Safe Coal Ash Disposal: New Environmental Protection Rules
This act introduces stricter rules for coal ash disposal to better protect human health and the environment. Citizens will have more say in decisions about disposal sites, and companies will be required to secure funds for cleanup and damage repair. The goal is to reduce the risk of water and air pollution near disposal sites.
Key points
Increased Public Participation: Residents will have more opportunities to comment on coal ash disposal permits, including through public hearings.
Financial Protection: Companies must provide financial assurances for closure, post-closure care, and corrective actions, as well as for third-party damages.
Ban on Unsafe Impoundments: The act prohibits the continued operation of unlined impoundments that can contaminate water.
Air Pollution Control: Limits on dust emissions from disposal sites will be introduced, and companies must monitor air quality and publicly report results.
Drinking Water Protection: Groundwater monitoring will be required, and safe drinking water must be supplied if wells are adversely impacted by coal ash.
Mandatory Remediation: Companies will be required to remediate any environmental damage caused by disposal sites, including restoring affected areas to original conditions.
Expired
Citizen Poll