Background: In June 2003, a collaboration of the National Technology Transfer Center (NTTC), the Center for Educational Technology (CET), the Appalachian Institute, and faculty at Wheeling Jesuit University, along with partners from West Virginia University (WVU), the International Union of Operating Engineers, and the National Energy Technology Laboratory began work on the Coal Impoundment Project (www.coalimpoundment.org). The goal of the project is to identify coal impoundments in West Virginia, alert residents of emergency situations and evacuation plans, and examine alternatives for impounding coal waste and sludge. Through this project, should a failure occur, citizens who live in these areas have access to emergency information.

Proposed 2004-2005 Project: Wheeling Jesuit University students and faculty will explore ways to assist the Coal Impoundment Project in educating communities about and studying the impact of impoundments. Students will participate in a mock evacuation exercise, campus-wide presentations, and community-based research projects related to the project’s goals.