TOXIC WASTE  FROM COAL PLANT THREATENS AIR, LAND, AND WATER

WHO IS NOPE 

 

Neighbors Opposing Pit Expansion, Inc. (NOPE) is a non profit, 501 (c) (3) organization formed in 1985 to stop the expansion of fly-ash dumpsites by the Beckjord Power Station. NOPE is composed of Pierce Township and other nearby volunteer citizens dedicated to guarding and preserving the quality of our air, land, and water. The group needed to act in 2018 when the new owner, CLP, (Commercial Liability Partners) failed to abide by a long-standing agreement intended to protect the local community.

 

SOME BACKGROUND

 

Nearly four decades ago, NOPE was formed to prevent the utility company which owned Beckjord from expanding toxic fly ash pits onto land zoned residential beyond the plant’s existing property. Hard work and tenacity resulted in a binding agreement that protected the community and was fair to the plant’s neighbors. But now the plant is closed and CLP is doing the cleanup without regard for fairness, federal law, and the longstanding community agreement.

 

Additionally, NOPE, through the agreement, received a green belt easement over 147 acres, which have been turned into a spectacular nature preserve under the auspices of Pierce Township, and hundreds of citizens are enjoying it.

 

THE CURRENT BATTLE 

 

NOPE is working to lift the veil of secrecy over CLP’s maneuvers and to get CLP to abide by federal law and the previous owners agreement that protects pristine rural land and citizen rights. 

 

*CLP does not recognize NOPE legal agreement from 1986

*CLP illegally logged mature trees in designated greenbelt

*CLP is moving toxic ash contaminated soil to other toxic ponds 

*Coal ash exposure causes danger to humans, mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, insects, and plants 

*In 2022 two wells monitoring groundwater were contaminated, missing, or damaged 

*Coal ash stored in ponds along the river leaks into groundwater, drinking water, and into the Ohio River 

 

 

THE STAKES ARE BIGGER THAN JUST PIERCE TOWNSHIP 

 

Across the country, many coal power plants that have run their course are closing leaving similar dilemmas about cleanup and damage to communities. So what ultimately gets done in Pierce Township could have bearing on other similar situations.

 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

 

For years, a handful of neighbors to the Beckjord Power Station have funded the efforts of NOPE to protect their community. NOPE is reaching out to other neighbors and interested citizens to donate any amount they can afford. 

 

Please consider making a secure, tax deductible contribution by clicking the QR code below. Thank you!

 

                   Fund the Fight

 

100% of your money goes to the NOPE effort.