She has had to shovel away "sludge" from dirt and dust that blows off trucks and drains onto her property, she said. The pollution aggravates allergies and leaves her with respiratory congestion, she said.

Mayor and acting town manager Ben Cooper explained that for months, the town has been talking with coal companies, trucking companies and state and federal officials, seeking ways to cut down on dirt and dust.

Last month, council voted 3-2 against passing an anti-litter ordinance that would have included penalties against dumping dirt, dust or trash on town streets. The measure was defeated because council members had concerns about other aspects of the ordinance.

For now, the town's hands are tied, Cooper said. If town police ticket a trucker for dumping dirt, other truckers immediately warn each other on citizens' band radios, he said.

Wade asked if anyone has suggested coal companies get equipment to wash down trucks before they drive through town.

Cooper said it's been discussed, but the town can't require companies to do anything. He's open to suggestions, he noted.

Councilman Jack Kibler asked about the status of a street-cleaning machine recently at work in town.

Cooper explained that it was being demonstrated for possible purchase. A local coal company had expressed interest in buying it for the town, but those talks are ongoing, he said.

The town's fire department has declined a request to help wash down streets from time to time, Cooper said. The town has bought hoses that public works crews can use to help clean, he said.

Resident Angie Honeycutt noted that Big Stone Gap pays one employee to do nothing but clean its streets every day. Maybe it's time for Appalachia to do the same, she said.

Exeter resident Larry Bush, a former federal mine inspector, claimed that the state Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy refuses to enforce state rules on the cleanliness of coal trucks. Bush suggested Wade file a lawsuit demanding enforcement.