EPA has proposed further revisions to the coal ash disposal rule that could endanger public health. Coal ash, the residue left after burning coal, can contain mercury, arsenic and other toxins. Coal ash is disposed in surface impoundments where it mixes with water, also known as "coal ash ponds," which can leak without proper lining. On February 19, 2020 EPA proposed revising current rules to allow coal ash pond operators to use alternate liners, and to allow coal ash to be used in closing some landfills. This proposal follows other steps EPA has taken to relax requirements on coal ash disposal, including a proposal that would allow some unlined coal ash ponds to remain open until 2028.
Comments are due on April 17, 2020.