Tenn. Ash Spill Cleanup Slow; Cause Still Unknown

But Daugherty said TVA won't pay enough to replace his home, and he refuses to take on debt at his age.

Still, Daugherty said his wife's doctor advised them: "Which is more important to you — your house or your health? I am going to tell you right now, you better get out of there."

The Daughertys, who celebrated their 40th anniversary in February, have until July 31 to decide.

The cause of the spill is still unknown, six months after the disaster brought national attention to the regulation and risks of coal ash storage. The ash — which typically contains traces of arsenic and other toxic materials — is stored at 43 other sites in 26 communities around the country, which are so hazardous the Army Corps of Engineers won't disclose their locations.

TVA hired engineering consultants AECOM USA Inc. to study the cause. Lead consultant William Walton, based in Vernon Hills, Ill., isn't taking calls from The Associated Press.

TVA spokesman John Moulton said the document should be out this month.