Valley So Low - 99% Invisible

The Kingston Coal Ash Spill, which occurred on December 22, 2008, released a billion gallons of toxic sludge across Tennessee, resulting from the collapse of a 60-ft high mountain of coal waste managed by the TVA. While no lives were lost in the initial disaster, many workers involved in the cleanup suffered severe health issues due to toxin exposure. Jared Sullivan's book, "Valley So Low," reflects on the aftermath of this tragedy and the TVA's historical significance as a governmental agency that has shaped the Southeast U.S.

Jared's book exposes the far-reaching consequences of the Kingston Coal Ash Spill, highlighting health issues among cleanup workers and emphasizing the TVA's pivotal role in regional history.

The Kingston Coal Ash Spill serves as a chilling reminder of the environmental and human costs of coal energy, particularly when failures occur within government-operated facilities like the TVA.

Read at 99% Invisible