Cleanup of ‘Legacy’ Coal Ash Subject of New EPA Regulations (1)

The EPA plans to write new regulations for toxic coal ash impoundments and deny some requests to extend deadlines to close some existing coal ash storage sites, the agency announced Tuesday.

Coal ash is a byproduct of burning coal in coal-fired power plants and often contains mercury, cadmium, arsenic and other contaminants that contribute to air and water pollution. Impoundments are ponds used to dispose of coal combustion products.

“For too long, communities already disproportionately impacted by high levels of pollution have been burdened by improper coal ash disposal. Today’s actions will help us protect communities and hold facilities accountable,” ...