After concluding a comprehensive review of conditions at the State Correctional Institution at Fayette, the Department of Corrections has found no credible evidence of any unsafe environmental conditions at the facility or of any abnormalities with regard to the safety and health of inmates at the prison.

"We work hard to ensure the safety and welfare of our inmates," Corrections Secretary John Wetzel said. "When concerns were raised, we initiated environmental tests and medical reviews to examine the conditions at the prison. The Department found no evidence of any unsafe environmental conditions or any related medical issues."

The Department was made aware of reports alleging that unsafe levels of coal waste in the vicinity of SCI Fayette were connected to purported medical problems for inmates at the facility.

Department officials reviewed water supply tests and analyses, inmate medical records, rates of cancer and cancer-related deaths among inmates at the prison and the use of pulmonary and gastrointestinal medications.

"Our review found no scientific data to support claims of any unsafe environmental conditions or any related medical issues to exist at SCI Fayette," Wetzel said.

A copy of the review is available online.

NewsClip: Report Clears Coal Waste Of Affecting Inmates’ Health

1/5/2015