By Category:
Coal Ash
State of Coal Ash Regulation in NC (Sept 9, 2010)
Download (136 kb)The EPA recently identified 49 coal ash ponds that have a high hazard potential rating, 12 of which are in North Carolina. In addition, Duke and Progress Energy recently tested groundwater surrounding coal ash ponds for contamination. Of the 13 ponds tested, all 13 were found to violate NC groundwater standards. This report examines the need for federal regulation of coal ash and makes recommendations concerning two proposed regulations being considered by the EPA.
In Harm’s Way: Lack of Federal Coal Ash Regulations Endangers Americans and Their Environment (August 26, 2010)
An investigation building on the February 2010 report (below) identified 39 more coal combustion waste disposal sites in 21 states where the groundwater or surface water has been contaminated with toxic metals and other pollutants. Added to the 67 cases acknowledged by the EPA, that brings the total to at least 137 sites polluted by coal ash or scrubber sludge.
Out of Control: Mounting Damages from Coal Ash Waste Sites (February 24, 2010)
This report explores 31 coal combustion waste sites that are known to have contaminated groundwater, wetlands, creeks, or rivers in 14 different states. At almost half of the sites, contamination extends off the power plant property at levels that exceed drinking water or surface water quality standards. In addition, 22 of the 31 sites are located in communities with high poverty rates. According to the EPA, residents near coal ash dump sites have a higher risk for cancer as well as damage to the liver, kidney, lungs, and other organs.
NC Coal Ash Pond Groundwater Contamination Analysis (October, 2009)
An analysis of ground water samples surrounding 13 coal ash ponds operated by Duke and Progress Energy revealed that all 13 ponds are leaking toxic heavy metals and other pollutants into the surrounding aquifer. Exceedances were found for arsenic, boron, cadmium, chloride, chromium, iron, lead, manganese, pH, sulfate, and total dissolved solids.
Preliminary Summary Report from Water, Sediment and Fish samples collected at the TVA Ash Spill (May 15, 2009)
On December 22, 2008 a coal ash retention pond at the TVA Kingston Fossil Plant broke, releasing over one billion gallons of toxic coal ash. Preliminary analysis of samples collected near the spill site revealed elevated levels of toxic elements in the water, sediment, and fish tissues from the Emory River.
The Virginia Campaign
The Financial Risks to Old Dominion Electric Cooperative’s Consumer-Members of Building and Operating the Proposed Cypress Creek Power Station (April 22, 2009)
This assessment finds a number of significant risks to ODEC’s consumer-members associated with the proposed construction of the Cypress Creek facility. Risks range from financial uncertainty to greenhouse gas emissions to the capture and disposal of combustion waste.
Assessing the Economic Impact of Dominion Virginia Power’s Coal-Fired Power Plant in Wise County, Virginia, Compared to Investments in Energy Efficiency (March 2009)
Analysis of an energy efficiency alternative finds that energy efficiency would be less costly than the 585 MW coal-fired power plant in Wise County, Virginia. It would be less expensive for ratepayers and substantially more beneficial to the Virginia economy in terms of Gross State Product (GSP) and job effects. The beneficial effects of energy efficiency are even more pronounced when a likely federal carbon emissions regulatory program is taken into account.
Economic Impact Analysis: Old Dominion Electric Co-op (ODEC) Power Plant: Town of Dendron, VA and Surry County, VA (Sept, 2007)
This report is a review of the estimated economic impact of the proposed 1500 megawatt (MW) coal fired plant in Surry County, Virginia. The study considers local economic resources, labor force, commuting patterns, and regional industry and finds that money and jobs are expected to flow away from such a large infrastructure project rather than into the community.
Water
Analysis of Negligent Water Quality Reporting by Certain Kentucky Coal Companies and the State’s Response
An analysis of negligent water quality reporting by certain Kentucky coal mine operators and the state of Kentucky’s regulatory response to the investigation.
Technical Comments by Appalachian Voices and the WaterKeeper Alliance submitted to the EPA concerning EPA Guidance on Appalachian Surface Mining.
Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2010-0315 Improving EPA Review of Appalachian Surface Coal Mining Operations Under the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and the Environmental Justice Executive Order.
Surface Mining
Mountaintop Removal – Reclamation FAIL
Two new studies by Appalachian Voices and NRDC reveal that 1.2 million acres, including 500 mountains, have been demolished by coal companies in Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee. Over 89% of sites are not currently being used for economic development.