Images by the RISE Team

Coal train by the North Fork of the Kentucky River in Perry County, Kentucky (Image by Chris Begley)

Episode Ten of the Eastern Standard documentary series RISE explores connections between surface mining and the flooding of downstream communities, as well as efforts to speed the reclamation of idled mines using methods designed to reduce or even prevent runoff.

About RISE

RISE is a documentary series that airs periodically as a production of Eastern Standard, the weekly WEKU current affairs program. The series came about in response to unprecedented flooding experienced by many southeastern Kentucky communities in July of 2022. The first six episodes, which aired for six consecutive weeks, explored what contributed to the disaster, how communities responded, and the leadership, programs, and resources needed to address the challenges and opportunities ahead. 

The RISE series is produced by a team of reporters, producers, and external collaborators, including Dynamix Productions in Lexington. The team is led by Tom Martin, who is the host and senior editor of Eastern Standard. The team’s goal is to explore important policy issues affecting a region that is in transition due to shifting economic, social, environmental, and political realities. 

Since the first six episodes aired, the RISE team has continued to produce occasional episodes focused on specific issues of importance to Eastern Kentucky. RISE is also available on Apple and Spotify.

RISE DOCUMENTARIES

The Flood of '22

0:00/???
  1. 1
    0:00/53:00
  2. 2
    0:00/53:00
  3. 3
    0:00/53:00
  4. 4
    0:00/53:00
  5. 5
    0:00/53:00
  6. 6
    0:00/53:00

Proposed Federal Prison in Letcher County

0:00/???
  1. 1
    0:00/53:00