The coal ash flood that took place on Dec. 22 in Kingston, Tenn. left many members of the region without clean drinking water and with serious health concerns because of potential exposure to radioactive materials.

Many students on campus have taken a special interest in helping the people affected by the flood. One organization actively striving to aid in the cleanup is SPEAK, students promoting environmental action in Knoxville.

"The spill is important to SPEAK in particular because it is so close to home," Sam Jordan, a senior in forestry and co-president of SPEAK said. "Although we aren't the ones downstream having to drink polluted water."

This coal ash spill is only a small part of the puzzle in a myriad of issues that TVA should be more responsible for. -Sam Jordan, senior in forestry The United Mountain Defense, an organization unaffiliated with the university, has also been making a proactive effort to help the people of Kingston. The group has been trying to raise money, with the help of some members of SPEAK, to provide water tests and medical screening for all affected residents. Jordan emphasized that United Mountain Defense and SPEAK are both positive organizations trying to make a difference in the region.

"Many SPEAK members regularly attend UMD meetings," Jordan said. "And there is a lot of support that is given both ways between the groups, as we are working towards a common goal."

Although most of United Mountain Defense's focus has been on fundraising for the relief effort, SPEAK is more centered on raising awareness about the disaster among UT students and faculty.

"Our support for the effected community members in Kingston is going to be in the form of sound education of the UT campus," Jordan said.

In the past, members of SPEAK and United Mountain Defense have spoken out against Tennessee Valley Authority's policies regarding renewable energy sources, and the recent disaster has just increased the outcry for reform.

According to a statement made by TVA after the flood, "TVA is committed to cleaning up and restoring this site and to managing all of its facilities in a manner that will prevent a similar situation."

Although TVA promises restructuring, some students remain unconvinced that they are truly striving for reformation.

Jordan said, "TVA has consistently lacked leadership in our region.  As a self-governing, powerful utility, we should be able to depend on that sort of agency to lead the way into a more sustainable society. This coal ash spill is only a small part of the puzzle in a myriad of issues that TVA should be more responsible for."

SPEAK will be participating in the "National Teach-In," a campus and nationwide program to raise awareness about environmental problems on Feb. 2.