ScottStephens, B.J. Hinkle, Chris Morgan, Bianca McCartt, groom withGato del Sol, Matt Dieruf, Justin Brown, Merritt Johnson, KarenRobb and Aydin Hatemi. Front row, left to right: Colin Goggin, KirkStechschulte, Christy Trinkle, Kirk Fallis and Autumn Foushee.Photos provided by the University of Kentucky

Land, Air & Water 18

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Life returning to waterways�The full extent of the Martin County

slurry spill is not yet known,� said TomWelborn of the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) Region 4.

An estimated 245 million gallons ofcoal refuse slurry was released into thetributaries of the Big Sandy River, visiblycontaminating waterways as far down-stream as the Ohio River. Another 66million gallons of slurry remain trapped inthe underground mine.

Varying amounts of slurry remain inthe stream system, and it is unlikelythat all of it will be removed.However, some 15 species of fishhave returned to Coldwater and Wolfcreeks, and crayfish and insects haverebounded indicating improvingwater quality. Levels of heavymetals such as lead, cadmium,mercury, zinc, chromium, copperand arsenic were elevated during thefirst two weeks of the spill but havedeclined to levels consistent withsurface waters in this area. �Whilethe ecological system is improving,we still have a long way to go torestore the watershed,� said BobLogan, commissioner of the Ken-tucky Department for EnvironmentalProtection.Cleanup to take five years

To date, the cost of the slurryspill cleanup is $58 million, accord-

ing to Martin County Coal Corp. InAugust 2002 the company also paid $3.25million in penalties and damages toKentucky. The state�s enforcementactions against Martin County Coal alsorequire the restoration of the pollutedwaterways and the closure and reclama-tion of the 72-acre failed impoundment.

Thirty slurry cells, ranging in sizefrom four to 103 acres, are now beingused at the Martin County operation totreat processed coal waste.

The first phase of cleanup, covering15 miles of streams and land alongColdwater and Wolf creeks, was com-pleted in May, and a second 90-mile phaseof cleanup will take another three to fiveyears, according to the restoration plan.Oversight at impoundmentsstrengthened

In response to the spill, the stateconducted a review of 118 coal wasteimpoundments. State surface miningengineers and inspectors must now alsoperform additional inspections and permitreviews of coal waste impoundments. Astate �Mine Mapping Initiative� is alsounderway to provide the public withgreater access to historical and activeunderground coal maps.Public concerns expressed

Residents from the area who attendedthe EQC forum expressed concernregarding the elevated levels of contami-nants in the water, as well as the lack of

public information and input oncleanup activities. In response,EQC recommended that thepublic be given a more meaning-ful role in the cleanup process.Recommendations to the EPAincluded that a public advisorycommittee be established andfunded to allow for citizen inputon the restoration plan andcleanup activities. Visit the EQCWeb site to view the EQCrecommendations and additionalphotos of the spill and cleanupprogress at www.kyeqc.net.

Agency tours slurry spill siteBy Leslie ColeEnvironmental Quality Commission

On Oct. 11, 2000, a coal slurry impoundmentat the Martin County CoalCorp. near Inez, Ky.,

breached into an underground mine,resulting in one of the largest environ-mental slurry spills ever in Kentuckyand the southeastern United States.

Three years later, the Environ-mental Quality Commission (EQC)held a public forum to receive a statusreport and tour the spill site.

ABOVE: The state�s enforce-ment actions against Martin

County Coal have been resolved,resulting in the closure and

ongoing reclamation of the 72-acre impoundment. Coal refuse

is being placed over solidifiedslurry as part of the reclamation

process.

RIGHT: Martin County CoalCorp. hosted a tour of the failed

impoundment and impacted areafor EQC commissioners.

EQC photos

Land, Air & Water19

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In July, 24 teachers spent five daystouring energy sites in western Kentuckyas part of the 2003 Kentucky EnergyConference for Educators.

Among the stops were the Paradisepower plant, Paducah Gaseous Diffusionplant, Lake Barkley hydroelectric powerplant and the Dotiki underground mine.

Teachers learned about a managedmine reclamation site from biologists withthe Kentucky Department of Fish andWildlife Resources. All aspects of energy,including the science of energy, sources ofenergy, consumption, electricity, effi-ciency, and environmental and economicimpacts were studied.

The conference, which last yearallowed teachers to tour energy-relatedfacilities in eastern Kentucky, was coordi-nated by the Kentucky NEED (National

Energy Education Development) Project, anonprofit organization that focuses onteaching students and teachers aboutenergy. Conference participants receivedinstruction and materials to implementinnovative hands-on energy units in theirclassrooms.

Graduate credit from NorthernKentucky University was available forteachers selected to attend this year�sconference. Teachers represented Boone,Boyd, Campbell, Hopkins, Jessamine,

Teachers �energized�by workshopBy Julie SmitherDivision of Energy

Teachers at the NEEDconference visited theHopkins County coal

volunteer surface mine.Photo by

Pam Procter, NEED

Kenton, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Nicho-las and Pendleton counties.

For information on next year�sconference or to learn more aboutNEED in Kentucky, contact KarenReagor at (866) 736-8941. Also visit theNEED Web site at http://www.need.org. For more energy educationinformation, visit the Kentucky Divisionof Energy Web site athttp://www.energy.ky.gov.

Tonic for an ailing environmentÌ

Continued from Page 13

currently ranking illegal dumps based on their threat to humanhealth and the environment, and will use a portion of therevenue generated from the tipping fee to reimburse countiesfor dump cleanups.

�In the first quarter since the new law�s inception, thesolid waste tipping fee has generated more than $2.3 million,�said Rob Daniell, DWM director. �This funding provides agood start for addressing the top priority inactive landfillsacross the state that pose a threat to human health and theenvironment.�

To date, the DWM Solid Waste Branch has identified 647inactive landfills across the state, including formerly permittedfacilities and abandoned disposal sites, requiring thoroughexamination and potential repairs such as clay soil cap tocover exposed waste. The Department for EnvironmentalProtection (DEP) reorganized the Solid Waste Branch of theDWM to accommodate a Landfill Closure Section to addresssuch environmental issues.

�Our new Closure Section is busy evaluating site-specificdata for each of these 647 former disposal facilities throughfile reviews and field inspections,� said Solid Waste Branch

help combat illegal dumping, and to finance the closure of oldlandfills across the state. The RCLA Branch is

Manager Ron Gruzesky. �They�re using environmental criteriato prioritize and rank the threats to human health, safety and theenvironment, like exposed waste, leachate outbreaks, surfaceand groundwater contamination, proximity to local sites ofinterest and potential for domestic water use.�

The DEP has prioritized eight particular sites for immediateaction and given ranking to another 55 sites. However, theremaining 584 sites require more detailed evaluation accordingto the report. Continued evaluation and investigative samplingmay also drive the need to adjust the current ranking.

Historic and abandoned landfill closures are an expensiveendeavor for taxpayers. The new law includes a provision toassist the cabinet with a third source of funding via a $25 millionbond sale. The cabinet would have initiated the bond sale inJanuary of this year as prescribed in the statute, but the 2002Kentucky General Assembly�s inability to compromise on abudget delayed the issuance until a budget agreement wasreached. The DWM now expects the bond to be issued this fallso that cleanup work can begin at the eight priority landfills.

In the meantime, the NREPC sees a more positive outcomefor Kentucky�s solid waste problems than in recent years. �TheDWM is on course to meet the objectives outlined in HB 174,�said Daniell. �Funding has always been the key to success.�

Land, Air & Water 20

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Conferences & Awards

The major issue facingconservation districts todayis meeting the needs ofexpanding roles andresponsibilities. State andlocal conservation districtsare feeling the pressure asthey try to assist the needsof farmers, since so manystate and federally fundedprograms have been cut.

That�s one of the reasons why morethan 500 people turned out for the 60thannual Kentucky Association of Conser-vation Districts (KACD) convention inJuly.

The KACD holds this conference tokeep its members and other attendees upto date on environmental issues, federaland state programs and new technologiesavailable to deal with the future ofconservation.

Conference participants hearddiscussions on the 2002 federal farm bill,the Purchase Agriculture ConservationEasements (PACE) program, HomelandSecurity and agriculture (as it relates toterrorism) and chronic wasting disease inKentucky. They also were updated on theKentucky Landscape Snapshot project,which will develop a digital snapshot ofthe Commonwealth�s natural and man-made landscape as it is now, compared tohow it was used in the past and how it canbe used in the future.

As an added bonus, gubernatorialcandidates Democrat Ben Chandler andRepublican U.S. Rep. Ernie Fletcherspoke to the group concerning theircampaign platform on soil and waterconservation, tobacco settlement pro-grams, environmental issues and theimportance of agriculture to Kentucky.

During the convention, awards werealso presented to Kentuckians that showedoutstanding leadership in conservationprograms and practices.

2003 Conservation Person of theYear�Kentucky Department of Agricul-ture Commissioner Billy Ray Smith wasselected for his long-term support ofKentucky�s conservation district pro-grams. His efforts in the KentuckyGeneral Assembly enhanced the passageof the Agriculture Water Quality Act, andhis department provided millions to theKentucky Division of Conservation tosupport the Kentucky Soil Erosion andWater Quality Cost Share Program.

Distinguished Service Award�Robert Toole for providing quality staffassistance and advice to Kentucky�s stateassociation and to its national representa-tives, as well as his friendship toKentucky�s 121 local conservationdistricts over the many years.

2003 Outstanding ConservationCooperator Award (state winner)�Greg and Donna Williams, TaylorCounty (awarded $500); state runner-up� Greg and Joan Ritter, BarrenCounty (awarded $250).

Environmental EducationAward� Taylor County ConservationDistrict.

Outstanding Junior BoardAwards� Taylor County Junior Boardand Scott County Junior Board.

Elementary ConservationTeacher Award�Lisa Riggs,Campbellsville Elementary, TaylorCounty.

Outstanding ConservationDistricts�Warren County (westernKentucky) and Mercer County (easternKentucky).

Forestry Award�Taylor Countyand Green County conservation districtsand the South Central District Office ofthe Kentucky Division of Forestry.

Soil Stewardship Award�Fleming County Conservation District.

KACD Auxiliary NaturalResource Scholarship�KathrynRenee Ellis, Fayette County.

KACD Auxiliary George CraftonScholarship�Kelli Quisenberry,Anderson County.

KACD Auxiliary NaturalResource Nontraditional Scholar-ship�Janet Meyer, Madison County.

Kentucky Envirothon�FayetteCounty 4-H Environmental Club.

Candidates, district members discuss agriculture�s futureBy Martin BessDivision of Conservation

Gubernatorial candidatesErnie Fletcher (left) andBen Chandler (right)addressed conferenceattendeees on environmentaland agricultural issues.

BELOW: Billy Ray Smithis presented the Conserva-tion Person of the YearAward by KACD PresidentPatrick Henderson.Division of Conservation photos

Natural Resources and Environmental Protection CabinetOffice of the Secretary5th Floor, Capital Plaza TowerFrankfort, KY 40601

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Kentucky River banks receivea spring cleaningBy Cindy SchaferOffice of the Secretary

There were no mops, buckets and cleaning supplies onhand, but there were plenty of garbage bags and rubber glovesdistributed for the 2003 Kentucky River Sweep spring-cleaningevent. The �sweep� has become an annual opportunity forpeople to gather along the banks of the Kentucky River near Ft.Boonesborough Beach to rid the area of unsightly trash.

Bob Rasmusson, Madison County�s solid waste coordina-tor, pulled the function together again this year with volunteersthat were eager to pick up trash that had accumulated along theriver. �The health of the river depends on not having thisoffensive stuff in it,� he said.

The offensive items Rasmusson refers to are plasticbottles, cans, waste tires, diapers and even a treadmill. In all,365 bags of trash (totaling 6 tons) were picked up along morethan 43 miles of shoreline.

Approximately 316 volunteers showed up for the event,and they were duly rewarded for their hard work with acookout after spending a long day cleaning up the area.

Cleanup volunteers received garbage bags, rubber gloves and T-shirtsbefore they hit the sand looking for discarded trash and other itemsdumped along the banks of the Kentucky River. Photo provided byBob Rasmusson

Thanks to their efforts, and to Rasmusson for coordinatingthe event, the banks along Ft. Boonesborough Beach are cleanonce again. �Everyone is already excited about coming backnext year,� said Rasmusson.