Environmental groups are pressing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce federal regulations on Georgia Power’s coal ash cleanup practices. The Southern Environmental Law Center, along with other organizations, has filed a petition urging the EPA to revoke Georgia’s state-run coal ash program, citing concerns over groundwater contamination. The petition highlights the ongoing struggle to ensure that coal ash disposal does not harm public health or the environment.
The Petition and Its Implications
The petition filed by environmental groups calls for the EPA to take over the regulation of coal ash disposal in Georgia. They argue that the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has failed to enforce federal standards, allowing Georgia Power to store coal ash in unlined pits that contaminate groundwater. This practice poses significant risks to drinking water and nearby water bodies.
The petitioners include the Southern Environmental Law Center, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, and several regional environmental groups. They emphasize that Georgia Power’s current disposal methods violate the federal Coal Ash Rule of 2015, which mandates the closure or retrofitting of unlined ash ponds. The groups are particularly concerned about the 33 million tons of coal ash planned to be stored in unlined pits across the state.
The EPA’s decision on this petition could have far-reaching implications for coal ash regulation in Georgia and potentially other states. If the EPA revokes Georgia’s authority, it would set a precedent for stricter enforcement of federal environmental standards.
Georgia Power’s Response and Actions
Georgia Power has defended its coal ash cleanup plans, stating that they comply with state and federal regulations. The company has retired most of its coal-fired power plants and is in the process of closing ash ponds at several sites. However, environmentalists argue that these closures are insufficient and do not address the underlying issue of groundwater contamination.
The company plans to leave coal ash in unlined pits at several locations, including Plant Scherer in Juliette, Plant Yates near Newnan, and Plant McDonough near Atlanta. These sites have been identified as having significant groundwater contamination, raising concerns about the long-term impact on local communities and ecosystems.
Georgia Power’s actions have been met with criticism from environmental groups, who argue that the company is prioritizing cost savings over environmental protection. They call for more stringent measures to ensure that coal ash is stored in a way that does not pose a risk to public health.
Broader Environmental and Legal Context
The issue of coal ash disposal is part of a broader debate over environmental regulation and corporate responsibility. Coal ash, a byproduct of burning coal for electricity, contains harmful heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and mercury. Improper disposal can lead to contamination of air, soil, and water, posing serious health risks.
The federal Coal Ash Rule was established to prevent such contamination, but enforcement has been inconsistent across states. Georgia, Texas, and Oklahoma were granted permission to run their own coal ash programs, but Georgia is now the only state where federal standards are not being fully enforced. This has led to calls for the EPA to step in and ensure compliance.
The legal battle over coal ash disposal in Georgia is likely to continue, with environmental groups pushing for stricter enforcement and Georgia Power defending its practices. The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for environmental policy and public health in the state and beyond.
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