Would-Be Neighbors Express Concern Over Proposed Coal Transfer Terminal

By Amy Burroughs, The Paducah Sun, Ky.

Feb. 27–After a public hearing on a proposed coal terminal in western McCracken County, Judge-Executive Van Newberry said he was struck by one resident’s comment that the area has become more, not less, residential in recent years.

The fiscal court will vote March 10 on rezoning 265 acres along Carneal Road and the Ohio River from rural residential to heavy industrial. The change would permit Ashley Four Rivers to build a coal transfer terminal.

Joe Bagwell, who lives across from the site, said the prospect of hearing coal trains 24 hours per day is disturbing. More importantly, he said, the area has not changed in a way that justifies rezoning.

“If anything has happened in that area, it has become more residential,” Bagwell said.

The planning commission disagrees, having recommended that the court approve the zoning change.

Dozens of residents and several owners of nearby businesses attended Tuesday’s hearing. Many expressed concerns that the developer’s planned dust collection system would not prevent coal dust from escaping the property.

The developers agreed not to store uncovered coal on the ground.

Newberry said he paid close attention to questions about how enforceable that provision would be and said commissioners would consult with County Attorney Dan Boaz.

“That’s a point we’re going to really explore fairly heavily,” Newberry said.

Mark Whitlow, who represents Ashley Four Rivers, said it would be required to follow the development plan.

Eddie Jones, who represents several residents, said that to the contrary, the zoning change would open the door to anything allowed under heavy industry.

Jim Harris, representing American Beverage Corp. (formerly Tyler Mountain Water Co.), Harrah’s Casino, and Paducah & Louisville Railway, urged commissioners to consider whether the project would benefit the few or the many. He also expressed skepticism of the dust collection system.

“Ashley Four Rivers apparently claims they have achieved what could only be considered an engineering miracle of the 21st century,” he said.

Project engineer Charlie Skaggs described plans to enclose the building where railcars would be unloaded, install a vacuum system to collect dust and cover conveyor belts that would carry coal to river barges.

According to developer Bill Rager, the “heavy amount of coal” already being handled in the area and the presence of other industries make the project a sensible fit.

Whitlow agreed.

“The primary issue before the fiscal court is simply this: What is the appropriate zoning for this property? We believe the evidence is overwhelming this property should be zoned heavy industry. We base this on the fact that the property is surrounded by heavy industry.”

Amy Burroughs can be contacted at 575-8652.

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