EPA Cracks Down on Coal Ash Waste as Southern Co. Resists Tougher Environmental Regs.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a new rule to close a loophole that conservationists claim utilities are exploiting to avoid cleaning up toxic coal ash from retired power plants. The rule would add federal level regulations for controlling and cleaning up contamination caused by the disposal of tons of coal ash generated by dozens of now-inactive power plants.
The Dangers of Coal Ash
Coal ash is the leftover waste from burning coal to generate electricity. It contains a number of harmful pollutants, including arsenic, mercury, and lead. These pollutants can leach into groundwater and contaminate drinking water supplies. They can also be released into the air when coal ash ponds are disturbed.
The Current Regulations
The EPA’s 2015 Coal Ash Rule was the first-ever federal rule to regulate coal ash disposal. However, the rule has been criticized for being too weak. For example, it grandfathered in older coal ash ponds that were already in place when the rule was adopted. These ponds are often unlined and unmonitored, and they pose a significant risk to the environment and public health.
The Proposed Rule
The new rule would address some of the shortcomings of the 2015 rule. It would require utilities to close or clean up unlined coal ash ponds that are located near groundwater. It would also require utilities to monitor groundwater for contamination and take steps to remediate any contamination that is found.
Southern Co.’s Resistance
Southern Co., the parent company of Georgia Power, is one of the utilities that is fighting the new rule. Southern Co. argues that the rule is too expensive and that it is not necessary to close or clean up all of the coal ash ponds that are covered by the rule.
Public Input
The EPA is accepting public comments on the proposed rule until July 17. You can submit your comments online or at one of the public hearings that are being held around the country.
What You Can Do
You can help to protect the environment and public health by urging the EPA to adopt the strongest possible rule to regulate coal ash. You can also contact your elected officials and tell them to support the new rule.
Conclusion
The EPA’s proposed rule is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. We need stronger federal regulations to ensure that coal ash is disposed of safely and that our communities are protected from the harmful effects of this toxic waste.