550 - 10 Years Later: The 2014 Chemical Spill and Water Crisis in Charleston, WV

On January 9, 2014, a chemical spill occurred upstream of the drinking water intake for Charleston, WV and surrounding areas. The spill involved an estimated 10,000 gallons of crude 4-methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCHM), a chemical used to clean coal. The spill contaminated the drinking water supply for approximately 300,000 people, forcing them to rely on bottled water and other alternative sources for over a week.
This case study will examine the causes and consequences of the 2014 Elk River chemical spill, as well as the response efforts that were undertaken. It will also discuss the lessons learned from this event and the implications for future water safety planning and preparedness.
Key points of the case study will include:
• The root causes of the spill, including inadequate facility maintenance and safety procedures.
• The impact of the spill on the drinking water supply and public health.
• The response efforts of the government, private sector, and non-profit organizations.
• The lessons learned from the spill and their implications for future water safety planning and preparedness.
This case study provide valuable insights into the challenges of preventing and responding to chemical spills and other waterborne hazards.