Workers from across the border in West Virginia were regularly exposed to asbestos at the Big Sandy Power Plant in Louisa, Kentucky. Many made the daily drive from towns like Kermit, Williamson, Wayne, and Huntington to work at the massive coal-fired facility owned by American Electric Power (AEP). If you or a family member developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, your diagnosis could be tied to Big Sandy asbestos exposure.
History of Asbestos at Big Sandy Power Plant
Built in the early 1960s, the Big Sandy Plant operated for decades before a conversion to natural gas in 2016. Like many power stations of that era, it was constructed using asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) for insulation, gaskets, pipe wraps, turbine casings, and boiler linings. This made maintenance and mechanical work high-risk activities for exposure. Boilermakers, pipefitters, millwrights, electricians, and even janitorial staff were vulnerable to breathing in asbestos dust.
Why West Virginia Workers Were Vulnerable
Despite being located in Kentucky, Big Sandy Power Plant drew a large portion of its workforce from West Virginia—particularly Mingo and Wayne counties. Commuting across the river for steady union work was common, and the plant was a major economic driver in the region. Unfortunately, many workers were not warned of the dangers of airborne asbestos, and respirators were often unavailable or inadequate. Those workers are now among the thousands in Appalachia who suffer from occupational diseases decades later.
Big Sandy Asbestos Exposure and Take-Home Risk
Asbestos doesn’t stay at the job site. Workers at Big Sandy often came home coated in dust that settled into car seats, clothing, and laundry. This put spouses and children at risk of take-home exposure to asbestos. West Virginia courts recognize these claims. If your family member worked at Big Sandy and you later developed mesothelioma or another asbestos disease, you may also have a claim. Learn more about take-home exposure here.
Your Legal Rights After a Diagnosis
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness due to work at the Big Sandy Power Plant, you have legal options. Compensation may be available through asbestos bankruptcy trusts, workers’ compensation, or personal injury lawsuits. The Law Offices of Lee W. Davis, Esquire, L.L.C. has helped West Virginia asbestos victims since the late 1980s and is ready to assist with your case.
Call today: (412) 781-0525 or contact us online. Don’t wait — time limits apply.
Explore other exposure sites: Kammer Power Plant – Moundsville
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