Resident urges county follow-up after IDNR notice for ASHAR AMAX coal slurry impoundment near Pigeon Creek

Norman Miller, a resident who said he represents property owners near the ASHAR AMAX coal slurry impoundment northwest of Chandler, urged the county to follow up after what he described as an incomplete response to a Sept. 25 Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) notice to correct.

Miller told the board the impoundment sits next to Pigeon Creek and estimated its volume at about 22,000,000 cubic yards of coal slurry. He said he could not find evidence that required monitoring, tree clearing, an auxiliary spillway investigation or an emergency action plan had been completed following the IDNR notice and cited a professional engineer’s letter he received that suggested monitoring measures had not been implemented on schedule.

The chair responded that he had met with the governor’s office but was told the state would not step into the private-property matter; he suggested Miller also consult Matt Abel, the county EMA director, who is compiling information. The county’s newly elected surveyor (speaker 2) offered to contact the property owner (Mr. Newmaster), coordinate a visit and work with Miller and affected residents, asking Miller to provide contact details and asking for a couple of weeks to follow up.

Miller expressed concern about survey pins and piezometers that had been monitored through August 2025 but not afterward; he urged that anyone inspecting the site view it from all sides, including the Pigeon Creek side. The board did not take formal enforcement action during the meeting but pledged to coordinate follow-up and field visits.

The surveyor said they would report back after contacting the owner and completing an initial site review.