In 2023, dirty mine water gushed out of the ground behind James Christian’s home, flooding his yard in Wyoming County, West Virginia.
Sinkholes formed, a strong sulfur-like odor lingered in the air and oily sheens began coating the creek. Residents have blamed the mine for contaminating their creek and making some of their neighbors sick.
Since then, a lawsuit by state regulators sparked a court battle between three coal companies over the incident. Now, the state is responsible for cleaning up the mine and the damage it caused through a program that has historically been underfunded. Meanwhile, state regulators have also approved a new mine expansion over the objections of local residents.
Indian Creek continues to run black and green, and sometimes the water has white streaks or slimy film. A number of water wells have gone bad. And the nauseating smell of rotten eggs has spread and is now palpable across the community.
“To get to my house, just follow the smell,” Christian said.
