Gypsum pond leak does not bode well

It was disturbing to learn Wednesday that Kingston Fossil Plant’s new gypsum pond is leaking — just two years after the December 2008 ash disaster.
That disaster changed the face of Roane County for many — both inside and outside the area.
We have heard promises from state environmental officials that this gypsum containment system would be different and safer.
With seepage showing this early on, we’re not feeling very confident about their claims.
State, federal and TVA officials have much work to do to build the confidence of the residents of Roane County — and frankly, the rest of the country.
What happenes at this plant is and always will be part of the debate over the safety of burning coal.
Concerns were raised after the ash spill about the gypsum pond being constructed immediately after the ash containment blowout.
We realize that gypsum is a more inert substance than the fly ash, but it remains unacceptable that its containment system is showing signs of problems already.