On January 9th, 2014, West Virginia American Water reported that the drinking water affecting 9 counties was unsafe, hours after crude 4-methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCHM) was accidentally spilled into the river from a Freedom Industries coal refinery. MCHM is a chemical used in coal processing.
Data on MCHM is scarce, according to a report by The Guardian, and both long term and short term affects of exposure are unknown. For several weeks, residents relied on bottled water, and the poorest residents of the state who rely on public services and could not afford bottled water were left without aid.
President Obama, please launch a federal investigation into the chemical spill in Elk's River and bring those responsible to justice.