More Coal Dust Found In Oak Creek Over Weekend: Report

OAK CREEK, WI — According to a report Monday morning, for the second time this month, coal dust was found covering properties, cars, and the local playground in neighborhoods just north of the Oak Creek power plant.

The Clean Power Coalition of Southeast Wisconsin told Patch.com that this latest incident occurred despite We Energies’ claims that they have upgraded their operating procedures to resolve dust issues.

Breathing in coal dust is linked to chronic respiratory issues and exacerbation of asthma. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Coal dust also contains toxic heavy metals including arsenic, mercury, and lead, the report stated.

“I am worried for my kids. We can see the coal pile from our yard and we have no protection,” said Michelle Jeske, a resident in the area and a mother of four boys. “This happens all the time, at least every couple of days. It’s not a rare occurrence, and it’s not just a nuisance. We’re breathing it in.”

“Today’s incident is just more proof that there’s no safe way to run a coal plant,” said Dana LaFontsee, a spokesperson for the Clean Power Coalition of Southeast Wisconsin. “We Energies claims they have taken extra precautions, but it’s just common sense that if you put a massive pile of dusty, toxic coal next to a neighborhood, it’s going to blow into the air people breathe. We need clean energy, not excuses.”

Organizers say that We Energies has agreed to attend a public listening session in a little over a week to hear directly from those who are impacted. The Public Listening Session is scheduled for April 4 from 6 to 7:30 at the Oak Creek Library.

Submitted Photo, Published With Permission