In Owensboro-Daviess Co., Kentucky, we have cherished the beauty, tranquility, and tight-knit community spirit that defines our home. However, recent developments threatening our safety and environment have left me and many others deeply concerned. The same Hancock Co. land that hosted a polluting aluminum smelter, tracked in the 1980s and 1990s for contaminating water and soil, is now poised to put our community at risk again. A for profit company plans to develop a data center at the old smelter site, but first, they must address the extensive contamination.

Evidently, the soil and water at this site remain tainted with hazardous substances tracked by the EPA decades ago. The remediation process involves the transportation of these dangerous materials through the heart of Owensboro dumping in West Louisville. The alarming sight of hundreds of dump trucks carrying these materials daily is disturbing. There's a conspicuous absence of proper truck signage to indicate the dangers of contaminated materials and informing residents, raising fears about potential leaks during transit and in the landfill.

The health and well-being of residents, adults and children, are at stake. Each journey these trucks make poses a risk, potentially exposing our community to toxins that could affect our air, soil, and water quality. Moreover, the increase in dump truck traffic not only threatens public health but also endangers road safety and the structural integrity of our infrastructure. Is it worth the money Daviess Co. government earns?  Why has this not been presented to the public for input?

We urge Owensboro and Daviess Co. authorities to immediately halt the transportation of contaminated soils until comprehensive safety measures are enforced. We demand transparent communication about the potential hazards and clear labeling for any transported materials. Furthermore, thorough inspections and regulations must ensure that trucks are securely sealed and suitable for such hazardous loads. What is the long term impact to West Louisville?  Shouldn't we have say over an industrial landfill with contaminated materials? We need to stop the truck volume and demand that someone else take on the risk of Hancock Co.'s data center!

We call for responsible practices that prioritize community health and safety. Protecting our home requires vigilance and collaboration from stakeholders to handle this situation with the urgency and care it warrants. Charlie Castlen owes us actions!

Join us in safeguarding our West Louisville and Owensboro area communities by signing this petition. Together, we can compel local authorities to implement stringent safety protocols, address traffic and environmental risks, and keep our beloved homes safe from the hidden dangers of contaminated soil transportation.