Stop Toxic Coal Ash from Harming our Communities

The EPA is holding seven hearings across the country to hear from citizens about two new  rules they are proposing that will regulate toxic coal ash. One of the hearings will be held on September 8th in Dallas. Texas needs strong regulations regarding coal ash that protect our communities from these toxic wastes.This hearing is a great opportunity for Texans to voice their concerns about toxic wastes.

Why should we care about coal ash? Coal ash is a waste product of burning coal.  Coal ash may look like dirt, but contains such harmful toxins as lead, arsenic, cadmium,sulfate and mercury. According to tests conducted by the EPA, coal ash leaches arsenic at levels 1,800 times the federal drinking water standard and over 3 times the hazardous waste threshold.

Coal companies have no limits to where they can place coal ash, and often this waste ends up in ponds, landfills, and uncovered earthen pits. In Texas, the Brandy Branch coal ash dump, the Southwestern Electric Power Co. coal ash dump, and the Texas Utilities Electric Martin Lake Reservoir have leaked elevated levels of selenium and toxic metals into our communities. There are no collection systems for this waste or groundwater monitoring in Texas.

One of the rules the EPA is proposing is to classify coal ash as hazardous waste. Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Subtitle C, the EPA would have the power to federally enforce the following requirements: getting a permit for a disposal site, require effective clean-up in the case of a leak, groundwater monitoring, and storage sites. The other option is to continue to classify coal ash as solid waste, meaning that the regulation would be state-to state. Enacting this rule would be a great way to begin protecting people from harmful toxic wastes.

The EPA coal ash hearing in Texas will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas. There is a morning session and two afternoon sessions. The hearing is open to public and will allow time for citizens to give a public comment.

If you are interested in testifying at the Dallas hearing please pre-register by clicking here.

To make a public comment by November 19th, click here.

To learn more about the EPA's proposed rule and coal ash, visit the Coal Action Center here.

For more helpful resources on the issue, click here.