AES Corporation illegally dumped 100 million pounds of toxic coal as on a pristine beach in the Dominican Republic. After acute health problems came horrible birth defects, Complaint alleges.

Gallery: Village

The village of Arroyo Barril, Samana, Dominican Republic and its people.

The sign to Samana says, "Welcome," but 100 million pounds of toxic coal ash was not invited and its health-damaging legacy continues today. The proud residents of Arroyo Barril have no electricity. They eke out a living. Many grow their own vegetables. Unfortunately, their crops are growing in soil laced with air-blown toxic coal ash dust and its heavy metal components. Today, approximately six years after the illegal dumping, the toxic coal ash may lie just beneath the surface. Animals raised for milk or eating may rip up grass or other plant life to eat and dirt is attached to it. Chickens scratch the ground. Residents who are breathing in the toxic coal ash dust also ingest the toxic metals from the coal ash waste that has gotten into the food chain. Samana Bay has always been a fishing resource for the residents of Arroyo Barril. After the massive toxic coal ash dumping the waste rolled, blew or was carried into the edge of the bay, killing fish and injuring at least one fisherman who had the misfortune to fish in the chemical-laced water.

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