Federal lawsuit, Alaska town says stockpiled coal, dust are dirtying tourist spot near harbor

Lawsuit filed over coal dust near Alaska town

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A lawsuit has been filed in federal court over the problem of coal dust dirtying the scenic Alaska town of Seward.

The lawsuit announced Wednesday alleges that the Alaska Railroad and Aurora Energy Services are violating the federal Clean Water Act. It was filed Dec. 28.

Residents have complained for years that coal stockpiled near a harbor for delivery to ships for export to Asia and Chile is polluting Seward, which is a popular destination for summer tourists.

Lawyer Austin Williams with Trustees for Alaska says residents report that when the wind blows, plumes of coal dust fly from the piles. He says when the coal is loaded by conveyor belt onto the ships, chunks fall into Resurrection Bay.

The suit asks the court to force the companies to stop polluting or get a permit.