Three years ago, officials with the Kentucky Division of Water surveyed several areas near coal mining sites in Eastern Kentucky.
The office recently released some of its data and environmental groups are very concerned.

In 2006, the Kentucky Division of Water contracted with the Kentucky Geological Survey to collect data from 13 different sites in the mountains during a two year span.

Officials say they've spent the past three weeks reviewing the information.

Of the sites surveyed, First Creek in Perry County, Walkers Branch and Big Branch in Knott County, and Smiths Fork in Pike County showed elevated levels of Selenium, a metal that can be harmful to humans in large doses.

The surveys sampled waterways and the levels in fish.
While a final analysis is not yet complete, officials say they have enough information to confirm the pollutants are an issue.

"We don't know whether or not those are problematic just yet, but it's data that we're having to evaluate, and i'm certain that it will prompt additional monitoring and evaluations here in the weeks and months ahead." said Bruce Scott, the commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection.

Scott says new rules are being added for when mines apply for new permits.

Part of that process will include checking for Selenium and other harmful metals.

Officials with the Division of Water say the complete results of the study are pending.