Some Residents Believe Flooding Made Worse by Development

Residents in Pike County are working to pick up the pieces from last week's flooding.  Although there was certainly a lot of rain, some areas of the county were much worse than others.  People are starting to ask the question, "why?"

Near Raccoon Creek, people are talking about the impact of the construction of Hwy 119.  In Harless Creek, people are talking about the impact of strip mining.

"I think everybody up this holler would say that there wasn't enough rain to cause all of this," Bo Sayler, Harless Creek resident shared.  He described the flooding as coming in 2 waves shortly after the rain started and has concerns about the sediment ponds at the head of hollow. 

"The creek has been getting higher and higher since they started stripping," Freddie Coleman shared who grew up in the community and is helping several family members rebuild. 

Apex Coal is actively mining on the left-hand side, and there is an abandoned strip mine on the right-hand side. 

Both are retired coal miners and acknowledged how a lot of the companies do. 

"I think the mining contributed to it. It's not fair that people be put in this situation," Freddie added.  Folks are working to figure out what can be done as they continue to rebuild.

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