Georgia coal ash pond neighbors channel frustrations through proposed EPA crackdown in Alabama
Georgia Recorder: Juliette resident Gloria Hammond has watched as families moved away from their homes located next to what was once the largest coal-fired power plant in the country. Last week, Hammond urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to follow through with its rejection of Alabama’s proposed coal ash disposal rules, reports Stanley Dunlap in the Georgia Recorder.
In a nutshell:
Residents in Juliette, Georgia are urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to uphold its rejection of Alabama's proposed coal ash disposal rules. This move aligns with the Biden administration's efforts to enforce federal requirements on sites falling short of compliance. The EPA's decision not only affects Alabama but also has implications for Georgia, where Georgia Power manages coal ash from retired power plants, drawing concern from environmental advocates. The EPA recently held a public hearing on this matter, with residents expressing health concerns related to living near coal ash sites.
Key quote:
“I’m encouraged EPA is starting to step up,” Hammond said. “All the states in the Southeast are not being regulated right and Georgia Power and Southern Company are not doing the right thing. We are still suffering here.”
The big picture:
Living near a coal ash disposal area can pose significant health and environmental risks. Residents may experience health problems due to exposure to toxic substances like mercury and arsenic found in coal ash. Contaminated groundwater can lead to long-term health issues, including compromised drinking water quality. Improper coal ash disposal can also harm ecosystems and affect the surrounding environment, further emphasizing the importance of proper regulation and oversight in such areas.
Read the article at the Georgia Recorder.
Too often toxic coal ash, a byproduct of coal-fired power, ends up in poor, minority communities, writes Brian Bienkowski.
