Carolyn Morrisroe, carolyn.morrisroe@sierraclub.org
MONTGOMERY, AL – In a major step forward in protecting Alabama communities from the harmful health effects of coal ash, yesterday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed to deny the state’s permit program for managing coal combustion residuals (CCR). CCR, or coal ash, is the toxic waste left over from coal-burning power plants, filled with deadly toxic chemicals that can seep into groundwater.
The federal CCR rule regulates how utilities dispose of coal ash, but the Alabama Department of Environmental Management’s (ADEM) program would allow utilities like Alabama Power to keep toxic coal ash in unlined pits, which will contaminate groundwater and jeopardize public health and the environment for years to come.
EPA stated in a release, “The Alabama permit program is significantly less protective of people and waterways than the federal regulations require.”
In response, Charline Whyte, Sierra Club Senior Campaign Organizer, released the following statement:
“Thank you to the EPA for hearing and protecting communities located near dangerous coal ash pits such as Africatown, a community founded by a group of West Africans who were brought on the last slave ship to the United States. We celebrate that these communities might now see a safer and healthier future. This crucial victory would not have been achieved without the dedicated support of Sierra Club members and partners like the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC).
“This is not the end of the fight — the proposed denial must become final. Moving forward, we will work to ensure that coal ash ponds, such as those at Plants Barry and Miller, are closed in a manner that minimizes risks to the environment and public health. Let this be a signal to Alabama Power and Southern Company to do what is best for the environment and the wellbeing of ratepayers, by excavating all coal ash from unlined ponds.”
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The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.