Sierra Club pushes ODEQ, EPA to inspect coal ash landfill operations

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK -- Following a weekend of heavy storms and record flooding, the Oklahoma chapter of the Sierra Club has formally requested that both the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conduct a field investigation as soon as possible to determine whether unpermitted discharges of coal ash are occurring. Coal ash landfill operations at the Evans and Associates facility located at Big Fork Ranch, in Noble County, are particularly at risk given the high levels of water on the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River.

In response, Johnson Bridgwater, director of the Oklahoma chapter of the Sierra Club, released the following statement:

“ODEQ already knows that coal ash contaminants are entering local groundwater around Big Fork Ranch, and this weekend’s rain only makes the problem worse. Coal ash contaminants include arsenic, lead, and a laundry list of other dangerous chemicals. Once those compounds are in the water of the river, they can impact fish and other aquatic life, birds and mammals that eat the fish, and most importantly, expose humans to potential harmful levels of toxic materials.

“By visiting and inspecting these coal ash sites, ODEQ can make sure they are in line with existing regulations, and that the physical integrity of the coal ash landfilling operations hasn’t been compromised. This must include inspecting both current disposal locations and previously closed locations, as older sites are still at risk for flooding and contaminating groundwater. Due to the potential risk to public safety, I hope ODEQ will conduct these visits as soon as possible.”