SHAMOKIN - Filmmakers creating a documentary about both Centralia and the use of fly ash will speak publicly this month about their project.
Lys Sparrow and Gianfranco Serraino will be guests at a combined meeting of the Shamokin and Mount Carmel Rotary clubs to be held at 7:15 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, at the Independence Fire Co., Market and Arch streets.
"RED ASH: Burning Rights" begins with the Centralia mine fire and explores the potential environmental hazards as a result of the disposal of fly ash, a coal by-product. They're also probing theories that valuable mineral rights in Centralia were sought after by the federal government, and if so, how that relates to the emergency response and subsequent relocation of nearly every resident in the borough.
The documentary is still a work in progress. Sparrow and Serraino do plan to show film clips during the presentation. Experts interviewed for the documentary have been invited.
The presentation comes at an interesting time locally. A fly ash project in Locust Summit has the state's approval, with 400,000 tons to be trucked to the Gilberton Coal site. The material is recovered from coal-fired power plants, and contains concentrated heavy metals.
The state Department of Environmental Protection says it is safe for use in filling abandoned mine pits. Department officials say there is no documentation that such projects have polluted water tables. But some residents downhill have expressed concern about the potential pollution of dozens of water wells in the Lavelle and Mowry areas.
Federal regulations on fly ash from the Environmental Protection Agency are pending approval, with the results expected to be announced in December. It could impact how states deal with the use of fly ash.
For more information on "RED ASH: Burning Rights," visit www.redashthefilm.com.