FL, GA, and AL Failing to Properly Regulate Coal Ash

This post is part two of a two-part series exploring the state of coal ash regulation and clean up in the Southeast. Part one focused on North and South Carolina and Tennessee. Part two focuses on Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

Environmental regulators in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama have so far failed to strengthen state policies to at least match EPA’s federal minimum standards for coal ash handling and storage. They have also allowed coal plant water pollution permits to expire and have neglected to integrate new, more protective standards for coal ash pollution into these permits, even though they would provide greater protection for waterways and public health.

South Carolina remains the only state in the southeast where utilities are excavatingstorage into state policy, so Alabamians have plenty of cause for concern.

TVA, whose territory stretches into northern Alabama, is planning to place a liner over most of its coal ash pits, including at its two retired plants in Alabama, and leave coal ash in place, presumably forever. ADEM should take action immediately to require proper storage and disposal of coal ash to protect Alabamians’ health and the health of the environment.

Problems with Water Pollution Permits in All Three States

Source: Waterkeeper Alliance

Under the Clean Water Act of 1972, states are generally delegated the role of administering the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), a permit program which limits water pollution from industrial activities. The new Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs) provide strict new standards that will greatly limit dangerous liquid