The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports widespread failure to comply with the nation's regulations on toxic coal ash.
Amy Green reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- The EPA's enforcement alert reveals significant noncompliance with coal ash regulations at about 150 facilities.
- Groundwater contamination from coal ash disposal is a major concern, with potential increases in detected contamination.
- Despite regulations, a loophole has allowed half a billion tons of coal ash to remain unregulated.
Key quote:
“We see this as the first shot across the bow informing the utilities and states and stakeholders that EPA indeed does find significant noncompliance with the coal ash rule.”
— Lisa Evans, senior counsel at Earthjustice
Why this matters:
The EPA's report on coal ash regulation noncompliance is particularly relevant for those living near coal ash disposal sites and highlights the broader challenge of managing industrial waste in a way that safeguards public health and the environment.
Be sure to read Kristina Marusic’s article about a former coal plant that is poisoning groundwater near Pittsburgh.
