Coal ash, the toxic waste left from burning coal, contains harmful metals like mercury and arsenic that pose serious risks to water supplies.
Disasters in the Southeast have spilled coal ash into rivers, while unlined pits at power plants continue to leak and contaminate groundwater.
Although some utilities are moving coal ash to lined landfills, others, like Georgia Power, seek permits to leave coal ash in unlined pits at five power plants along the Coosa, Chattahoochee, and Ocmulgee rivers, risking long-term water contamination.
The EPA has reinforced federal laws prohibiting coal ash from being stored in contact with groundwater, urging the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to comply.
In August 2023, the EPA launched initiatives to address coal ash contamination. However, despite federal regulations, Georgia’s EPD issued a permit in November 2023 allowing coal ash at Plant Hammond to remain in contact with groundwater.
Federal law mandates coal ash be excavated and stored in lined landfills to protect communities and future generations.
Although some utilities are moving coal ash to lined landfills, others, like Georgia Power, seek permits to leave coal ash in unlined pits at five power plants along the Coosa, Chattahoochee, and Ocmulgee rivers, risking long-term water contamination.
The EPA has reinforced federal laws prohibiting coal ash from being stored in contact with groundwater, urging the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to comply.
In August 2023, the EPA launched initiatives to address coal ash contamination. However, despite federal regulations, Georgia’s EPD issued a permit in November 2023 allowing coal ash at Plant Hammond to remain in contact with groundwater.
Federal law mandates coal ash be excavated and stored in lined landfills to protect communities and future generations.